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opinions on what appears to be an audiophile bargin

2uberoller

2uberoller

Super Member
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I hope this thread is not moved off this forum because I would like the opinions of other mcintosh owners on this turntable . I know some will say it is a cheap DJ turntable, but when it was designed it was meant as a hi fi turntable and was only adopted by DJ's because it is built like a tank and can be used in a disco without skipping . There are many like myself, who would like to play their old stack of LP's they have sitting around, but are cautious at the idea of spending a lot of money to get back into analog.

From my research, it appears that the Technics sl1200 is a safe and fun way to reintroduce that music into their life and at a price that won't leave them feeling guilty. I was in a guitar center yesterday when I stumbled onto this technic SL1200 mk2 new for under $500, It seems to have terrific build quality and has a 5 lb plus platter, the rubber mat ads another pound. So I came home and started to look it up on the internet. Then I came across this This page offers links to reviews both profesional and user. I hope you find it useful.

1. Read a comparison with "new age" audiophile turntables. From the pages of Audiogon.com
2. First KAB/Technics '1200 review at http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/technics_sl1200_2_e.html
3. Audiogon independant review '1200. Lots of customer comments follow this one.
4. Audiogon independant review KAB TD-1200 Fluid Damper. Lots of customer comments follow this one
5. Professional '1200 review at www.TNT-Audio.com
6. Independant review Cardas Tonearm Rewire A
Independant review Cardas Tonearm Rewire B
7. Professional review of KAB/Ortofon integrated cartridge
8. KAB overview of drive system and toneamhttp:http://www.kabusa.com/sl1200mk5.htm

One website also says..."your favorite records were most likely mastered on a Technics SP-02 lathe turntable!", which is the product which led to the development of this turntable. Anyway I still have all my records from my younger years from the late 70's and 80's and am looking for something to listen to them on, but I do not want to spend a fortune as I still prefer my mvp-861. Is this turntable a audiophile bargin or should I look for something else ?:scratch2:
 
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You've done the research, and it sounds like you are inclined to get it, so get it! I listen to a lot of old and re-issue vinyl through my Mac gear, and I use a 30 year old Pioneer PL518 and a 40 year old Dual 1264 as my tables. Owners of, say, a Basis 2200 Signature table sporting a Vector 4 tonearm and a Calibrator pedestal would likely turn up their noses, but then, I've an extra $10,500 to spend on records, beer and my kids' tuitions. And BTW my vinyl sounds really great on those old, well-maintained warhorses, thank you very much.

Trust your research/instinct, spend a few extra bucks on a quality catridge, and pull the trigger on this puppy. Then drop some coin on a few of Music Matters' stellar Bule Note reissues, pour a beverage and kick back. I agree with your tag line that "knowledge is cumulative", but I think that, somtimes, "analysis is paralysis". Have fun.
 
You will enjoy using the Technics. Solid. Dependable. Not finicky. I have a SL-1200 M3D with an Audio Technica AT150MLX cartridge.
 
I'm not a Mc owner, but I will still comment on the 1200....

I was like you when I had a chance to pick up the one I have now. I was only after the albums that came with it. I was working out a deal with the girl that was selling the whole lot to allow her to keep the table to sell to someone else, and give me a cheaper deal on the albums. I figured just like you, it's a good DJ table, and I wanted something that sounded good, not just built for taking abuse....

I am SO glad I decided against it after I saw the table. It was in immaculate condition, so I figured I could flip the table for what I paid for the whole lot, and it would give me free albums...

WELL.. I brought it home, plugged it up, and INSTANTLY, I knew this table was a keeper. Built like a tank, very well made, and wonderful sounding. Rock solid speed on it too. Just feeling the table every time I use it is more than half the thrill.

Unless I can get my hands on something like a Transcriptor, or Pro-ject for a decent price, I can't imagine any table that will ever replace my 1200. I have quit using my PL-55DX because this Technics FAR surpasses the sound and speed stability.

Not to mention all the mods that are possible to make this table even better.

You won't be disapointed. It may not be Mac gear, but it is built with some of the same kind of beefyness and quality, considering it's not your typical Japanese equipment. The sheer weight of the table will tell you this is a great table that doesn't pick up near the sonics most table out there do without isolation.

Bang for the buck, I don't think you can touch another table out there with the same quality for twice the price.
 
I am fond of vintage tables, and also like my VPI Aries 2 a lot, but after years of following vinyl forums, I am pretty sure that the Technics is strong contender - especially for someone dipping their toes into vinyl. The black one would look great with the Mc equipment.

Alberto
 
I have heard a few systems using 1200 turntables and they all sounded great. Is the Technics SL1200 an audiophile bargain, YES without a doubt.

