vinylkid58
Super Member
Like the pic. The downside is, if you want to try a different cartridge, you still need a standard headshell.
jeff
SL-1200 Cart Recommendations
- Thread starter Yeeterkeeter
- Start date
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- question
jeff
This is a tonearm bearing friction test from kabusa site. To test bearing condition.
He sells components for SL1200. I have no connection.
I'm not recommending doing any bearing adjusting mentioned at bottom of page. That's a pretty advanced maintenance proceedure.
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maxhifi
Addicted Member
Yes. No alignment or mounting required.
cafe latte
Addicted Member
The Grado Opus 3 is a massive bargain, few carts have close to the separation or soundstange.
Chris
Chris
cafe latte
Addicted Member
I see a lot of carts in my business and few if any have such big separation. Many claim 30dB plus but not many manage it. The Opus on the other hand usually exceed the separation specs by quite a margin. I have measured Opus 3 with 38dB separation which is not just good, it is stunning.Looks interesting but which "few" ?
Opus4
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Chris
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
So the SL-1200 arrived earlier than I expected, so I got to test a few things. Should I be worried that the tonearm immediately pitches up when there is no headshell and stylus on it, or is that natural? Everything else works fine, although I will need to give the RCA connectors a cleaning.
Also, no one told me how quiet this thing would be. When I turned it on, I was expecting to hear some noise, but I was pleasantly shocked. Absolutely nothing. It felt almost magical in a way.
Also, no one told me how quiet this thing would be. When I turned it on, I was expecting to hear some noise, but I was pleasantly shocked. Absolutely nothing. It felt almost magical in a way.
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Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
Got it, thanks for the help. I don't know a whole lot about turntables, so this thread has been really helpful.
Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
It's "pitching up" as you put it because of the weight on the back of the arm, think of a seesaw when one person gets off.
A few tools of the trade everyone should have if spinning records, each about $10.
Digital scale will make setting VTF so much easier
Alignment protractor, this one is simple to use with instructions right on the front
Anti-static brush to dust the record before play
A jeweller's loupe to inspect the stylus for crud, damage, and aid in cartridge installation
Stylus cleaner, I've used this brand for decades with great results
Added to the above some kind of record cleaning regimen whether RCM or in the kitchen sink, plenty of threads here on the subject.
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
Ah, I see, I guess that's pretty basic knowledge lol. Thanks for the answer anyways.
I will make sure to invest in these after I confirm that the turntable is running correctly. I don't want to put more money into this than I already have, only to find out something major is wrong with it.
tiga
Super Member
Congratulations on your turntable - the SL1200 is a real winner. If you are looking for a cheap cartridge stylus to get started I'd recommend the AT 3600L and upgrade the stylus to the LP Gear linked below. I'm running this one currently and it's really good.
www.lpgear.com
LP Gear CARBON FIDELITY CFN3600LE stylus
Check out the deal on LP Gear CARBON FIDELITY CFN3600LE stylus at LP Gear
Rolls-Royce
Active Member
You should have the items that @Sgt Shultz listed regardless of which turntable you end up with...
Sgt Shultz
Addicted Member
Well you'll need to at least install a cartridge to assess it's functionality, this means setting VTF at minimum even if going with a cartridge that doesn't require a headshell. You can float the arm then set VTF with the graduations on the counterweight as we've done for yrs.
There's also the Shure SFG-2 mechanical scale but they've become quite pricey these days, haven't used mine in decades.
If going with a standard 1/2" mount cartridge and headshell you'll also need to align the cartridge. If you know the overhang it's possible to just use a measuring tape but the protractor is much easier.
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
I plan on getting a cheap head shell + cart from eBay and then ditching the cart as soon as possible. I’ll also make sure to do research on how to properly set up the 1200, so that I don’t destroy my records with it (the current advice you guys have been giving is super helpful btw)
Huh, I’ll pass up on that
Alright, good to know, I’ll find out how to tune that.
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
I will make sure to get those in due time, don’t worry.
I also just ordered a cart I found off of eBay so I can actually confirm the turntable works. In the meantime I should probably give some TLC to the Technics-1200, since it’s looking (physically) a little worse for wear
Yeeterkeeter
Kermit the Frog
Also, how do you clean rusty RCA cables? I’m thinking about just using some alcohol and qtips, but if anyone has any methods they use that work well, feel free to post it here. (Turntable has rusty RCA cables, just to clear things up)
malden
Lunatic Member
do not use anything abrasive like sand paper. The best thing to use is jeweler's past, it will remove all of the oxidants without damaging the plating
but..... if it really is "rust" and not oxidation, then replace them
One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is the alignment gauge from Technics
even if you do tweak it in with a protractor this little chunk of plastic will get you into the ballpark very easily. I wouldn't be without it.
even if you do tweak it in with a protractor this little chunk of plastic will get you into the ballpark very easily. I wouldn't be without it.