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Technics SL-1200: Models Offered

N

Njord Noatun

Super Member
Banned
EDIT: I just realized that AK member 6thumbs also justposted a "What Technics" thread: I can delete this one if need be, and certainly will follow the posts to that thread with interest for references to questions raised in this thread.​

According to Technics' web site, the SL-1200 is currently available in three varieties (aside from color differences):

  • SL-1210 5G
  • SL-1200 Mk5
  • SL-1200 Mk2
1) There doesn't seem to be much between the three judging by the comp table linked to above, but based on the price differentials, one would've thought that build differences between them ought to be substantial: Can someone explain what the differences between the three are, and make recommendation as to the preferred model for home (vintage 2-ch. stereo) use?

2) I assume this TT comes with a headshell but no cart: Any recommendations as to what might be a cost-efficient cart for an SL-1200?

3) This Nor-Cal AK'er (is it Robisme?) has this insanely great looking gold-black SL-1200 - it might be some kind of anniversary edition. Does anyone know the model name of this gold SL-1200?

Thanks.
 
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I bought the SL-1200MK5 a few months ago and I love it. Mine is equipped with a KAB custom Ortofon ProS40 integrated cartridge/headshell, an excellent performer.

Rather than go into the differences of all the models myself (which I don't know without researching), I suggest you check out the KAB website. That should give you all the information you need.

http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm
 
Briefly -

SL1200 Mk2 - The original mark2 upgraded in the early 80's. +/-8% pitch variation.

SL1200 Mk5 - Latest version that adds in a button for instant speed return to quartz locked state, no matter where the pitch silder is. Also has recessed power switch on the strobe light so it's less easy to accidentally catch and the lid is not hinged - it's a lift on/off type only.

SL1200 M5G - gloss black finish, pitch reset button, power switch and lid as per Mk5 but also has switchable pitch ranges of +/-8 and +/-16%

Also, the SL1200 Mk3 and 4 were basically similar to the Mk5 but only sold in Japan. I think they were test models to see how they would be received - the Mk3 was basically identical to what is now the Mk5 and the Mk4 was the same as this but was 3 speed with 78rpm as well.

The gold plated one you mention was the SL1200Mk2 LTD - a limited edition to celebrate 30 years of the SL1200. To all intents and purposes, the M5G is a non-limited version of it that has the same features, without all the gold bling!
 
Hi Njord,

There is the audiophile oriented SL-1200 Mk. 4 which is Japan/Asia only. It has 33/45/78 RPM capability built in. Also has upgraded wiring a la SL-1200 Mk. 5.
 
Another difference between the MK5 and MK2 is the pitch slider on the MK5 has the center detent removed. You can mod the MK2 to be the same though.
 
Njord Noatun said:
No hinges? Really? Is that not a little impractical?
Click to expand...

The MK 5 was geared more at DJ's than the original 2, so a DJ wouldn't want the cover on all the time. Also, that can be a bonus, one less thing to catch vibrations to transfer from the air..
 
I was not posting to find out the difference in SL1200s I can fi gure that out myself,my question was what the difference wa between the model SL1700 76 vintage and the 1200 MK series and is there that much of a design and engineereing difference (outside control placement) to warrant considering an upgrade
 
Here's a good thread about the differences in the different models...

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95639

Basically, all the SL 1x00 models are the same drivetrain wise... but some of the other features are the difference. Like Auto stop, or auto return.. or full auto..

You won't be upgrading so much jumping models. You will just be adding or removing features, mostly auto to manual..
 
Many here talk about the KAB upgrades. Which one(s) of these upgrades provide the best bang for the buck for a new SL-1200? Or what is the preferred "upgrade path"?

Not that I would drop $2,000+ of upgrades into a $400 TT, mind you - just curious.

  • A. 78 RPM Speed $175 MK2 and MK5 Only [more info]
  • B. TD-1200 Tonearm Fluid Damper $149.00 [more info]
  • C. PS1200 Power Socket (For Future PS-1200 Connection)$45.00
  • D. PS-1200 Outboard Power Supply( Includes Socket Above ) $250.00 [more info]
  • D. PS-1200 220V Outboard Power Supply( Includes Socket Above ) $250.00 [more info]
  • E. RC-1200 Threaded Record Clamp $149.00 [more info]
  • F. KAB USA Record Clamp $29.00 [more info]
  • G. SX-1200 Strobe Disabler $50.00 [more info]
  • H. Cardas AGMO Connectors $39.00 [Put Hi Quality Cardas RCA's Onto Existing Technics Cable]
  • I. Eichmann Tellurium Bullet Connectors $49.00 [Put Hi Quality Eichmann RCA's Onto Existing Technics Cable]
  • J. Tonearm Rewire $169.00. Cardas to KAB PC-1200 RCA Phono Plate[2 RCA Females plus ground post]
  • K. Tonearm Rewire $169.00. Cardas to KAB/Cardas 5 pin DIN Phono Plate[This Requires right angle DIN connector]
  • L. Goldring 1022GX Audiophile Cartridge $239.00 [more info]
  • M. KAB/Ortofon Concorde Pro S30 Integrated Cartridge $239.00 [more info]
  • N. KAB/Stanton Discmaster V3 AE Cartridge $179 [more info]
  • O. Isonoe™ Machined Sorbothane Spring Isolator Feet $200 [more info]
 
I hear the tone arm damper is a good mod.. but I don't understand what it really accomplishes.. so I have't chased that one down..

supposedly the strobe disable takes some kind of noise out the the curcuit.. but my ears suck, and the red light looks cool.. so keeping mine..

