• 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

Technics 1200 which Mk?

Just avoid the SL 1300 and SL 1400 Mk II versions as cueing and automation were major repair issues and no parts as pointed out earlier. I Like the SL 1600 and SL 1700 a lot for what they are. The SL 1200 Mk II up are far better in isolations from footfalls.
 
LAB3 said:
I NEED auto return.... that is a MUST for me. I have fallen asleep playing some my partents old classical music I am unpacking.:boring: I looked for months for that NOS Pickering stylus and paid wat too much for it. But I remember watching Mom play her piano while playing some of those old Lp's.
Or I would have sold them all in Bulk to a local record shop.
Click to expand...

Have a look at the Qup! :music:
http://www.thequp.com/contact.html
 
I'm not seeing Technics on the list of compatible tables for the Q Up. Can anyone confirm or deny that they'll work on a 1200 or similar?
 
winters860 said:
The sequences goes 1300-1500 (auto, semi, manual) and 1600-1800 (auto, semi, manual) for both the originals and MK2 series.
Click to expand...

Yes, you have that right.

The 1600-1800 used a substantially similar motor, platter, and tonearm to the 1200 series, but on sprung plinths.
Click to expand...

I believe they're actually identical (to the 1200 MK2... the MK5 has a lighter platter). The exception here would be the SL-1600 MK2 in that it has 9 LED lenses in the platter for the automatic size detection but the platter is otherwise identical.

I don't think there's a case to be made for any 1500 being superior to any 1200. The real comparison would be the 1800 vs. 1200.
Click to expand...

I would agree with that. I think the 1200 MK2 and 1800 MK2 are virtually identical in specs and performance, with the principle difference being the suspended chassis of the 1800 MK2.

I currently have a 1700MK2 that needs a little work to get it back online.
Click to expand...

I think, since the 1700 MK2 is auto-return, I'd go this route before adding a Q-Up to a 1200 or 1800. That way you'd end up with auto-shutoff into the bargain as well as actual auto return.

Eventually, I'd like to have another 1600 or, if I can ever stomach full manual, I'll bite the bullet and pick up the classic 1200MK2.
Click to expand...

I've had full manuals but I'm getting too old and forgetful. ;) My current main table is a 1600 MK2 and I love it. The auto start and automatic size detection aren't at all important to me so I'd be at least as happy with a 1700 MK2 but my 1600 looks and operates as new so I'm sticking with it.

People running high-end tables tend to scoff at these mid-fi Technics direct drive decks, but I can't see ever seeking out anything else. Playing records on them makes me happy.
Click to expand...

Well, there certainly are better tables out there but all these SLs, from 1100 to 1800, MK Nothing to Mk5, punch way above their weight. I'm delighted with mine.

John
 
I'm a sucker for the cosmetics and feel of the SL-1200MK2, SL-1600, SL-1700, and SL-1800.

I had a 1600, but sold it when I found a 1600MK2. The 1600MK2 started acting flaky because of bad caps, and I wound up trading it to somebody that way. I eventually decided that I liked the original 1600 better, in spite of it lacking the quartz lock and VTA of the MK2 series, and I always regretted selling it.

I always thought that I needed full auto, but I'm using a semi-auto SL-D2 right now (which I'm not as fond of as the ones we're discussing in this thread) and getting by okay. I'll have more semi-auto experience in the near future with this 1700MK2, so I'd be good and used to it by the time I contemplate buying my next table, which will either be a 1200MK2 with an arm raiser of some sort or another 1600. I'd say it'll definitely be a 1600, but the SL-1200MK2 is, after all, a bona fide classic...
 
Another attraction to the SL-1200MK2 is that they sold so many of them for so many years, parts and people knowledgeable about them will persist much longer than any other turntable.
 
flavio81 said:
My advice: Forget about the 1200 and go for other Technics models that are as good and not as in demand. For example the SL-1500/1600/1700 line.
.
Click to expand...

