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Technics SL1200MK2 Cartridge Discussion

Hi,

I'd like to have a thread on cartridges that work with the Technics SL1200MK series tables.

I want to buy a Technics SL1210MK2 (the new black version from Musicians Friend) and need a cartridge recommendation. I am using a Musical Fidelity A308CR preamp that has MM/MC capability. My amps are Bryston 7B ST's and I have a pair of B&W Signature 800's on the way to replace my N801's. The MF Preamp is rolled off on top and the system is very listenable for long lengths of time. I'd describe it as detailed, but not too bright.

I really want to try the Technics table as it is relaible and inexpensive ($400 shipped or less for a used table if I go the ebay route). Please do not try to talk me into a different table. I had a VPI Scout and Dynavector 20x (High output) that I sold because I just wasn't using it. I'd like to keep this cheap so that I have decent TT available when and if I want to use it.

What can you recommed for a cart? I'd like to keep $160 to $200 as a max and stay lower if possible. Here is what I am considering:

Denon 103 (not the R)
Denon 110
Denon 160

Audio Technica 440 MLa

Shure M97xe

I do not know what carts work well with the Technics tonearm. I know that it is light and some threads recommend a Sumiko headshell for the Denons. What do I need to know here before buying a table and cart.

Thanks.
tigerwoodkhorns
solman989
42 posts
 
Strange, I use mine with regular 8.5 x 11 printer paper printed at 100% and it fits fine. The scale on the printed protractor measures precisely with a ruler. The toughest part of using this protractor is accurately cutting the spindle hole. I have been using the method proposed on the vacuumstate protractor with great results.

Basically, draw a 90 degree triangle around the center dot so that each side is tangent with the dot. Then use a utility knife to cut the two sides that meet the 90 degree angle, and fold the paper back at the hypotenuse. Now the hold is actually a triangle, but fits perfectly and snugly where it should be.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
03-14-08: Solman989
Strange, I use mine with regular 8.5 x 11 printer paper printed at 100% and it fits fine. The scale on the printed protractor measures precisely with a ruler.

I printed mine at 100%, and the AA scale is 125mm (it's supposed to be 140mm).
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Success! My page set-up was at 70% for some odd reason.
alex333
38 posts
 
Hello all,
I have an SL1200 MK5 w a Sumiko headshell, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, riding on vibrapods / MDF sandwich, running off a Bellari vp129 pre.

Love the sound, no problems at all.

Has anyone compared the Ortofon 2M vs the Denon DL-110?

Also, I am thinking a tonearm and RCA interconnects re-wire would be next, using Cardas end-to-end, with the KAB turret terminal board in the middle. Has anyone done this themselves?

Regards,
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 

03-18-08: Alex333
Hello all,
I have an SL1200 MK5 w a Sumiko headshell, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge ... running off a Bellari vp129 pre.

Has anyone compared the Ortofon 2M vs the Denon DL-110?
Probably not, but the output of the two cartridges is significantly different. The 2M Red measures about 7mV in the test I read, which is a great match to the low (30dB) gain of the Bellari, whereas the DL-110 puts out somewhere between its rated 1.6mV and 2.2mV, and someone here said that's not enough gain for the Denon HOMCs.

High output moving coil carts can be used with some MM preamps, but their avg. output is generally lower than MM pickups. In my rig, the Amber Model 17 preamp is a great match for the DL-160, but that's not always the case.
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