Hi Delamostrel,
I really can't account for the difference between the tables. I suspect you'll have to do some mods to get great performance from a LOMC like the 304. I used it on an Alphason 100S and a Kenwood 770d. Getting it dialed in was tricky and the loading is unusual to say the least. I think you might have to use some resistors closer to 50 ohms. Getting the tonal balance right is only part of the problem. Maybe the 1200 in its present form just isn't a good match for the 304. The posters above offered a glimpse of the improvements used on this table. If you search, you'll find a ton of info on this subject if you want to pursue it. KAB is a good place to start.
In the mean time I think you'll get better results with a medium compliance MM/MI cartridge. They are more forgiving of arm resonance and many other arm/table considerations. Often the MM phono stages are cleaner and better sounding in a preamp like your 304. I don't know this specifically about this model, but it might be much better. Having the coils move puts demands on the arm and supporting structure that a moving magnet does not. If you still have the DL-160, maybe that would work better I don't know. There are some nice sounding high output carts you could get also.
I know of someone who uses a DL-S1 on a 1200. I don't know what mods he's done to the table. Apparently he's getting great results loading at 30 ohms. I think he has a high end preamp, I'm not sure. I don't have an immediate solution for you. I hope this sheds some light.
Regards,
I really can't account for the difference between the tables. I suspect you'll have to do some mods to get great performance from a LOMC like the 304. I used it on an Alphason 100S and a Kenwood 770d. Getting it dialed in was tricky and the loading is unusual to say the least. I think you might have to use some resistors closer to 50 ohms. Getting the tonal balance right is only part of the problem. Maybe the 1200 in its present form just isn't a good match for the 304. The posters above offered a glimpse of the improvements used on this table. If you search, you'll find a ton of info on this subject if you want to pursue it. KAB is a good place to start.
In the mean time I think you'll get better results with a medium compliance MM/MI cartridge. They are more forgiving of arm resonance and many other arm/table considerations. Often the MM phono stages are cleaner and better sounding in a preamp like your 304. I don't know this specifically about this model, but it might be much better. Having the coils move puts demands on the arm and supporting structure that a moving magnet does not. If you still have the DL-160, maybe that would work better I don't know. There are some nice sounding high output carts you could get also.
I know of someone who uses a DL-S1 on a 1200. I don't know what mods he's done to the table. Apparently he's getting great results loading at 30 ohms. I think he has a high end preamp, I'm not sure. I don't have an immediate solution for you. I hope this sheds some light.
Regards,