Technics SL-1200 series as an audiophile turntable?

[gumbercules]

Apparently the price fluctuates daily. A couple of days ago, Amazon was selling the 1200 directly for $355.00 and I was all but ready to pull the trigger. Of course, the deal disappear the next morning.

I was all ready to get the Audio-Technica AT-PL120 since I'm not a heavy LP user. However, at about $350.00, I figure the 1200 will be a better deal in the long run.

i considered that AT-PL120 as well, but i figured i'd better pony up for the 1200. here's hoping it comes back in stock soon!!!! i'm DYING for a working TT. i have a ton of new (to me) records records just waiting to get spun.

 

[soundboy]

i considered that AT-PL120 as well, but i figured i'd better pony up for the 1200.

The Technics will actually cost me a lot more than the AT-PL120....need new cartridge and perhaps a phono pre-amp.

 

[gumbercules]

The Technics will actually cost me a lot more than the AT-PL120....need new cartridge and perhaps a phono pre-amp.

yeah, that's another unfortunate side of it. this is may be a dumb question (i'm pretty new to this), but would i need to buy a pre-amp if i already have a receiver (a Pioneer SX-55) once I get a new TT?

 

[wushuliu]

The Technics will actually cost me a lot more than the AT-PL120....need new cartridge and perhaps a phono pre-amp.

The resale value is worth it. An upside to the vinyl world is the resale value of the right hardware. If you're ever strapped for cash, you can move the Sl-1200 pretty darn quick. If you do some low cost upgrades, like the RCA cables, heatshrink the arm, etc., even better. The PL120 however would be much harder to move (never seen it on CL) and consequently you may not get much of a return on it.

It's hard to do when you're not rich, but sometimes paying up right the first time is cheaper.

Be honest, if you got the PL-120, how long would you give yourself before you moved up to the East Side. To that Deeluxe TT in the sky?:zoom:

 

[wushuliu]

yeah, that's another unfortunate side of it. this is may be a dumb question (i'm pretty new to this), but would i need to buy a pre-amp if i already have a receiver (a Pioneer SX-55) once I get a new TT?

Yes. Unless your receiver has a phono input; Most receivers these days do not (at least not many <$1k I don't think).

Again, when it comes to resale and treating the hardware like an investment -a preamp like the Hagerman Bugle, for example, is a good option: $100 to build incl. enclosure. Very, very easy to build. Sounds like the shnizbomb. And someone would be more than happy to pay that for your already built box (pre-built w/o enclosure is $150 retail). So no money lost!:thmbsp:

Of course, there are a million other options...

 

[Autobot]

The grand master M5G

Isn't that the SL-1210M5G ??? I was looking at the 1200 and then saw the SL-1210M5G and thought it would be better. Can you guys please comment so we have it here too!!
Please and Thank You!

I have the M5G known as the grand master.
And have modified it a lot!
see mine here:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/album.php?albumid=140

You can compare specs here:
http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/technics_dj/prod_default_analog.asp

And Amazon has a seller with high rating and free shipping the lowest price I have seen in quite some time just 15.00 over what I paid for mine almost 6 years ago this is a steal!
http://www.amazon.com/Technics-SL-1210MK5G-Pro-DJ-Turntable/dp/B0000CE6R4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1239218037&sr=8-1

 

[gumbercules]

Yes. Unless your receiver has a phono input; Most receivers these days do not (at least not many <$1k I don't think).

Again, when it comes to resale and treating the hardware like an investment -a preamp like the Hagerman Bugle, for example, is a good option: $100 to build incl. enclosure. Very, very easy to build. Sounds like the shnizbomb. And someone would be more than happy to pay that for your already built box (pre-built w/o enclosure is $150 retail). So no money lost!:thmbsp:

Of course, there are a million other options...

My receiver does have a phono input. The Pioneer SX-550 is early 80s-era, i think.

 

[soundboy]

The resale value is worth it. An upside to the vinyl world is the resale value of the right hardware. If you're ever strapped for cash, you can move the Sl-1200 pretty darn quick. If you do some low cost upgrades, like the RCA cables, heatshrink the arm, etc., even better. The PL120 however would be much harder to move (never seen it on CL) and consequently you may not get much of a return on it.