Agree. Unless you need the pitch slider and the excessive 'gigging rigidity', you can save a lot and get more bang for your buck. I scored an SL1610 a few years ago, fantastic unit with that unique Technics 'look'. Pics on this thread (not mine)
 
The 1200Mk2 has staying power, and I don't just mean its popularity. It is rugged and simple. Full manual means there is less that will potentially go wrong with it, it is extremely durable and resistant to shock and vibration and has excellent damping. For a mid-fi deck I honestly don't think theres a reason to look at anything else. It can match any other mid-fi deck in sound quality and performance, and its tank-like durability will easily outlive any MDF turntable. There are many, many Turntables that cost more and will outperform the Technics, but if that's the budget you're working with, Technics is the way to go.

....if you find one that hasen't been used as a DJ turntable. Which is possible, even if you only want to spend 4-500$. The MK4 is excellent but good luck finding one at a reasonable price. The M5G is great as mentioned but I can't stand that piano black finish.
 
MK II in silver for me.
I dont like all the frilly dilly add ons on the other MK's...

Heres my super mint 1986 MK2 I just got ! :)
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=456251

7570100344_a6876ccf9b_b.jpg
 
mackat said:
Why? I have a 1300mk2, and I know the 1500 is its manual brother, but the cueing always breaks on these. Also it has a worse VTA adjustment, irreplaceable ICs, and a wiggly arm (that is prolly just a problem on my particular unit).
Click to expand...

?!

- I don't use cueing controls (that's for kids, quiche eaters, or the wife)
- It still has VTA adjustment and it's better than in many other tonearms (try VTA adjustment on a Rega RB300 arm... ha ha ha ha :smoke: )
- Irreplaceable ICs? When has a Technics IC failed? I have never found a failed technics IC.
- Wiggly arm? Arm bearings are the same as on the 1200.

Now, why do i feel the 1500MK2 is better? Because it has a even heavier platter (2.5Kg) and beefier construction. Also, a more massive arm, more suited to a Denon 103 for example. Not to mention the fantastic digital pitch control and serious looks while the 1200MK2 has"brooklyn hip hop scratch artist in da house, represent" written all over it.

sl-1500mk2.JPG
 
Last edited:
eclectik said:
Agree. Unless you need the pitch slider and the excessive 'gigging rigidity', you can save a lot and get more bang for your buck. I scored an SL1610 a few years ago, fantastic unit with that unique Technics 'look'. Pics on this thread (not mine)
Click to expand...

The allmighty Heino has spoken! Thread thus shall end !! :D
 
flavio81 said:
The allmighty Heino has spoken! Thread thus shall end !! :D
Click to expand...

A Pro in his own mind... us kis,quiche eaters and women that like to use auto return have no bussiness playing a Lp to start with. I bet you have 8 copies of "I'm A Man" yes I am and I will TELL you so...:D j/k or the other post I Don't like Black plinths..hey I don't like white plinths. Who cares what someone else like in the color of a TT. the MK5 Grand Master is COOL Looking :thmbsp: buy and just look at it. This thread is dead now.:D
 
The M5G doesn't have a piano black finish, it has a black metal flake finish. The 1200GLD and the 1200LTD are the ones with the piano black finish, and they all look fantastic.
 
winters860 said:
I'm not seeing Technics on the list of compatible tables for the Q Up. Can anyone confirm or deny that they'll work on a 1200 or similar?
Click to expand...
I looked at the installation instructions and the template, and I think that Qup is too wide to fit on the 1200. It says it needs a space that is 14mm wide, which is about 1/2 an inch. You may want to call them up and see what they say. You would think with as many 1200's that have been sold, he would design something that would work on a 1200.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

JJCalvillo
Sherwood PM9800
Replies
9
Views
1K
Wolfie62
W
mcp1
Denon 59L or Technics SL-1200 Mk II
2
Replies
27
Views
6K
BroonsBane
BroonsBane
thedelihaus
Hybrid SL-1200 spinning.
Replies
10
Views
958
vinylkid58
vinylkid58
whell
Rega PR or Technics 1200 mk II?
Replies
5
Views
935
jfine
J
S
thinking about technics 1200 mkII
Replies
15
Views
1K
thedelihaus
thedelihaus
Back
Top Bottom