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Technics SL1200MK2 has some crackling sound

W

wind2013

Member
Hi I'm a newbie and asking for your advice to help me out. I just scored a used SL1200MK2 locally. When I tested it at the seller's home, it sounded okay but now I can hear some crackling or hissing at a little bit higher sound. Since my receivers are newer without a built-in photo preamp, I'm using a very basic Behriner PP400 external preamp.

I'm wondering where the problem comes from, preamp or a worn-out stylus?
 
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If you don't have it go to Vinyl Engine, if not a member sign up and then download/print the SL-1200Mk2 owners manual which will have all the basic instructions re the turntable set up. Very possible the stylus is dirty and needs to be cleaned, use CAUTION when cleaning the stylus, do a AK search re the proper methods and tools to clean a stylus. Most of the new run of the mill audio video receivers arn't the best choice for turntables.
 
static14 said:
sounds like the stylus, but did you recheck alignment and the tracking weight?
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Thank you, Static14, I don't have a tool to check alignment but is it possible that alignment got off just after a 30-minutes drive? The tracking force & anti-skating are set at 1.5g.
 
majick47 said:
If you don't have it go to Vinyl Engine, if not a member sign up and then download/print the SL-1200Mk2 owners manual which will have all the basic instructions re the turntable set up. Very possible the stylus is dirty and needs to be cleaned, use CAUTION when cleaning the stylus, do a AK search re the proper methods and tools to clean a stylus. Most of the new run of the mill audio video receivers arn't the best choice for turntables.
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Thank you, majick47. It comes with owner's manual and I also have a stylus cleaning kit. I will clean the stylus this evening to see if it works and report the result here.

By the way, anyone knows the cart height of Technics EPC-U1200? I'm considering to replace it with a Shure M97xE so I need to know if there is any difference in height.
 
Greyson said:
It's probably noise introduced by the cheap phono stage.
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Thank you, Greyson, I thought the same in the beginning but the low-priced phono preamp works well with my other turntable, Audio Technica ATLP120. However, ATLP120 has no GND while SL1200MK2 has one, do that make any difference?
 
wind2013 said:
Thank you, Greyson, I thought the same in the beginning but the low-priced phono preamp works well with my other turntable, Audio Technica ATLP120. However, ATLP120 has no GND while SL1200MK2 has one, do that make any difference?
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Well, it would help to put information like that in the first post, you haven't given many details about what you have or haven't tried and we're basically playing a guessing game. If you have another turntable and you've used it with the same hardware and do not hear the noise you are experiencing then we can assume it's either the cartridge or the turntable. Have you tried putting the cartridge that's on the 1200 on the LP120.
 
I've no experience with the 'EPC-U1200' (or even heard of it before now) so I can't say. The LP120 is a Technics clone and the headshells are interchangable, you don't need to worry about removing or mounting the cartridge.

The arm height would most likely need to be adjusted but it should only take a few seconds to find out if the cartridge is your problem, then you can go from there about setting the 1200 up properly for a new cartridge.
 
Greyson said:
I've no experience with the 'EPC-U1200' (or even heard of it before now) so I can't say. The LP120 is a Technics clone and the headshells are interchangable, you don't need to worry about removing or mounting the cartridge.

The arm height would most likely need to be adjusted but it should only take a few seconds to find out if the cartridge is your problem, then you can go from there about setting the 1200 up properly for a new cartridge.
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Technics EPC-U1200 is a standard cartridge for SL1200MK2 and I just found its spec online. Looks like its height is 18mm while AT95E is 17.2.

I'm still not sure whether stylus or phono stage is causing the noise, will try to find out tonight.
 
I cleaned the stylus first but it didn't work. I replaced EPC-U1200 cartridge with AT95E. All noise disappeared! Then I installed Shure M97xE, sounds even better with more details of violin.

Many thanks to all of you for your advice.
 
I would be interested in your opinions of the audible differences you are hearing between your newly required Technics 1200 and the LP120. I also own a LP120 and have been thinking of upgrading, either to a 1200 or a Rega Planar 3.
 
I feel the sound of SL1200 is richer and more detailed. For sure it is partially because M97xE is superior than AT95E. Another thought is that ATLP120 is brighter while SL1200 is very balanced. Perhaps similar to difference between a Steinway and a Yamaha if you are familiar with piano.
 
Thanks for the response.

Just curious, have you run the M97xE on the LP120?

I have been using the AT 120e cart on my LP120 and have been very impressed. I would love to hear what differences I would notice from the cart on an upgraded TT.
 
hhjack said:
Thanks for the response.

Just curious, have you run the M97xE on the LP120?

I have been using the AT 120e cart on my LP120 and have been very impressed. I would love to hear what differences I would notice from the cart on an upgraded TT.
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Hi hhjack, not yet, but I did run AT95E originally on my ATLP120 on my SL1200MK2. Not that much, but there is a difference as stated in one of the above posts, ATLP120 is on brighter side.
 
You wouldn't happen to live in the Chicago area? Saw a similar one on Craigslist recently. Looks very nice.
 
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