Here is a link with measurements for a 1200 specifically addressing the jitter issue. There are others online as well: http://archimago.blogspot.com/2014/08/measurements-technics-sl-1200-m3d-wow.html |
You can find SL1200/1210mk2, mk3D, mk4 (with 78rpm), mk5 ... and SL1200 gold ltd ... They are all have the same sound with minor changes in functionality of the pitch contol, a little bit better wires etc, but it’s all based on mk2. Price for them in Japan today is about $150-350 (used) depends on condition, except the collectible gold ltd models and rare mk4 (which plays 78rpm as well). For this price you can’t buy a better DD turntable. In the rest of the world the price is about $400-500 (used) and still nice for those who needs a complete turntable. They made 3 000 000 units of the SL1200mkII. I wouldn’t buy them for $500, for about $1200 everyone can buy much better sp10mk2 or sp20 for about $700. But the SL1200GR, G, GAE (coreless motor) is completely different beast, the lowest price for a brand new GR is about $1700? But the G is better for double price. You can read Steve Guttenberg’s review: https://www.cnet.com/news/the-new-technics-sl-1200gr-turntable-for-djs-or-audiophiles-or-both/ |
I always get a giggle at how sl1200 mk11 owners over sell the virtues of these tables. Sloppy arms , and too much rubber in the base sucking the life out of the analog sound and the noise from a lesser bearing mounted on a motor with all the electronic noise and power supply right there singing along with the over correcting circuitry . But.................... For the price back in the late 70's and early eighties they actually were not a bad table comparably speaking when reality isn't strained and embellished to be more than what they were/are. Popular with DJ's for durability and price has made people incorrectly state they were made and designed as such, but they were not. They actually were marketed as a "hi fi consumer table", who's durability , low cost and ease of use made them very popular for DJ's and an easy sell for the average consumer. I have seen and heard the new SL 1200GAE , and other than being made to look like a MK11, it ends with the looks. Substantially better table in *all regards*. Just like Jeff's Audiomod arm is , and other than using a Rega arm tube, nothing about it says Rega when it plays music. I still consider his arms one of the few real/true bargains when it comes to price vs value/performance in audio. |