One thing to keep in mind if you get back into records is a good clean record will make a bigger difference in sound than what turntable is playing it. I used the VPI 16.5 cleaner with great results.

In that same $500 price range I was also very impressed with the Music Hall MMF5 turntable.
 
$500 is high for a SL1200MK2. You can get a MK5 for that much! I have two MK5 for my DJ set-up. They are hard to beat as far as performance & reliablity.
I have a SL1200 GOLD LTD with Ortofon cart. for my Hi-Fi and I love it. I got that off CL for $400.
SL1200LTDmed.JPG


I think you can get a better deal on CL. They should be around $300-$400 for MK2 & 3.

FYI:
LTD SL1200MK6 is coming.
SL-1200MK6K1.jpg
 
I agree the $500 is high, and should have mentioned that. Check CL, you can find nice ones a lot cheaper. I got mine in prestine condition, with about 250 wonderful shape albums for $300... it was a steal..
 
Musicians Friend has them new for $399, but Kevin @ KAB will go through the unit:

KAB Quality Control Inspection
This is what makes our '1200 different from any others out there.
Before any upgrades, KAB performs a rigorous inspection and makes corrections as required to ensure that every Custom KAB 1200 performs correctly.

1. Tighten all case screws. Beleive it or not, it is often neccessary.
2. Install cartridge and test wiring for continuity.
3. Balance arm and test bearing friction vertical and lateral.
4. Full operational test.
5. Test platter for proper fit. The platter must not rock on the spindle shaft. KAB will re-machine the platter center hole to ensure a perfect fit. This is always the result of nicks inside the platter center hole. How they get there we do not know, but if they interfere with the proper fit of the platter we will correct it.
6. Test platter for flatness or planarity. KAB will replace a platter that exceeds + - 0.005" planarity as measured with a Mahr runout guage on the platter edge.
7. Check azimuth alignment of cartridge socket. Correct if neccessary.

I'm fairly certain that he does this regardless of whether he's modding ot or not.

I also like his Ortofon MM Carts (just a modded DJ cart).
 
Gaucho1 said:
I have the KAB 1210 with all the Mods and I love it. And check out the McIntosh setup here:

http://uk.cinenow.com/videos/213-mcintosh-power-is-word-2006

Look at the TT at around 2:25 or so.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful link. If the sl1200 technic is good enough for mcintosh to demonstrate there state of the art system, it is good enough for my little set up. I appreciate all the other posts from everyone. I j:thmbsp:ust wanted to make sure I wasn't just talking myself into something. I'll let you know how it sounds after its set up.
 
Ron has a half dozen or so 5 star threads in T&T regarding this table. They are worth searching for.


Carl
 
I picked up a new Technic SL1200MK5 for $396 plus tax. I hooked up a ortofon 5e cart/stylus for now. I then spent a few hours being a DJ. It sounds pretty good. I started out playing my old Bruce Springstein album, Born in the USA. My wife came down and had me play some of her old disco: Donna Summers Live, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder. Then we put on some Fleetwood Mac- Rumors. I cleaned everything first with my disk washer. Can you believe the d4 fluid and brush was still fine after more than 20 years. Too bad a whole box of albums has to be thrown away because of mold. Anyway I am enjoying having the option of listening to my old Lp's and looking forward to hunting for future vinyl as well. Thanks everyone for your posts.
another enjoyable read: http://www.arar93.dsl.pipex.com/mds975/Content/vinyl01.html, which also tells you how to digitize your records onto cd with your PC
 
Too bad a whole box of albums has to be thrown away because of mold. :nono:

Not so fast ! I thought the same thing but I bought a VPI 16.5 and it cleaned them right up. I like the 16.5 better than the Scout!
 
wpines said:
Too bad a whole box of albums has to be thrown away because of mold. :nono:

Not so fast ! I thought the same thing but I bought a VPI 16.5 and it cleaned them right up. I like the 16.5 better than the Scout!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendation however it does not pay to get the VPI 16.5 which I see is around $600 to save these records . I kept all my albums in plastic sleeves thinking they would keep the covers nice. My wife's records are in better shape than mine and she did not put hers in plastic. I guess being sealed in a box, kept in a sometimes wet basement in my old house, with plastic was what led to the mold. Anyway it will be fun searching for some new records. This technics turntable is really nice, Mcintosh like build quality. It sounds good but I find the high's are sometimes a little too bright with the current cartridge/stylus and I have to turn the base to 3 o'clock. Any recommendations on a cartridge/stylus ? Can someone tell me how I should set the VTA (verticle tracking angle) ? I have mine set almost to the highest setting. I listen to jazz, soft rock, some pop . I don't understand why you don't see them in hi fi stereo stores ? I bought mine at guitar center by accident. I went in looking for some minidisk's and found a terrific turntable.
 
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