Another "should I upgrade" thread

[SSaxdude]

There's a Technics SL-1200 mk2 for sale locally for $300. No dust cover or headshell included though. I already own several turntables, most comparatively (to the SL-1200) a Technics SL-D2.

I don't expect a stock SL-1200 to be earth shattering in comparison to my modded SL-D2. And I'm not too fond of losing the auto return functionality. Rather, the SL-1200 would allow me to do some worthwhile mods like the KAB fluid dampener. I'm very satisfied with the SL-D2, but part of me wonders if I'm missing out by having "only" an SL-D2.

I know I SHOULD spend the money elsewhere, like a nice phono preamp. But I've got that itch for a SL-1200...

 

[mkane]

scratch that itch, otherwise it will keep itchin.

 

[SSaxdude]

Upgraditis will always be there. Which leads to another question: would it be a better idea to jump past the SL-1200 into something better?

Edit: Also, I have a LOT of expenses coming up this month. I really shouldn't be spending money.

 

[dcmfan]

I satisfied my upgrade itch and told my self I was doing "research" by looking at 'tables that were completely opposite from one another. In my case, I went from a vintage Dual to a more modern Rega. Completely different approaches to turntable design (automatic, heavy and suspended vs manual, light and tight). By having both to compare, I was able to hear differences in the sound and compare their operations before looking at other turntables. This worked for me and when I went shopping for a new table I knew exactly which features from each table I wanted to retain, and which were not essential.

I guess that puts me on the side of "take a step up" (or at least take a step towards different) if you can.

At the same time, the 1200 is an iconic 'table with a strong following, so if you have a collection, it'd be hard to argue against having this 'table in the mix.

 

[Balifly]

Which leads to another question: would it be a better idea to jump past the SL-1200 into something better?

It would take quite a it more than three hundred dollars though.

Sell the Technics SL-D2 to help finance the purchase of the Technics SL-1200xx.

 

[majick47]

Saxdude $300 for a 1200Mk2 is pretty much at the bottom of the scale for a good functioning example, a new Technics headshell is about $25 and the dustcover isn't a necessity but I'd probably want one. Bottom line they don't come along at that price very often so you have nothing to loose and probably some to gain if you decide to keep with the SL-D2. Keep in mind the recently released 1200 is going for $4,000 so to me the older versions would look like a bargain.

 

[SSaxdude]

I satisfied my upgrade itch and told my self I was doing "research" by looking at 'tables that were completely opposite from one another. In my case, I went from a vintage Dual to a more modern Rega. Completely different approaches to turntable design (automatic, heavy and suspended vs manual, light and tight). By having both to compare, I was able to hear differences in the sound and compare their operations before looking at other turntables. This worked for me and when I went shopping for a new table I knew exactly which features from each table I wanted to retain, and which were not essential.

I guess that puts me on the side of "take a step up" (or at least take a step towards different) if you can.

At the same time, the 1200 is an iconic 'table with a strong following, so if you have a collection, it'd be hard to argue against having this 'table in the mix.

I've got several very different turntables, including a Dual 505-2 and a Pro-Ject 1.2. I like the Technics "sound", though I also like the Pro-Ject's sound. If I had to choose between a better Technics or a better Pro-Ject, I wouldn't know what to choose. Which makes upgrading to a SL-1200 less of a sure thing, unless I can audition a higher level Pro-Ject.

 

[Stanton681EEES]

Sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do. Go get that table...................

 

[SSaxdude]

If you can look at Thornes with a seperate arm if you can,,,if you really want to "up grade" see if you can find a Linn LP 12 but be prepared the Linn path is a great one and can take you to the top but it will cost you !

An LP12 is something I've had in mind for down the road.

I offered the seller $250 for the SL-1200.