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Technics SL-1200MK2

S

sdman

New Member
Does Technics make an automatic turntable that's similar to the 1200?
I'm just getting back into turntables and may need a lot of help and advice.
I do remember how rugged and well built the 1200 was and it was a direct drive.

thanks,

sdman
 
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the sl-1300,1400,1500,1600 non MK2 tables are automatic. The 1200 and precieding line of tables I have mentioned are rock solid.
 
Actually, the SL-1400 is semi-auto and I believe the SL-1500 is manual with the 1300 being full auto. Great tables for sure :)
 
The corresponding automatic to the SL-1200MK2 is the SL-1600MK2. The SL-1700MK2 is the semi-automatic. The only difference is that the 16 and 17 are suspended where the 12 is not. Both are quartz direct drive and have adjustable VTA just like the 12. And you can find them used for a heck of a lot less than a 1200MK2. Their only potential problem is a worn or broken automation belt which can be easily replaced for 50 cents.
 
Also- early (non-Mk II) SL-1300 & SL-1800 = full auto.

Early (non-MK II) SL-1400 and SL-1700 = semi auto.

These are the models Just below the SL-1200s. Close in performance and sound to the 1200- a few minor differences but plenty enough for most owners.

The non-MK II models are servo vs. Quartz, and I prefer the reliability of the Earlier models to the later MK-II models, trading off a bit of quartz accuracy for a tiny bit more reliability.
 
hakaplan said:
The corresponding automatic to the SL-1200MK2 is the SL-1600MK2. The SL-1700MK2 is the semi-automatic. The only difference is that the 16 and 17 are suspended where the 12 is not. Both are quartz direct drive and have adjustable VTA just like the 12. And you can find them used for a heck of a lot less than a 1200MK2. Their only potential problem is a worn or broken automation belt which can be easily replaced for 50 cents.
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You are correct Sir. But have you looked at prices lately at that auction place we all know and love so well:D for the 1600 and 1700MKII? there getting pricey. I have both not using them at the moment as one will be rehabbed in the spring and the other is in storage. Great tables both of them. The 1600MKII is a bit more finicky vs the 1700MKII.
 
Stanton681EEES said:
You are correct Sir. But have you looked at prices lately at that auction place we all know and love so well:D for the 1600 and 1700MKII? there getting pricey. I have both not using them at the moment as one will be rehabbed in the spring and the other is in storage. Great tables both of them. The 1600MKII is a bit more finicky vs the 1700MKII.
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Yes, its true. Words of praise written here and on the Asylum are causing the prices on these Technics tables to really start to move. Good thing word hasn't gotten out quite as much about the Pioneer tables of similar vintage. :thmbsp:
 
Some years ago, when I started shopping for a vintage turntable, I decided I wanted something similar to the SL-1200Mk2 turntables that I had used as a college radio DJ. I owned a cheap SL-BD22 which had a cheap p-mount arm, but I liked its semi-auto operation and controls in front of the dust cover. Putting what I liked together, I ended up shopping for a SL-1700Mk2, back before the prices went up. I'm currently messing around with a SL-M3 linear tracker, but I'm hanging on to my 1700 too.
 
Thank's guys. One more question: Which ones have the same direct drive as the Sl-1200? The SL-1700MK2 looks like a good choice.

sdman
 
The 1700Mk2 has an issue with the cuing belt that is easy to repair. If you see one listed with the cuing not working, it is often the belt. I'm not sure about the others, but the 1600/1700/1800 Mk2 series have pretty much the same drive system and platter as the 1200Mk2. All four were introduced in the same model year of 1979.

http://www.vintagetechnics.co.uk/turntables/sl1700mk2.htm
 
...Words of praise written here and on the Asylum are causing the prices on these Technics tables to really start to move. Good thing word hasn't gotten out quite as much about the Pioneer tables of similar vintage.
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Actually the Technics TTs are junk. They break easy and don't sound that good. And they look bad as well. :D Absolutely no comparison with the State of the Art Pioneer TTs from the same period :D

Did you notice any drop in Technics prices yet?
 
I hate automatic turntables as they have more parts to break, don't let you play novelty records, and you might accidentally cue a 7" on a 12" setting and screw up your needle. A table with only auto-return, I can understand, so you don't have to rush to the table after each side is over, but the appeal of fully auto eludes me when half the fun of records is putting the needle on the record and half the appeal of the Technics decks are how simple and durable they are. But I'm always babying my turntable. Considering, though, that a 1600 will probably cost you more money than a 1800 and break easier, I'd just stick to the manual 1200/1500/1800 but that's just me.
 
the 1300/1400/1500 & 1600/1700/1800 from what I've culled are basically the same as the 1200 regarding drive, but just a little less torque.

This torque comparo is minor- something maybe a dj needs to cue up a record to speed in 1/3 0f a second, while the 1300-1800 may take 1/2 or 2/3 of a second.

Minor, when it comes to home use.
 
I'm kinda leaning toward the SL1600 including the MKII. Only because I can put an LP on and just in case I get distracted (which I do) or lazy, or whatever, i can hit the repeat (or auto return) and dont have to worry about the arm/cart running out into the label. So it plays the same side a few times, what the heck. Right now my 1700 wont auto return so it's virtually a manual table. Love the quality though, sounds terrific, Technics OR pioneer gets my vote FWIW.
 
I have 3 full autos and 1 semi-auto. 1 table has the cueing issue so its manual till further notice. I will say the automation on all seems very durable. Considering 1 of the tables is almost 40 years old and the auto works great, I would not bypass one because it "might" break. plus, I don't understand how there is damage when you have the size set to 7" instead of 12". Doesnt the stylus set down in the middle of the record instead of the outer edge? Maybe there is damage that I am unaware of. Am I wrong? To each their own of course :)
 
day67 said:
I'm kinda leaning toward the SL1600 including the MKII. Only because I can put an LP on and just in case I get distracted (which I do) or lazy, or whatever, i can hit the repeat (or auto return) and dont have to worry about the arm/cart running out into the label. So it plays the same side a few times, what the heck. Right now my 1700 wont auto return so it's virtually a manual table. Love the quality though, sounds terrific, Technics OR pioneer gets my vote FWIW.
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The 1700MKII picks up at the end of the record That is why it's a semi-automatic. You just have to cue it by hand, if I remember it correctly.
 
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