It's hard to do when you're not rich, but sometimes paying up right the first time is cheaper.

Be honest, if you got the PL-120, how long would you give yourself before you moved up to the East Side. To that Deeluxe TT in the sky?:zoom:

I agree. This is exactly what I was thinking.

I have an integrated amp (Sony TA-S7....which is also capable of MC cartridges) and a Technics HT receiver that has phono pre-amp. Not to mention my Sherwood 4109 stereo receiver from Radio Shack. An external phono pre-amp will be a future upgrade.

Btw, is that Lo Lieh in your avatar?

 

[wushuliu]

My receiver does have a phono input. The Pioneer SX-550 is early 80s-era, i think.

Nice... one less item to spend money on.

 

[gumbercules]

Nice... one less item to spend money on.

mos def... i actually just got the receiver a few days ago. all i need now is the TT, the one i have now is not really appropriate for the kind of setup i want to have now.

 

[wushuliu]

Btw, is that Lo Lieh in your avatar?

No. That's me with my 'wuh?' face. I think one of my wives took that pic while we were playing Hide the Bamboo in the Jade Garden. Good times!


(yes, that is the late great Lo Lieh:tongue:...)

 

[thedelihaus]

...when it comes to resale and treating the hardware like an investment -a preamp like the Hagerman Bugle, for example, is a good option: $100 to build incl. enclosure. Very, very easy to build. Sounds like the shnizbomb. And someone would be more than happy to pay that for your already built box (pre-built w/o enclosure is $150 retail). So no money lost!:thmbsp:

Of course, there are a million other options...

yeah, that's another unfortunate side of it. this is may be a dumb question (i'm pretty new to this), but would i need to buy a pre-amp if i already have a receiver (a Pioneer SX-55) once I get a new TT?

check your receiver- if it has a "phono-in" on the back, no. If it does not, a Creek, Cambridge Audio, Parasound, Rotel, and others can be had used or new from under $100 to over $300 and up.

The Technics will actually cost me a lot more than the AT-PL120....need new cartridge and perhaps a phono pre-amp.

Resale value and performance will shame the AT-PL120, which is essentially a toy disguised as a turntable. A nice beginner cart can be had for under $40, a great budget performance cart for around $60 to $140.

Yes. Unless your receiver has a phono input; Most receivers these days do not (at least not many <$1k I don't think)....

Onkyo, Marantz, Harmon Kardon all offer 2-channel receivers with phono pres built in, for $100 to $430.

Denon and Pioneer possibly will, or are offering them too.

...when it comes to resale and treating the hardware like an investment -a preamp like the Hagerman Bugle, for example, is a good option: $100 to build incl. enclosure. Very, very easy to build. Sounds like the shnizbomb. And someone would be more than happy to pay that for your already built box (pre-built w/o enclosure is $150 retail). So no money lost!:thmbsp:

Of course, there are a million other options...

For $350 for the table, $60 for a cart, and if you need it, $100-$150 for a phono pre, you are at around $410-$560.

Resale value for the phono pre can be 100%, and for the table, $225-$325. The cart would probably net you $40 used if not abused.

You'd be out $20 on the cart, nothing on the phono pre (besides any shipping cost), and $25 to $125 on the table.

Total loss is $45 to $145, but you have had close to audiophile sound (a better cart would give you audiophile sound).

The AT resale would be $35, if it lasts that long before breaking, and not come close to audiophile sound.

Passable sound, but not great sound.

And you'd probably go after the Technics once you sold the AT, and you'd be out all but $35 of that initial cabbage you spent on the AT....

 

[thedelihaus]

My receiver does have a phono input. The Pioneer SX-550 is early 80s-era, i think.

Well, that's $100-$150 less you got to worry about then!:thmbsp:

 

[wushuliu]

Onkyo, Marantz, Harmon Kardon all offer 2-channel receivers with phono pres built in, for $100 to $430.

...

Oh, duh. Of course. You're right. I was thinking of HT receivers...

 

[musichal]

After all this hallelujah chorus concerning the Technics, I'd like to interject a dissenting opinion. However, given that the OP's original question was whether the 1200 series are 'audiophile' turntables, then dissention is essentially impossible. What is an audiophile turntable? That is up for as much, or more, debate than whether the Technics indeed is one.

