welcomdmat
Super Member
And I do not mean the amplifier specifically -- my turntable is plugged into my preamplifier.
The Official *Technics SL-1200* Owners Club
- Thread starter quietcity
- Start date
And I do not mean the amplifier specifically -- my turntable is plugged into my preamplifier.
e1miran
New Member
I’m running a Grado Red1 on a 1210M5G. Currently it’s played through the phono input of a lovely little Pioneer SA-500a amplifier. I’d like to purchase both a Schiit Mani and a KAB fluid damper.
Which of these two do you guys recommend I get first? Which will make the most immediate difference? I’m looking to hopefully get increased clarity and widened soundstage out of my cart. I’ve seen the positive comments regarding the effect of the damper on the Grado. Anybody running both of these options with a Grado?
Which of these two do you guys recommend I get first? Which will make the most immediate difference? I’m looking to hopefully get increased clarity and widened soundstage out of my cart. I’ve seen the positive comments regarding the effect of the damper on the Grado. Anybody running both of these options with a Grado?
mprince
Super Member
Glenn, I used a Paradox Pulse Guard DL-103 (essentially the same as yours) on my SL-1200 mk2 and loved it. I already had the fluid damper when I got to that point, so I don't have a before/after comparison. I like the cartridge so much it was the only one I held on to when I got my SOTA and sold all of my other cartridges as well as the SL-1200.
mprince
Super Member
Get the TD-1200 first, it truly will transform how your Grado performs.
Thanks for the info.
The cart sounds great with the M5G. The damper would be the next phase for improvement, after that, I don't know, and may be done for a while with this aspect of my system.
eldarvanyar
Member
Hi coming late to this, what size and pecs were the tubes you used , as I would like to give this a go? ThanksModding the "Techie" tonearm
This idea came from a chap in the UK on the AOS forum. I wanted a better tonearm for my '1200 but good ones don't come cheap, then I saw this. It was among a few mods the guy did on a SL-1200 for his girlfriend. I priced the parts needed and it's a lot cheaper than buying a new arm. The weak links on a SL-1200 tonearm are the tube and the wiring. This fixes those weak links. The bearing/gimbal mount is already very good so this takes it up to another level.
Carbon fiber tubing
Aluminum tubing
Angled headshell
Tonearm wire
Tdogzthmn
Active Member
Threw on the AT-150mlx this morning and tested it on my Shure Test Record. The 150mlx does a superb job tracking the high dynamic range tracks with the least distortion of any other cart I own. Although I tend to prefer the organic sound of the DL-103 the AT-150mlx is more detailed and seems to have tighter bass.
RickeyM
Addicted Member
Hi eldarvanyar. The length of the carbon fiber tube is 6 7/8" long. I think that works out to 174.625mm. The length of the aluminum inner tube is a bit shorter since the "nub" (?) of the headshell fits into the carbon fiber tube. The specs of the carbon fiber tube are 10mm OD, 8mm ID. The aluminum inner tube is 8mm-OD, mm-ID. Measure the end of the stock tube that goes into the bearing housing and sand just that much of the new tube to get it to fit. Make sure you don't taper the tube as you sand it. Done right this is all press in fit. No glue needed.
Oh yeah, I had to add a 2g headshell weight because the new tonearm is actually lighter. This may vary depending on the cartridge you use.
eldarvanyar
Member
Hi Rickey,
Thanks for this I have ordered a carbon fibre tube 10mm OD, 8mm ID. I just need to order the aluminium tube.
Drewan77
Member
Just joined the forum - new here but not to the hobby.
I've had numerous belt-driven TTs since the '70s (Pioneer, Linn, Clearaudio, Michell & several Regas) but this is my 1st & only DD, purchased January.... a new SL1200G.
Age 60 & retired I've:
1. time on my hands
2. sold a lot of old hifi gear
3. got a big discount from the dealer
(+ v slight warbling on sustained notes on my 'best' belt table)
What are my impressions? - Significantly tighter bass notes than any other turntable I've listened to, in fact quite astonishing bass with the best image clarity & soundstage I've experienced on any turntable. My belt tables sound less defined, almost 'wooly' by comparison, esp leading & trailing edges of notes (small degrees) - I guess rock steady pitch is contributing. Image clarity from this thing is also outstanding, a friend summed it up by saying he could close his eyes and reach out & touch every instrument, it's that good (no female performer allowed in that soundstage).
Supposedly the GAE/G magnesium tonearm is likely to be the weak link but I haven't found anything to fault yet after playing hundreds of hours of music & 6 different cartridges. I also deliberately spun several badly warped LPs yesterday (via an old VMS20E II & also a Roksan Corus Black) & it seems to damp them really well - certainly no need for a KAB that I can hear.
