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Technics 1200MKII or1210M5G? M5G worth it?

I have a modest system but loads of records I'd like to be able to listen to again.

My current system consists of Magnepan MG1.6's with mods. A QSC 4040 amp, a Kenwood preamp with high gain phono, loading, etc built in, and a Marantz SACD player.

My question is this, would the extra $100.00 the M5G be worth it in my situation? I will likely start out using a Goldring Excel VX cartridge I have left over from my glory days in audio that is low hours and sounded sweet in my SOTA Sapphire several years ago.

BTW, I'm leaning toward spending the extra $100.00 at this moment thinking it might be better then regretting it later.

Thanks for your advice
ktownjohn
zenblaster
504 posts
 
All of the Technics tables from KAB have the hinged dustcover.

TVAD you are correct, the only real upgrade is factory upgraded tonearm wire that is comparable to the Cardas wire. The MG5 also has a blue cuing light, instead of the white, variable pitch control (for dj's) and a spare headshell holder. Most of us will have no interest in any of it.

Boy, I love the table though.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
My MK II has variable pitch control, FWIW.
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
09-22-08: Zenblaster
TVAD you are correct, the only real upgrade is factory upgraded tonearm wire that is comparable to the Cardas wire. The MG5 also has a blue cuing light, instead of the white, variable pitch control (for dj's) and a spare headshell holder. Most of us will have no interest in any of it.
The cueing light isn't just blue, it's an LED. The cueing light in the MK II is incandescent. The LED on the M5G lasts a lot longer.

All SL12x0's have variable range pitch control, but the M5G has a dual range pitch control. Instead of the standard +/- 8%, the M5G can do +/-16%, which is A LOT (if you're interested in that sort of thing).

I also use the spare headshell socket and wouldn't mind if it had one or two more. I have a Technics shell, a Sumiko, and an LP Gear Zupreme. I have an AT150MLX mounted in the Zupreme on the tonearm and a DL-160 on the Sumiko in the storage socket.

And let's not forget the badass looking metallic black/anthracite plinth!

Boy, I love the table though.
No argument there! I've had mine over 1-1/2 years and in that time I've upgraded everything in the signal chain BUT the table. I love its pace and honest presentation.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Looking at the MG5's added features and how they apply to audiophile use:

1) Pitch Control - does not apply (on either table)

2) LED Cue Light - does not apply (does any audiophile use the cue light?)

3) Upgraded wiring - applies only if a future KAB wiring mod is not being
considered

4) Spare Headshell Socket - you got me there

5) Metallic Black Plinth - well...

IMO, the only feature that would favor the MG5 is the upgraded wire, and
only if a KAB Cardas rewire was definitely never going to be considered.

If it were me, I'd pay less for a matte black MK II and apply the remaining
funds toward KAB upgrades, or a better cartridge, or good isolation
ktownjohn OP
5 posts
 
I have found the posts in this thread to be very interesting. Thanks. For me, the decision was simple. The additional cost of the M5G is less than the MKII plus arm rewire. The general concensus is that the M5G wire is "almost" as good as the Cardas and for me, that will be good enough. I understand those wanting to get the last bit of performance not being satisfied with the M5G wiring and opting for the Cardas.

One thing that seems to remain constant is that a lot of folks really seem to enjoy ther 12x0 tables. That is a good sign.
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