Yes, it's good quality. My dissenting opinion is merely based upon the observation that you can do better for half the money - or less - IMO, by seeking out a vintage tt of excellent quality. I will admit, however, that if you aren't familiar with (or become familiar with through research) vintage tables, then you could also do worse. Sometimes 'old' is just 'old', vintage alone doesn't insure high quality. So I tend to think of this series of Technics as a competent 'safe bet' more than as the highest quality for the dollar.

 

[eb2jim]

Late to the party, but more or less in agreement with the last post. The whole concept of audiophile turntables is a matter of subjective opinion. Like wine, and food, there are large sums of money spent on turntables that some people think sound better than a well set-up vintage turntable of decent quality. Others think the money spent is foolish. To that end, the 1200 is a great industrial-strength turntable offering quality that many people would have never dreamed possible 15 years before it was introduced. Who sez it ain't audiophile?

 

[beatcomber]

My dissenting opinion is merely based upon the observation that you can do better for half the money - or less - IMO, by seeking out a vintage tt of excellent quality. I will admit, however, that if you aren't familiar with (or become familiar with through research) vintage tables, then you could also do worse. Sometimes 'old' is just 'old', vintage alone doesn't insure high quality. So I tend to think of this series of Technics as a competent 'safe bet' more than as the highest quality for the dollar.

I love my SL-1200MK2, but you are absolutely correct.

I also own a '79 non-quartz SL-1200 that I paid $150 for last year from a CL ad, and it sounds as good as my MK2, and the speed is almost as consistent.

There are definitely amazing bargains to be had on excellent '70s turntables. This doesn't take anything away from the fact that the SL-1200MK2 is a high-quality, remarkably affordable NEW turntable.

 

[vintagelubbr]

I have had 3 pairs of 1200's...first pair from 87' second and third from 89'.

- At least each pair has been from CA to somewhere overseas and back.
- Playing 4-6 hours a night.
- Swapped between three brothers who beat the crap out of them daily.
- Gone through countless amounts of needle swaps.

18 + years later and the first two sets were all retired to home use, with the exception of the third set still traveling with a DJ. The first two sets were split between me and my three brothers and sister.

What amazes me, is they never detriorated in sound nor quality. I took pretty good care of them and not once did they ever go out on me. I've had CD players skip and stop, and mp3 players freeze in the middle of a party. But the 1200's? Not even once :thmbsp:

As for sound quality and being an audiophile TT? I think they are. Not based on durability. But based on the fact that I've never heard any other sound come out of it but the record. I've had to use something in between for a CD player but never on a 1200.

And the arm? Whoever says its a weakness, needs to come and see a 1200 play a warped record and not skip a single beat.

Then again, I am biased when it comes to the 1200's. Just look at my avatar :smile:

 

[thedelihaus]

Audiophile & High Fidelity-


audiophile |ˈôdē-ōˌfīl|- from Latin audio[1] "I hear" and Greek philos[2] "loving".

noun-

1) A person with an interest in high fidelity sound reproduction and its associated technology.

2) a hi-fi enthusiast.



high fi•deli•ty (abbreviated as hi-fi or HiFi)

noun-

1) The reproduction of sound aiming to achieve a result very similar to the original.

2) A recording and playback device that reproduces a given sound or image with relatively high accuracy.

 

[thedelihaus]

Do a percentage (high or low) of the buyers not using the Technics exclusively as workhorse tools of the DJ trade desire accurate reproduction of sound?

Judging from folk here, on Vinyl Engine, and Audiogon, I'd say yes.

Does the Technics strive for accuracy of sound reproduction? Does it achieve it?

I like to think so, with it's speed accuracy and VTA adjustment, and low friction arm bearings.

Can one find vintage bargains at a fraction of the cost that compete or exceed it?

Yes. I own a few- bought at 1/3rd to 1/7th the price of a new Technics. All are just as good, and I'd say a few even better.


For new turntables in the price range, however, the Technics is a solid buy.


Are there other new, worthy tables within the price range?

Absolutely. The Rega arm is a work of art. I dig the Music Hall MMF 5. And Pro-Ject make some killer tables.