How much am I missing with SL1200 mk2?

Thanks guys,

All great advice! Can't thank you all enough.

For the most part, I enjoy the SL1200. It sounds dynamic and exciting to me, and soundstage seems solid and the speakers disappear. I'm sure the saying applies, "you don't know what you don't know"

I think the route I'm most comfortable with is:

Vibration Control (Isopod/mat/maple plank)
Cartridge
Headshell
Look into, continue reading up on KAB mods.

It won't break the bank, and I have faith it will improve the sound. Afterwards, I think I'll demo a table or two and compare.

My investment in vibration control, headshell, cartridges, etc will hopefully move forward with me if I upgrade tables.

Again, thanks for your advice- I'll use it all in one fashion or another I'm sure.

Kindest regards,

Gary

Tweaking what you have is always a great adventure and personalizes your audio experience. Enjoy, but don't rule out the Well Tempered recommendation if down the road you are still not satisfied. The older models are still more than competitive with today's offerings and a steal at their used prices.

I've owned an SL1210M5G from KAB for a going on10 years now. I've done a number of the same tweaks that Johnny b53 recommends (have not wrapped the tonearm, however). Independent of his suggestions, I ordered my TT from KAB with the fluid damper installed. BUT I didn't actually start using it until a couple of years later. Consequently, I have a good sense of what that will do for the sound. I was already using a heavy hardwood plinth and had replaced stock footers + using other vibration control devices. For me, the fluid damper made a significant improvement to the sound. I'd caution you not to overfill. I only use enough fluid to where the paddle from the tone arm is immersed in it by just a couple of millimeters when the needle is on the record. I also found the Way Excellent TT Mat from Herbies to bring a nice improvement in clarity (am actually using it in conjunction with the heavier Technics rubber mat). It's your money and I'm not trying to say there aren't better TTs out there (especially for more $) but I think you have a good foundation with the SL and tend to agree with those who suggest spending elsewhere. Don't know anything about the Anthem phono pre but maybe that's something to consider...separate, outboard phono pre-amp. Am using a Heed Quasar, myself. Had a Lehmann Black Cube before that. You might benefit by dropping Kevin of KAB an email. He's very practical and down to earth. Good guy to deal with. I like his mod'd. integrated carts. I have a couple of Stanton's from him with vintage Pickering ellipticals. They do take all the hassle out of install and alignment. Might do one of his Ortofons in the future. Right now running a Grado Prestige Black w/8MZ stylus that he installed for me. Enjoying it. Good luck.

At the same price, you are missing nothing, you are ahead of the game. And with the names you mention, the same, you are doing fine. You have to spend a lot more ($5k+) to get a lot better, and it will take different brands than you mention.

Johnnyb53, I guess I was surprised about the fact that I wasn't engaged by the music of a Technics SP10 mk11 at a recent audio show. I definitely think a stock Technics SL1200 needs something-even if it's only careful placement. I just wanted to point out what Uncledemp might be missing(what he might look out for), as that was the question he asked, and what I thought was missing from the SP10 mk11. I was unfamiliar with the music, and I have heard, and danced to a Technics 1200 at a dance club. I also think a stock 1200 might need some looking out for, based on needle-drops and hearing one at an audiophile's home.