Just how good is the Technics SL-1200?

Elizabeth: Nine responses, not one from a "fan boy" stating the Technics SL-1200 is the second coming. I find your patronizing attitude rather arrogant.

I own a KAB modified one. I am a record collector and for my needs it is an excellent table. I can switch cartridges and change setting in seconds. Plays all speeds from 33 to 78 dead on. I looked at a number of other turntables before I bought this one. I thought it sounded as good as the Projects, Rega and a few others in its price range. Matter of taste but I thought it sounded way better than a VPI Scoutmaster. You can do better (SL-10 Mk3?) but for much more money.

Oh Andy you had to break the silence and be that one fanboy.

I agree with Andy! It truly does compete with other turntables in its price range, and even beyond that. It's hard to beat the build quality as well. What's not to like?

At risk of jumping on top of the dog pile, I have owned a couple of SL-1200s (a MkIII and MkV) over the years, and they were OK. I will agree with Elizabeth; IMO it is a somewhat better than average cheap Japanese DD deck with a mediocre tonearm. While I have not owned a KAB modified version, I have used one and didn't find it to be all that much better.

Personally, for the ridiculous prices that are being asked for a clean, non-DJ'd SL-1200 I would hunt for a Luxman PD-121 or 131, a Systemdek IIx, a Rega P3 or a maybe even a Sansui SR-939. If I was feeling lucky I might look for a clean Oracle Alexandria. Just my opinion...

I am not sure that I qualify to be what Elizabeth calls a fanboy but I do use a Technics SL1200MK5 that I bought new on eBay last December, 2011. It is mated with a KAB/Ortofon Pro S cartridge and STY40 stylus. No headshell.

It took only twenty minutes to set up the table and cartridge and I was spinning my old vinyl from the 70's.

My albums sound great with black background, punchy bass, clear treble, and good sound stage. It is a big improvement from my old Luxman PD272 with a Shure V15type4 cartridge.

Well recorded albums sound alive.

The Technics is well built and its direct drive speed control is critical to good listening IMHO. I spent a lot of time researching this purchase and felt that belt drive is inferior unless you have a lot of extra cash sitting around.

So for about $1,000 I am in heaven with a table that will only get better with low cost modifications.