Technics SL-1210M5G

[Old_Tech]

I saw the comments here on the 1200MK2 and when I went looking for one I found the Technics SL-1210MK5G. It's a bit more pricey but has a few extra features as the 30th anniversary edition. The 1200MK2 is as nice I imagine? I am looking in this price range and found this to be very beautiful. I hoped I could find some users here and their comments.
Also, what cartridge does it like?
Sorry if this has been gone over before I hope everyone does not mind. :sigh:

 

[thedelihaus]

the M5g features better tone arm wire and terminations- that I know. Also the pitch is more adjustable- +/- 16 vs. The stock +/- 8. The arm features a different finish, and the unit has some custom LED lighting, but this is more cosmetic.

Otherwise the tables are nearly, and basically identical.

 

[neway]

the M5g features better tone arm wire and terminations- that I know. Also the pitch is more adjustable- +/- 16 vs. The stock +/- 8. The arm features a different finish, and the unit has some custom LED lighting, but this is more cosmetic.

Otherwise the tables are nearly, and basically identical.

+1.

The pitch thing doesn't matter too much, unless you want to speed up a Cyndi Lauper LP to make her sound MORE like Cyndi Lauper. The only differences are the interconnect and the wiring inside.

The main two schools of thought are this. Either get the M5G with the better stock wire and interconnect, or get the MK2 stock, send it to KAB, get the Cardas wiring for the tonearm, and they can upgrade the interconnect to the M5G one or they can install a terminal for you to use phono wires with.

Hope this helps.

P.S. Either way, get the fluid damper after listening to your player for a couple of months. I heard it was a must have to dampening your tonearm.

 

[Old_Tech]

+1.
The only differences are the interconnect and the wiring inside.

The main two schools of thought are this. Either get the M5G with the better stock wire and interconnect, or get the MK2 stock, send it to KAB, get the Cardas wiring for the tonearm, and they can upgrade the interconnect to the M5G one or they can install a terminal for you to use phono wires with.

Hope this helps.

P.S. Either way, get the fluid damper after listening to your player for a couple of months. I heard it was a must have to dampening your tonearm.

What is different in the interconnect and tonearm that I would need to upgrade on the MK2? Is it a real performance issue? also the cartridge? I see the M5G has no dust cover.
Thanks again

 

[neway]

From what I remember, and please don't quote me on this one.. I believe that the M5G has better OFC copper in the tonearm than the MK2 does. That also applies for the interconnect also. The plugs are "gold plated" if you get my drift.

From the side by side I've done, there is a sonic difference between the MK2 and the M5G.

 

[Old_Tech]

From what I remember, and please don't quote me on this one.. I believe that the M5G has better OFC copper in the tonearm than the MK2 does. That also applies for the interconnect also. The plugs are "gold plated" if you get my drift.

From the side by side I've done, there is a sonic difference between the MK2 and the M5G.

Sounds like a good upgrade - thank you I was not sure what we were talkng about.

Man you must have some excellent hearing or is this just a different sounding table for some reason? Also the cartridge; what are folks using? And Dustcover?

 

[neway]

Ha! Thanks for the compliment, Ron. But as for the wiring upgrades.. It's really much more like cable swapping and hearing the difference. So no biggie there.

As for the TT itself. I've used bigger, more stable rigs in the past. But what makes this TT so great is that you'll just find yourself listening to more records as a whole. Starting, stopping, is just so much easier than all the other ones I've used in the past. It's not as easy as skipping tracks on a CDP, but gosh it comes close!

 

[Old_Tech]

Ha! Thanks for the compliment, Ron. But as for the wiring upgrades.. It's really much more like cable swapping and hearing the difference. So no biggie there.

As for the TT itself. I've used bigger, more stable rigs in the past. But what makes this TT so great is that you'll just find yourself listening to more records as a whole. Starting, stopping, is just so much easier than all the other ones I've used in the past. It's not as easy as skipping tracks on a CDP, but gosh it comes close!

I have swapped cables before and heard a world of difference so I know what you mean. Won't you tell me why this Technics has no dustcover? Is it becasue its for the DJ's to use?
And what cartridge would you put in it? The Shure?

 

[neway]

There are dust covers but I think the latter options come as an option. Personally I never used one. I just put an old record on it and leave it at that.

I've used an AT and Dynavector with it and they sound great. What's your budget for a cart?

 

[whell]

The M5G can mate well with a variety of carts. I'm using a Stanton 881S currently, but have had success with Denon MC's, Ortofon's OM series, Shure V15 series, and others. Your budget will be the primary factor in determining the best cart for your table.

 

[cactuscowboy]

I'm using a KAB Ortofon ProS40 integrated headshell/cartridge on my Technics. Go to the KAB website and look at "Ortofon Hi Fi" under cartridges. It's a fast & easy set up and the sound quality is superb.

 

[Old_Tech]

There are dust covers but I think the latter options come as an option. Personally I never used one. I just put an old record on it and leave it at that.

I've used an AT and Dynavector with it and they sound great. What's your budget for a cart?

I was willing to go up to 200-300

Something worthy of the deck in that range. I currently run a SHURE V-15 on my ST-7 (it was easier to pick out a cratridge then) so I am used to the higher end stuff but want to spend a little less for a little more!
I am open to suggestions...
Thanks Neway, Cactus and Whell!
Here is my ST-7