• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

SL1200mk2 - New Cartridge or Fluid Damper?

F

Faartcoomer

New Member
Hello everyone,

I found a used SL1200mk2 for a buddy of mine and I’m trying to get it to a useable place before I send it to him. It came with a Concorde pro S on it, which I’m assuming isn’t much worth using especially with mystery hours.

I have a Grado Gold 3 with some life left, but I’ve seen people on this forum warn specifically against the compliance of the cartridge. However, I also seem to see people mention the OM series for the sl1200 a lot, which has higher compliance than the Grado, (both measured at 10Hz, right??) so I’m just confused on that front.

However, someone has listed a KAB TD-1000 for $80 locally, and I’m wondering if the improvement in tracking there is enough to rival or outweigh the benefits of just forking over some more money for an MP-110 or the like. We still have to ship the thing to him, and right now that Grado isn’t getting any use in my possession, it’d be cool if he could take advantage of the decent cartridge and save $40 or so on what might be a downgrade excluding the tonearm resonance issue.

However, the priority here is just getting something solidly usable to send him so that he can focus on getting some speakers rather than being torn between needed upgrades.

Thanks for any and all thoughts, I know people like that damper attachment but I haven’t seen it evaluated in this way.
 
Register to hide this ad
Fc: Careful there - according to Kab's info pages, the TD-1000 only seems to be intended for the newer Technics models, while the TD-1200 is intended for the older SL-12x0 variants.

And then the interesting question would be, whether your buddy specifically wants a used SL-12x0MK2 - and if so, whether he'd want one with an installed mod or rather not.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
lini said:
Fc: Careful there - according to Kab's info pages, the TD-1000 only seems to be intended for the newer Technics models, while the TD-1200 is intended for the older SL-12x0 variants.

And then the interesting question would be, whether your buddy specifically wants a used SL-12x0MK2 - and if so, whether he'd want one with an installed mod or rather not.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
Click to expand...
You know what, you’re right. I was totally misreading the KAB website. Thank you
 
If I understand correctly ,(no personal experience) the issue with issue withe Grado and 1200 Technics is not tonearm compatibility but the fact that Grados will hum on those turntables.
Regardless of whether I'm correct, I would choose the fluid upgrade, if that's still an option. It will improve the playback of whatever cartridge you ultimately choose.
 
Faartcoomer said:
Hello everyone,

I found a used SL1200mk2 for a buddy of mine and I’m trying to get it to a useable place before I send it to him. It came with a Concorde pro S on it, which I’m assuming isn’t much worth using especially with mystery hours.

I have a Grado Gold 3 with some life left, but I’ve seen people on this forum warn specifically against the compliance of the cartridge. However, I also seem to see people mention the OM series for the sl1200 a lot, which has higher compliance than the Grado, (both measured at 10Hz, right??) so I’m just confused on that front.

However, someone has listed a KAB TD-1000 for $80 locally, and I’m wondering if the improvement in tracking there is enough to rival or outweigh the benefits of just forking over some more money for an MP-110 or the like. We still have to ship the thing to him, and right now that Grado isn’t getting any use in my possession, it’d be cool if he could take advantage of the decent cartridge and save $40 or so on what might be a downgrade excluding the tonearm resonance issue.

However, the priority here is just getting something solidly usable to send him so that he can focus on getting some speakers rather than being torn between needed upgrades.

Thanks for any and all thoughts, I know people like that damper attachment but I haven’t seen it evaluated in this way.
Click to expand...
I installed the dampener and definitely improved performance especially with tracking difficult records
I also use a LOMC cart and really impressed with performance
 
ctjetta said:
If I understand correctly ,(no personal experience) the issue with issue withe Grado and 1200 Technics is not tonearm compatibility but the fact that Grados will hum on those turntables.
Regardless of whether I'm correct, I would choose the fluid upgrade, if that's still an option. It will improve the playback of whatever cartridge you ultimately choose.
Click to expand...

I've heard two different Technics SL-1200 MKII tables with Grados and not one bit of hum on either one. As far as the KAB damper goes, it definitely seems to improve the sound of Grados on that turntable.
 
Don’t dump the Concorde, just add a better stylus from the OM series. Kab actually sells this combo on their site. The Reloop is the same as the old Concorde.

I’ve run both a Reloop with 30 stylus and a Grado Black in my 1200GR without issue. No fluid damper yet; wish I could get one for $80! Anyway, the carts are pretty different sounding with the Reloop 30 being more resolving. Either one has its charms :)
 
Last edited:
ctjetta said:
If I understand correctly ,(no personal experience) the issue with issue withe Grado and 1200 Technics is not tonearm compatibility but the fact that Grados will hum on those turntables.
Regardless of whether I'm correct, I would choose the fluid upgrade, if that's still an option. It will improve the playback of whatever cartridge you ultimately choose.
Click to expand...

Doesn't hum on mine.
 
prighello said:
Don’t dump the Concorde, just add a better stylus from the OM series. Kab actually sells this combo on their site. The Reloop is the same as the old Concorde.

I’ve run both a Reloop with 30 stylus and a Grado Black in my 1200GR without issue. No fluid damper yet; wish I could get one for $80! Anyway, the carts are pretty different sounding with the Reloop 30 being more resolving. Either one has its charms :)
Click to expand...

I agree with this approach. The Reloop/Ortofon Concordes will accept any OM stylus from heavy duty conical to Fritz Gyger superbly. I run one daily myself.
 
A new Pro S stylus for the Concorde is probably the cheapest thing you can do if you want to start with a fresh stylus. It won't need the damper either.
 
Grados don’t hum on sl1200s, but they do the “Grado dance”. Definitely need the fluid damper with a Grado gold.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom