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Audio Technica AT-LP120USB Super Mod Thread

Vince, I recall seeing your for sale ad last year for an SL-1200 on Canuckaudiomart. How does the AT compare to it with the mods you've done so far?
 
Garven said:
Vince, I recall seeing your for sale ad last year for an SL-1200 on Canuckaudiomart. How does the AT compare to it with the mods you've done so far?
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The LP120 in no way compares to the 1200MK2 in terms of build quality or drive system, but with the mods, the LP120 does sound quite good. I am still tweaking it. I added some RCA jacks today instead of that captive cord. This will make it easier to swap cables. All in all I am happy with the mods. Really I did this project for entertainment as vinyl accounts for only a few percent of my listening. That said I always had a turntable in the house since I was born, and would feel naked without one. :yes:

Bottom line is if you have a LP120 and want to get it to sound better for minimal cost, these mods will certainly help.
 

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Vince, have you considered using the finally available heavier counterweight? In this pic the counterweight is sitting way back.
 
Where did you get that soundcoat material, and is it cheap?

I'm thinking of using the platter dampening mod and o rings for my Technics SL-3300.
 
iLUVanalog said:
Vince, have you considered using the finally available heavier counterweight? In this pic the counterweight is sitting way back.
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Yes, I think I am going to order one. It's too far back for my liking. I may also try to mod the existing weight with large washers and heatshrink. We'll see!
 
My next round of mods is trying to add an arm fluid damper and a built in lamp for low light use...this is fun. :D

See pics...
 

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Got the arm-board from Front Panel Express. Will not be using it anytime soon as I have no money left for a new arm, but maybe at some point later this year. I believe this to be the only one in the world. :D (Yes I know, I am the only one crazy enough to make one!) I just hope it fits now!
 

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Alllll right...so I removed the arm....AGAIN, and tried the blank arm board. YEAH! She fits perfectly. All I need now is an new arm. :D
 

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UPDATE: I installed the armboard, looks good so far. In order to save cost, I bought an old Denon arm that I will use as a test rig. I should get it in a couple days. Will keep you all posted....
 

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ohhh now I can't wait. Can you describe the process of removing the arm a bit? Is it difficult, any tricks to it?
 
jkilla said:
ohhh now I can't wait. Can you describe the process of removing the arm a bit? Is it difficult, any tricks to it?
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It's fairly easy, you do have to desolder the tonearm wires though, but once that is done, you remove a C clip and 2 screws for the locking mechanism, then the 3 main screws holding the tonearm, then is slips right out.
 

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Frank Sol said:
How about... getting a SL1200 arm w/KAB Damper

Unless you plan on putting a $3,000.00 SME arm on it :)
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That was my first thought, but the Technics arm base is too big to fit inside the LP120 opening. Therefore, I decided to make an armboard and get another type of arm to make the project as easy as possible.

The arm I got is similar to the arm from a Denon DP-1800 that I would imagine will be an improvement over the stock one...we'll see!
 
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Arm is here! I cleaned her up and prettied up the DIN cable, so now it's ready to be installed tomorrow....I just have to find a way to "thicken" my metal armboard I have as this arm was made to mount to a thicker wood board it seems.

Can anyone identify the model? I believe it came off a Denon DP-1100 or 1700 TT, but that is just a guess.
 

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UPDATE:

Armboard drilled (that was a pain in the A$$).

Tonearm mounted to board using dampening material to add more thickness so the arm can be secured properly and as an added benefit, to dampen the metal armboard.

Test fit on TT ok, the dustcover JUST fit. I allowed a couple mm of play to the armboard and arm mount just in case and it came in handy. The Denon arm has an effective length of 244mm, whereas the old arm was 230. I just hope I got the mounting distance OK and can align the cartridge.

Now I just hope the tonearm cables have enough clearance from the bottom of the table.

Stay tuned for the best AT-LP120 on the planet! :D :music:
 

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Man, you are doing one hell of a job!! I wish I had the talent and tools to tackle a job like you are doing. This thread will definitely come in handy for those who own or thinking about owning an AT turntable.

Keep up the good work!!! :thmbsp: :music:
 
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