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Technics 1200 MK2 - AT VM540ML vs AT33PTG/2?

Which cart for Technics SL1200 MK2?

  • AT VM540ML

    Votes: 10 45.5%

  • AT 33PTG/2

    Votes: 10 45.5%

  • Something else

    Votes: 2 9.1%
  • Total voters
    22
redondo2018

redondo2018

Active Member
New to me late 90's Technics 1200 MK2 all stock including headshell. No KAB dampening well (at least yet). Did the research and ordered a VM 540ML but wondering if the AT33PTG/2 is worth the 2X price of the 540 with this table/arm? I have no issues supporting the capacitance on either cart or MM/MC. I have a few other ATs and thinking of sticking with the sound for this table, but if you have a really strong opinion of another sub $600 cart, I'm open to suggestions!
 
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I just voted for something else. Will preface with I have no experience with either cart you listed. I just wanted to throw in a shout out to the OC9XML as I am very happy with it on my GR.

I debated the 33 vs the OC9 and reached out to AT for advice. They both work in the 1200 arm but the 33 is a better compliance fit. However it is shorter and might need a spacer to get the correct VTA. I didn’t want to mess with that.

Per AT, the 33 is slightly more neutral otherwise they are supposed to sound similar. The OC9 has a slight rise in the treble.

One would likely be happy with either one. Cart shopping is fun :)
 
prighello said:
I just voted for something else. Will preface with I have no experience with either cart you listed. I just wanted to throw in a shout out to the OC9XML as I am very happy with it on my GR.

I debated the 33 vs the OC9 and reached out to AT for advice. They both work in the 1200 arm but the 33 is a better compliance fit. However it is shorter and might need a spacer to get the correct VTA. I didn’t want to mess with that.

Per AT, the 33 is slightly more neutral otherwise they are supposed to sound similar. The OC9 has a slight rise in the treble.

One would likely be happy with either one. Cart shopping is fun :)
Click to expand...
Yep, I have a OC9ML on my Pioneer PL-530 (and a VM95ML on my Sota), so I could try the OC9 - interesting that a spacer is needed for the 33, true with the stock headshell?
 
It was true for the GR stock headshell. I guess one could use a taller mat as well. Mkii might be different on how adjustable the vta is. It is pretty evident the 33 is shorter than the OC9 and the VM95.
 
33PTGII
KAB dampening well is a worthwhile investment. Also tonearm rewiring kit and tube dampener.
 
both are going to have a high frequency rise. if you like something that starts before 10k (assuming you dont go below 47k), go with the 540. if you prefer something that starts after 10k, go with the ptg.
 
redondo2018 said:
wow, no one voted for the 540ML, bit surprised there! still debating - twice the cost is twice the cost...
Click to expand...
Well I voted for the 540. As for the 33ev, I tried one for a few months. It was the most boring, undynamic cartridge I've heard in any of my systems in 40 years.

My, then, 2M Bronze just spanked its bottom and sent it home. None to keen on the ptg either - heard in someone else's system.

But we all have our preferences.

ps.

I'm using a Dynavector 10x5 mk11 low. A definite upgrade from my 2M Black and recommended.
 
1200Mk2 owner: KAB damper, rewire.

I'm running the AT33SA and can say that the 1200Mk2 can keep up with pricey cartridge just fine. Tonal balance will also depend greatly on preamp loading. Start with 100ohm (x10 internal impedance of LOMC) to start.

Enjoy!
 
If I could I would vote for both. I used the 540ml for about 3 years and was very happy, about a month or so I switched to the 33ptgII and I am thrilled with the performance. I do, however, think the 540ml may be the sweet spot in the AT lineup - a fantastic cartridge for a relatively small price.
 
redondo2018 said:
New to me late 90's Technics 1200 MK2 all stock including headshell. No KAB dampening well (at least yet). Did the research and ordered a VM 540ML but wondering if the AT33PTG/2 is worth the 2X price of the 540 with this table/arm? I have no issues supporting the capacitance on either cart or MM/MC. I have a few other ATs and thinking of sticking with the sound for this table, but if you have a really strong opinion of another sub $600 cart, I'm open to suggestions!
Click to expand...

before you spend your cash on a more expensive cart, get all the KAB upgrades installed first.
1. arm dampener.
2. arm dampener cap.
3. main thrust bearing upgrade
4. power supply upgrade.
5. upgrade the phono preamp.
 
csericks said:
If I could I would vote for both. I used the 540ml for about 3 years and was very happy, about a month or so I switched to the 33ptgII and I am thrilled with the performance. I do, however, think the 540ml may be the sweet spot in the AT lineup - a fantastic cartridge for a relatively small price.
Click to expand...
Good input - I see you have the SL1200 M3D - did you need to do any mods to get the compliance right on either cart? Thanks!
 
vinylkid58 said:
My AT33PTG + headshell weigh ~17 grams. Are the compliance numbers similar between the two cartridges?

jeff
Click to expand...
Vinyl Engine seems borked, so can't get the manual, but found this from another poster: "Its 9 c.u. compliance at 100Hz roughly translate into 16 c.u. at 10Hz."
 
ok, so manual says for AT14Sa "Cartridge Inductance (mH)" is 370, and "DC Resistance (ohms)" is 500 (also, frequency response is a whopping 5-45K ! built for quad records obviously)
 
Yes, dynamic compliance is listed as 9 cu @ 100Hz, so pretty much identical to the 33PTG. No static comp. listed on VE.

jeff
 
No sure if this helps but here's what I got out of AT support on compliance:

AT33PTG/2 = 17cu @ 10 Hz
OC9XML = 27cu @10 Hz

I think the 540 has the same funky Japanese compliance numbers listed as the 33PTG so I would assume its the same as above at 10hz. IDK.
 
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