Next week I'm off to Idaho to stay with my Daughter & while there I'm planning to get a Grado Prestige 2 cart (a forum member has kindly offered to let me check it out on his Technics). Even though I'm a Brit, we spend many months a year in the USA & one of my direct ancestors was one of the 50 signatories of the Dec of Independence so on that basis I hope I'm allowed to join this 'club'
- though I will probably be very dull & never add or change anything, apart from my fav mat.
Why did I wait so long for DD?
I've had numerous belt-driven TTs since the '70s (Pioneer, Linn, Clearaudio, Michell & several Regas) but this is my 1st & only DD, purchased January.... a new SL1200G.
Age 60 & retired I've:
1. time on my hands
2. sold a lot of old hifi gear
3. got a big discount from the dealer
(+ v slight warbling on sustained notes on my 'best' belt table)
What are my impressions? - Significantly tighter bass notes than any other turntable I've listened to, in fact quite astonishing bass with the best image clarity & soundstage I've experienced on any turntable. My belt tables sound less defined, almost 'wooly' by comparison, esp leading & trailing edges of notes (small degrees) - I guess rock steady pitch is contributing. Image clarity from this thing is also outstanding, a friend summed it up by saying he could close his eyes and reach out & touch every instrument, it's that good (no female performer allowed in that soundstage).
Supposedly the GAE/G magnesium tonearm is likely to be the weak link but I haven't found anything to fault yet after playing hundreds of hours of music & 6 different cartridges. I also deliberately spun several badly warped LPs yesterday (via an old VMS20E II & also a Roksan Corus Black) & it seems to damp them really well - certainly no need for a KAB that I can hear.
Next week I'm off to Idaho to stay with my Daughter & while there I'm planning to get a Grado Prestige 2 cart (a forum member has kindly offered to let me check it out on his Technics). Even though I'm a Brit, we spend many months a year in the USA & one of my direct ancestors was one of the 50 signatories of the Dec of Independence so on that basis I hope I'm allowed to join this 'club'
- though I will probably be very dull & never add or change anything, apart from my fav mat.Why did I wait so long for DD?
Last edited:
Just joined the forum - new here but not to the hobby.
I've had numerous belt-driven TTs since the '70s (Pioneer, Linn, Clearaudio, Michell & several Regas) but this is my 1st & only DD, purchased January.... a new SL1200G.
Age 60 & retired I've:
1. time on my hands
2. sold a lot of old hifi gear
3. got a big discount from the dealer
(+ v slight warbling on sustained notes on my 'best' belt table)
What are my impressions? - Significantly tighter bass notes than any other turntable I've listened to, in fact quite astonishing bass with the best image clarity & soundstage I've experienced on any turntable. My belt tables sound less defined, almost 'wooly' by comparison, esp leading & trailing edges of notes (small degrees) - I guess rock steady pitch is contributing. Image clarity from this thing is also outstanding, a friend summed it up by saying he could close his eyes and reach out & touch every instrument, it's that good (no female performer allowed in that soundstage).
Supposedly the GAE/G magnesium tonearm is likely to be the weak link but I haven't found anything to fault yet after playing hundreds of hours of music & 6 different cartridges. I also deliberately spun several badly warped LPs yesterday (via an old VMS20E II & also a Roksan Corus Black) & it seems to damp them really well - certainly no need for a KAB that I can hear.
Next week I'm off to Idaho to stay with my Daughter & while there I'm planning to get a Grado Prestige 2 cart (a forum member has kindly offered to let me check it out on his Technics). Even though I'm a Brit, we spend many months a year in the USA & one of my direct ancestors was one of the 50 signatories of the Dec of Independence so on that basis I hope I'm allowed to join this 'club'
Why did I wait so long for DD?
Same here the G is awesome. You describe the sound very well
Attachments
octavius
Member
Very nice setup indeed!! How are satisfied with this clamp? What improved with and without? THX
welcomdmat
Super Member
Thanks! I apologize for it being turned.
I like the clamp, though I find it to be a bit more of an assistance to an album that is slightly warped than a big increase in sound.
For best benefit, I found tonearm/ rca rewire and increasing the weight of the platter to help me the most.
welcomdmat
Super Member
I order one two days ago. I´m waiting for delivery
It is one of the best designs I have seen. It has worked flawlessly for me with heavy use. It gives nearly all the benefits of a threaded spindle without having to take you turntable apart. I have yet to be disappointed by any of Kevin's stuff.
I have one of the Technics mats, and I have played around with it both way. I currently have the flat side up. I am sure that it plays well with many other mats as well.
