03-07-08: DrubinI will be shocked if any seasoned Linn/Spacedeck/Scoutmaster/Gyrodec owners answer yes.
I'm sure this has been discussed, but let me raise it again. Is the SL1200 KAB genuine competition for belt-drive tables of the Linn/Spacedeck/Scoutmaster/Gyrodec/etc caliber?
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.
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.
Showing 15 responses by tvad
Johnnyb53, I have never read any post on Audiogon where a Linn/Spacedeck/Scoutmaster/Gyrodec...or MMF9 owner switched to a KAB Technics, and I doubt we'll see more than one or two, if that. I'd be interesting to know if the author of the KAB/MMF9 article still owns and uses the KAB Technics, or if he has changed tables. You're preaching to the choir since I'm a KAB owner, however my only other experience with turntables is a Thorens TD160 MK II and a MMF-7. |
Cmk, that question has been asked here, on AudioCircle, and on Audioasylum. To my knowledge, no user has ever directly compared the two. I mentioned the Rega mod to Kevin at KAB, and he explained why he would not recommend replacing the Technics tonearm. Of course, he's in the business of optimizing Technics tonearms, so it's in his interest to convince users of his method. Nevertheless, I believe he endorses what he thinks are truly the best options for the Technics. On the other hand, people who have done the Rega mod (but have only compared to a stock Technics table) love the results. Personally, I would only do the Rega mod to a used Technics table and with a used Rega arm. I'd hate to spend the money buying new, and then tear apart the table only to discover the results were not up to my expectations. Doing the mod with used gear lessens the risk, IMO. |
Once you install that OL armboard, however, it makes many arms available, some of which should be clearly superior to the stock arm. I've thought of doing this and mounting a Hadcock 228 Export, but the mounting distance is not precisely the same as the Technics arm (nor is the Rega RB250 or RB300, BTW). I certainly wouldn't disassemble the KAB Technics table to do this. I'd do it on a used table. |
If you scroll to the bottom of this Vinyl Engine Protractor page you will find a protractor specifically for the Technics table. I have downloaded it, but it needs to be magnified to fit the scale printed on the protractor, and it does not fit on 8.5"x11" paper (obviously...as no protractor does). So, I suppose it's a cut and paste deal, unless you can take it to Kinkos and have them print it out on large, heavier card stock. A poster above uses this protractor. Maybe he'll offer more guidance. You are correct that the Technics overhang tool and another protractor will produce physically different mountings. I have no explanation for why this is so, except that the mounting distance on the protractors is probably longer because most arms have a longer mounting distance than the Technics' 215mm (Regas are 223mm). This is a wild guess on my part. I presently use a Benz Micro Ace, which was aligned with the two point protractor provided with the HiFi News Test LP. |
Cartridge Database has all the answers. |
I wouldn't spend too much. I suspect you will be quickly advancing to a significantly more expensive turntable/tonearm/cartridge if the rest of your system is any indication. With that in mind, I have found the Benz Micro Ace moving coil cartridge to mate well with the SL12xx. Otherwise, I'd look into an Audio Technica AT150Mlx if you'd rather have a moving magnet cartridge. |
The absolute easiest cartridge to install on a SL12xx table is one of the audiophile carts offered by KAB. You just plug it in and tighten it down just like the Technics headshell. KAB has one from Ortofon and one from Stanton. |