Technics SL-1200Mk2 vs 1600-1800Mk2?

[virak]

Have anyone compared the SL-1200Mk2 with the SL-1600Mk2, 1700Mk2 or 1800Mk2?

A friend of mine is looking for a "new" TT (he has an beat up SL-1700), and likes the sound and build quality of the SL-1200Mk2's, but wants the convenience of at least a semi-automatic deck. Since the other Mk2's I mentioned share the same arm and motor, they look like the obvious choice. Plus a lot of parts will be easily available, if needed.

But does the undamped platter and suspended design have sonically drawbacks when comparing to the SL-1200Mk2? :scratch2:

 

[Daravon]

What's wrong with his SL-1700? That's my turntable and I think it's laughs. What's different about the MkII models?

 

[virak]

There's nothing wrong with it, except it's cosmetic condition.
He wants to try something slighly different, and the flexibility of the arm, quartzlock, etc. are of course very tempting. Plus you'll have the possibility to use modifications from e.g. KAB, such as the fluid damper, rewire kit (when it's finished), outboard power supply, and so on. Hell, if I didn't have SL-1200Mk2's, and wanted an automated TT, I'd be very interested, too!
But the question is if the suspended plinth design has a negative impact on the sound or not (for home use, of course), compared to the SL-1200Mk2 plinth (constrained layer damped)?

 

[hakaplan]

Have anyone compared the SL-1200Mk2 with the SL-1600Mk2, 1700Mk2 or 1800Mk2?

A friend of mine is looking for a "new" TT (he has an beat up SL-1700), and likes the sound and build quality of the SL-1200Mk2's, but wants the convenience of at least a semi-automatic deck. Since the other Mk2's I mentioned share the same arm and motor, they look like the obvious choice. Plus a lot of parts will be easily available, if needed.

But does the undamped platter and suspended design have sonically drawbacks when comparing to the SL-1200Mk2? :scratch2:

The tonearm, platter, suspension, motor, build quality, materials used, and specs of the 16/17/1800MK2 are identical to the SL1200MK2. The only way thse tables differ is in the degree of automation and the location of controls. If you doubt me, download the brochures from vinylengine.com and you'll see--or ask Kevin at kabusa.com, the SL-1200MKx guru.

Incidentally if your friend wants semi-auto, leave out the 1800MK2--it's manual. The 1600MK2 is fully auto but can be operated semi-auto by just manually cueing up the tonearm--it will auto return at the end of play.

 

[virak]

The tonearm, platter, suspension, motor, build quality, materials used, and specs of the 16/17/1800MK2 are identical to the SL1200MK2. The only way thse tables differ is in the degree of automation and the location of controls. If you doubt me, download the brochures from vinylengine.com and you'll see--or ask Kevin at kabusa.com, the SL-1200MKx guru.

The sales brochures over at vinylengine have diagrams of all the plinth designs, and only the SL-1200Mk2 are unsuspended. It's the only model where the platter is damped on the underside, too, from what I can see. *Edit* -I just re-checked the manuals, the platters are damped.

Incidentally if your friend wants semi-auto, leave out the 1800MK2--it's manual. The 1600MK2 is fully auto but can be operated semi-auto by just manually cueing up the tonearm--it will auto return at the end of play.

Thanks for the tip, I thought the 1800Mk2 had auto-return. I better take an extra look on those manuals...

 

[hakaplan]

The sales brochures over at vinylengine have diagrams of all the plinth designs, and only the SL-1200Mk2 are unsuspended. It's the only model where the platter is damped on the underside, too, from what I can see. *Edit* -I just re-checked the manuals, the platters are damped.

Oops.....my mistake, sorry about that. Just reread the brochure and my brain must be frozen. You are absolutely right. Unsuspended and dampened platter.

 

[virak]

Well, I just went ahead and bought an SL-1700Mk2 on ePay, so we'll make the comparison ourselves!

The stop button, the cueing button and the Auto return switch doesn't work, I'm guessing this is because of the infamous belt?
Anyway, one owner and original box, so I guess $61 is a decent price.