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Buy Technics SL-1200 MK2 for $150?

njb182

njb182

Active Member
I have attached 2 photos of a Technics SL-1200 MK2 that I can get for $150. Right now, I have a much cheaper Technics (SL-Q303). I have heard great things about the SL-1200 line and I think I am going to go for the deal. After all this is a $700 MSRBP deck.

As you can see, it appears to have a few marks on it. Still worth it?
 

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If it's local it might not be a bad idea. The platter looks a little dirty as though it was negelected and not cleaned very often. If you can check the arm and if feels nice and tight 150 isn't bad.
 
If it wasn't abused at the hands of a DJ, I'd say indeedy.

Check for slop in the arm bearings and platter spindle. Check to see if the pitch slider is good.

Both good signs.
 
If it works okay then I would go for it, the price is fine.

"Bargain I hear you say?" - Zoidberg

You will probably want to change the cart because it looks like one of Audio Technica's bottom of the range ones.
 
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This machine appears sound. Needs some cleaning and the platter most likely needs 2 drops of Technics oil. Check tonearm bearings for sloppiness and the pitch slider. Check out speed stability. If it plays OK, you're good to go. Yours looks in good order for the most part. Just in need of some cleaning and love. All spare parts still available. Make sure your spindle bearing isn't sloppy with an up down push test. If solid, OK. You're da man! :tresbon:
 
This is what the craigslist listing says,

"today i have for sale in great condition a Technics sl 1200 mkII turntable for sale only used in my home stereo comes with audio technica yellow cartridge and headshell dust cover in fair condition (no cracks just hazing) vintage discwasher kit email if you need pics"

I will try it out when I meet him.
 
Yep.. I'd be on it for a buck and a half... Does it have the cover too? Also the additional counter weight?

If it's on CL.. good luck.. at that price I'm sure he's had a lot of calls.. Also be sure to check the pivots on the tone arm for any play, and look at the end of the headshell and into the arm and make sure there is no corrosion on the contacts...
 
similost said:
Yep.. I'd be on it for a buck and a half... Does it have the cover too? Also the additional counter weight?

If it's on CL.. good luck.. at that price I'm sure he's had a lot of calls.. Also be sure to check the pivots on the tone arm for any play, and look at the end of the headshell and into the arm and make sure there is no corrosion on the contacts...
Click to expand...

Everyone is telling me to check the tone arm to see if it feels right, etc. I don't what to feel for. My current table has cueing so I hardly ever touched the tone arm.
 
Look at the arm.. notice the pivot points. try moving the arm against those pivot points lightly. Don't force it... Also try moving the arm back and forth.. from front to back on the table. Like your pushing against the pivots.. again.. lightly.. .
 
similost said:
Look at the arm.. notice the pivot points. try moving the arm against those pivot points lightly. Don't force it... Also try moving the arm back and forth.. from front to back on the table. Like your pushing against the pivots.. again.. lightly.. .
Click to expand...

What are pivot points?:tears:
 
if you look at the arm mount closely, you will see them. Looking down from the top you will see a screw in the center.. that's the side to side pivot point.. the look at the bar that runs perpendicular to the arm.. that's the up and down pivot.. Once you're standing there looking at it you'll understand instantly..
 
njb182 said:
Everyone is telling me to check the tone arm to see if it feels right, etc. I don't what to feel for. My current table has cueing so I hardly ever touched the tone arm.
Click to expand...

There worried that it could have been used by a DJ for scratching that wears out the bearings.

If the people don't mind set the antiskate to zero and turn the counterwieght until the tonearm floats in mid air, then see if when you give it a tap from the top it floats up and down freely and on the side it moves one way then the other freely. Make sure you put the stylus guard on first though.

If it's only been used for home use it should be fine though.

Another thing if the person who answers the door says "Yo bitch" and has a huge gold chain around their neck walk away.
 
$150 sounds like a great deal.

Recently some folks called about looking at one of those...They had heard I used to design phono stuff.

They paid $250 on ebay.

Sadly, it was in HORRIBLE shape. The platter was warped over 1/8 inch. Like someone used it for a frisbee or something.

The bearing had at least 3 mils of slop in it...the worst I have ever seen.

The tone arm auto lift bracket was broken off, and a metal screw was fitted on near the headshell with a rubber band to add the missing weight.

The tonearm height dial was frozen.

I am actually repairing this for them. I was able to mount the platter on a temporary bearing with a dial indicator in my machine shop. With careful hammering I got it flat and true to .002".

Bad news is that this is now a $400 turntable.

Oh, the arm pivots are adjustable...

Les
L M Watts Technology
 
lesW said:
I am actually repairing this for them. I was able to mount the platter on a temporary bearing with a dial indicator in my machine shop. With careful hammering I got it flat and true to .002".
Click to expand...

Hey, like I said, in the photo it looks slightly beat up. Where could i get the a replacement cabinet? I think that's what it is called. This thing:

cabinet01.JPG
 
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