Technics SL-1200 mk2 vs. SL-Q2

[shnaggle]

According to vinylengine.com, these are the SL-1200 mk2s specs:

Specifications

Type: manual turntable

Drive method: direct drive

Motor: brushless DC motor

Control method: servo (mk1), quartz (mk2)

Platter: 330mm 1.75kg (mk1), 332mm 2kg (mk2)

Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm

Wow and flutter: 0.03% WRMS (mk1), 0.025% WRMS (mk2)

Rumble: -70dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2)

Tonearm: universal

Effective length: 220mm (mk1), 230mm (mk2)

Overhang: 14mm (mk1), 15mm (mk2)

Effective mass: 12g (mk2)

Stylus pressure range: 0 to 4g (mk1), 0 to 2.5g (mk2)

Dimensions: 453 x 366 x 180mm (mk1), 453 x 360 x 162mm (mk2)

Weight: 10kg (mk1), 12.5kg (mk2)

..........................................................

And these are the specs for the SL-Q2:

Specifications

Type: semi automatic

Platter: 312mm aluminium alloy

Speeds: 33 and 45rpm

Motor: quartz controlled (direct drive)

Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS

Rumble: -78dB

Tonearm: static balance, tubular

Tracking force adjustment: 0 to 2.5g

Effective length: 230mm

Dimensions: 430 x 130 x 375mm

Weight: 6.9kg

Besides the obvious, that the SL-1200 has variable pitch control and the SL-Q2 does not, is there a significant performance difference between the two, very differently-priced, models?

 

[mprince]

SL-1200 will allow for tonearm height adjustment, or VTA (vertical tracking angle). Both have quartz lock. IMO there is no benefit to the pitch adjustment. The SL-1200 weighs nearly twice what the SL-Q2 does, which depending whose opinion you listen to is an advantage.

There are likely more modifications available for the SL-1200 to bring it to a higher level. Not sure if that is a consideration for you.

 

[targeteye]

other than what Mprince has pointed out the SL-1200 has much better isolation characteristics being the lower half of the body is composed entirely of vibration absorbing material.

Depending on where/how you place the sl-q2 I doubt there is much difference between them as long as you don't need VTA.

 

[shnaggle]

Thanks for the fdbk. My main table is a Q2, and although it has been extremely reliable, I'm on the lookout for one of the flagship Technics models like a 1200 mk2.

 

[schmalvaro]

If you haven't already, you can stuff about 5-6 lbs. of modeling clay into the base of the SL-Q2 for added damping. I keep going back and forth on whether I want an SL-1200 or not, but I really like the auto-return on my Q2.

 

[SSaxdude]

If you haven't already, you can stuff about 5-6 lbs. of modeling clay into the base of the SL-Q2 for added damping. I keep going back and forth on whether I want an SL-1200 or not, but I really like the auto-return on my Q2.

Came here to say this. If the damping of the SL-1200 can be mimiced on other model Technics with modeling clay, it doesn't sound like much of an upgrade to buy one with current prices.

One of the most significant upgrades I read about for the SL-1200 is swapping out the tonearm. If the SL-Q2 can have the same damping as the SL-1200 with modeling clay, then what difference will there be between the two if comparing them with the same tonearm?

This is something I've pondered recently: buying a cheaper DD model Technics and replacing the tonearm with a Rega arm. Final cost shouldn't be much more than a stock SL-1200 alone if you do the replacement yourself. Seeing as I like the drive system of my SL-D2 and the tonearm on my Pro-Ject, a Technics with a fine straight tonearm sounds like a perfect idea.

 

[mozcho]

If you haven't already, you can stuff about 5-6 lbs. of modeling clay into the base of the SL-Q2 for added damping. I keep going back and forth on whether I want an SL-1200 or not, but I really like the auto-return on my Q2.

sorry for bumping an old thread... wish to see a photo on this, would like to try this on my SL-Q2.

 

[lazycat]

sorry for bumping an old thread... wish to see a photo on this, would like to try this on my SL-Q2.

I did this mod to mine yrs ago. It didn't make that much of a difference IMO.

What did was re-wiring the tonearm - I used Cardas Clear wire 34 awg iirc. That did make a big improvement.

 

[mozcho]

I did this mod to mine yrs ago. It didn't make that much of a difference IMO.

What did was re-wiring the tonearm - I used Cardas Clear wire 34 awg iirc. That did make a big improvement.

About re-wiring the tonearm, again, can show me a pic? I'm very new in this so it'd help a lot. Big thanks!

 

[lazycat]

About re-wiring the tonearm, again, can show me a pic? I'm very new in this so it'd help a lot. Big thanks!

Sorry, I dont have any pics. There are some online. It may be not the best thing for a newbie to do. That said, it was my first arm re-wire, it was slightly fiddly but not difficult.

It involves taking off, but not dismantling, the arm and some solder skills. If you're not practically minded it's best left to a tech.
If you're OK with such things, have a go. Plenty of help on this forum.
The SLQ2 is a great deck.

Sold mine for just a few quid to a young guy who wanted his first T/T. Paid for a night in the pub. lol

ps KAB have their own cable for rewiring.

 

[WaynerN]

I have both and the 1200 is much superior.

 

[MonkeyRelish]

If you stick with the Q2 and re-wire the tone arm, get the silicon tube from KAB that goes in the tonearm to damp it.
Cheap, and will improve the sound of your table.

Mr Relish

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Came here to say this. If the damping of the SL-1200 can be mimiced on other model Technics with modeling clay, it doesn't sound like much of an upgrade to buy one with current prices.

One of the most significant upgrades I read about for the SL-1200 is swapping out the tonearm. If the SL-Q2 can have the same damping as the SL-1200 with modeling clay, then what difference will there be between the two if comparing them with the same tonearm?

This is something I've pondered recently: buying a cheaper DD model Technics and replacing the tonearm with a Rega arm. Final cost shouldn't be much more than a stock SL-1200 alone if you do the replacement yourself. Seeing as I like the drive system of my SL-D2 and the tonearm on my Pro-Ject, a Technics with a fine straight tonearm sounds like a perfect idea.

SL-D2 does not accept alternative tonearms. Nor does SL-Q2. SL-1100, SL-1200, SL-1500 do accept alternative tonearms with arm boards or the SP range models. The automatic models accept only their own tonearms. No others.