Technics SL-1200: Models Offered

[cactuscowboy]

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.

I think you're confusing two different issues.

1.

The cueing lever is damped, so that when you use it to lower the tonearm, the stylus slowly and gently contacts the record.

2.

The design of the tonearm is such that the bearings are very free moving. Thus a warp will cause the tonearm to move quickly in response, sometimes to the detriment of playback quality.

The optional tonearm damper is a small paddle that attaches to the side of the tonearm. This paddle rides in a trough filled with heavy silicone fluid. Thus if you're playing that same warped record, the resistance of the paddle in the thick silicone fluid slows down or dampens the quick or sudden tonearm movement caused by the warped disc, resulting in better tracking and sound quality.

Some tonearm designs are such that dampening is achieved in a different manner. A thick silicone grease in the tonearm bearings is a common method.

 

[cactuscowboy]

the tone arm damper works side to side, not up and down...

That's not correct. It does provide damping action both laterally and vertically.

 

[gusten]

Gratulationer på Nationaldagen Njord.

My opinion is that the best mod or tweak is to buy a really good cartridge. A good cartridge can be the difference between "sounding good" and " musical nirvana". By good I mean at least OM30,OM40 or 2M Bronze.

Then you must see to that the resonance frequency is between 10 and 13Hz.
That means when using a heavier cart you must have a lighter headshell than the original one.

/gusten

 

[Njord Noatun]

Gratulationer på Nationaldagen Njord.

Takk! I seem to be spending it here. Not sure if that's a good use of it or not.

My opinion is that the best mod or tweak is to buy a really good cartridge. A good cartridge can be the difference between "sounding good" and " musical nirvana". By good I mean at least OM30,OM40 or 2M Bronze.

I figure that the most obvious "mod" would be your cart selection, too, so any ideas on suitable "cost-efficient" carts for the SL-1200 are appreciated. :thmbsp:

PS! What is your avatar, Gusten - Kronborg Castle in Helsingør?

 

[TheSonyman1]

Just curious...What is the difference between my Panasonic SL-1100(Pre Technics) that I bought in 1973 and the basic SL-1200 of today?

 

[gusten]

PS! What is your avatar, Gusten - Kronborg Castle in Helsingør?

No, but it´s quite close. Ít´s a Swedish castle only about 300km from Kronborg Castle. It had it´s glory years from about 1400 to about 1650. Still very much in use.

My recommendation regarding cartridge must be OM30 and without the extra weight.
/gusten

 

[similost]

That's not correct. It does provide damping action both laterally and vertically.

Cool.. thanks for setting me straight too. From the pictures and design of it I've seen, it just appeared to me to be vertical movement..

 

[iLUVanalog]

My KAB SL-1200MK5 is equipped with a hinged dustcover.

in which case of course yours is a MODDED version.

the stock 1200 Mk5 has no hinges.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi Njord,

Stanton 681 EEE-S Mk II and III are superb on 1200's. I also like the Audio-Technica 120 E/T well and most other A/T carts. I have a SL-1600 and use a 681 EEE-S Mk II on mine. Love the avatar! Legalise Lutefisk! :tresbon:

 

[virak]

I've got the TD-1200 fluid damper, and the Isonoe feet. Both mods work pretty well, IMO. The fluid damper gives a "blacker background", and some more weight to the sound, and the feet are really good at killing feedback. Extra bonus: They look good
But they are expensive, though. I was fortunate enough to get both s/h. Some damp the arm with shrinktube or plumbers tape. More work, but a lot cheaper!

 

[2uberoller]

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.

I ordered a hinge kit from kab usa. They were very easy to install. They are metal and clip on the cover that you tighten with 2 screws, then the cover has clips that fit perfectly into the back of the turntable. Worth the money, around $20.

 

[cactuscowboy]

Takk! I seem to be spending it here. Not sure if that's a good use of it or not.
I figure that the most obvious "mod" would be your cart selection, too, so any ideas on suitable "cost-efficient" carts for the SL-1200 are appreciated. :thmbsp:

I'm using the KAB custom Ortofon ProS40 on my SL-1200MK5. It looks like a DJ "scratch cartridge" but it's not. It's equipped with a 5/70 um Fritz-Geiger stylus and the performance is excellent. Very fast set up with this integrated cartridge/headshell. Only five minutes to adjust VTF, VTA, and antiskate.