I think record clamps are cool.. still looking for the right one myself..

I bought a Victrola for 78s.. so no need for that mod..



and that's all I can really say about these..
 
Njord Noatun said:
No hinges? Really? Is that not a little impractical?
Click to expand...

yep, no hinges. i have an SL-1200 Mk5 and i HATE the fact that the dust cover is not hinged!!!

but you can order a hinge set from kabusa.com...and i have done that. i also ordered two of the thicker (1/4") platter mats.
 
Njord Noatun said:
Many here talk about the KAB upgrades. Which one(s) of these upgrades provide the best bang for the buck for a new SL-1200? Or what is the preferred "upgrade path"?

Not that I would drop $2,000+ of upgrades into a $400 TT, mind you - just curious.

  • A. 78 RPM Speed $175 MK2 and MK5 Only [more info]
  • B. TD-1200 Tonearm Fluid Damper $149.00 [more info]
  • C. PS1200 Power Socket (For Future PS-1200 Connection)$45.00
  • D. PS-1200 Outboard Power Supply( Includes Socket Above ) $250.00 [more info]
  • D. PS-1200 220V Outboard Power Supply( Includes Socket Above ) $250.00 [more info]
  • E. RC-1200 Threaded Record Clamp $149.00 [more info]
  • F. KAB USA Record Clamp $29.00 [more info]
  • G. SX-1200 Strobe Disabler $50.00 [more info]
  • H. Cardas AGMO Connectors $39.00 [Put Hi Quality Cardas RCA's Onto Existing Technics Cable]
  • I. Eichmann Tellurium Bullet Connectors $49.00 [Put Hi Quality Eichmann RCA's Onto Existing Technics Cable]
  • J. Tonearm Rewire $169.00. Cardas to KAB PC-1200 RCA Phono Plate[2 RCA Females plus ground post]
  • K. Tonearm Rewire $169.00. Cardas to KAB/Cardas 5 pin DIN Phono Plate[This Requires right angle DIN connector]
  • L. Goldring 1022GX Audiophile Cartridge $239.00 [more info]
  • M. KAB/Ortofon Concorde Pro S30 Integrated Cartridge $239.00 [more info]
  • N. KAB/Stanton Discmaster V3 AE Cartridge $179 [more info]
  • O. Isonoe™ Machined Sorbothane Spring Isolator Feet $200 [more info]
Click to expand...

My SL-1200M5 is equipped with:

[*]A. 78 RPM Speed $175 MK2 and MK5 Only [more info]
[*]B. TD-1200 Tonearm Fluid Damper $149.00 [more info]
[*]D. PS-1200 220V Outboard Power Supply( Includes Socket Above ) $250.00 [more info]
[*]J. Tonearm Rewire $169.00. Cardas to KAB PC-1200 RCA Phono Plate[2 RCA Females plus ground post]

Although I use a Technics SP-15 for most of my 78rpm/historic disc playback, I wanted that capability on the new turntable as well. It works well and the adjustable pitch allows you to spin 80 rpm and 76.59 rpm discs at the correct speed.

The tonearm fluid damper is especially beneficial when playing warped discs. It's hard to tell, but when I installed it (nothing more than adding silicone fluid) and did a before/after test on the same LP, it sounded a bit better with the modification.

I could not discern a difference or improvement when I hooked up the outboard power supply. That's not to say there isn't one, I just didn't hear it.

As for the tonearm rewire, I had no way of hearing a before/after effect as it came out of the box rewired.

FWIW, it's a very fine sounding turntable and a joy to use.
 
similost said:
I hear the tone arm damper is a good mod.
Click to expand...
cactuscowboy said:
The tonearm fluid damper is especially beneficial when playing warped discs.
Click to expand...
The existence of a tonearm fluid damper as an option: Does this mean that the stock tonearm is completely undampened when lowered onto the record? That is crashes down on your record with the full speed of gravity? This sounds incredible/unlikely to me and I am just trying to understand. :yes:

Thanks.
 
No need to be embarassed.. if I didn't have a 1200 myself I wouldnt' know this. I've just read up on all of the mods available..

I think some could be nice.. and one I want to know is how to get my tone arm quieted down? maybe the damper? In quiet spaces of the wax, the arm picks up noise bad.. like a hollow sound.. if you have heard a Victrola, you will understand what sound I am trying to explain..
 
Njord Noatun said:
Any chance we can get the option of an "Embarassed" smiley?
Click to expand...
similost said:
No need to be embarassed.
Click to expand...
I found a good one:
embarrassed.gif


Thanks again!

EDIT: Similost - regarding your new avatar - I figure the best way to fight "the man" is to buy used vinyl! :D
 
LOL.. I've got about 1200 ways I've defeated the man, and still sticking it to him.. I won't even get into Torrents..
 
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