The Official *Technics SL-1200* Owners Club

I'm having difficulty in removing the stock headshell from my 1200mkII (wanted to clean the contacts).

I unscrew the threaded collar on the tonearm and can feel the headshell begin to loosen, but then I get to a point where the headshell does not release and 'pop out' like I expect.

Instead I feel a tugging of the headshell -as if the connection is 'stuck' and I'm tugging on the actual tonearm wires.

Any suggestions?
 
I've personally never seen this condition, but maybe try applying some gentle heat using a hairdryer?

Once hot, try wiggling loose again.
 
Update to my headshell problem...

Had time this morning to figure this out - turns out the black gasket on the headshell was stuck to the tonearm contact assembly and wouldn't release, so as I tried to pull out the headshell it was tugging on the contact assembly.

I used a small/fine jeweler's flat head screw driver to pull back the gasket to free it from the tonearm....viola! Headshell popped out easily.

Lessons learned:
1. Don't overtighten the headhshell to squeeze/misform the gasket
2. Check the age of the gasket as it may start to get sticky

Time to spin some vinyl for Friday!
 
Hi guys,
I hope I'm not posting this in the wrong thread, but I am looking for an 1200/1210 MK2 power transformer for 220V.
Does anyone happen to have one to sell?

Thanx
 
I'm Back In Black, well sort of, after blowing thru a Denon 103R, Ortofon OM-5 and 10 and Super OM-20 and last but definitely not least the Super OM-40.
The Super OM-40 is my favorite cart. so far on the Technics SL-1200mk2, very musical.
Any thoughts on the DJ carts, or any other cart on the 1200 and any type of rating would be appreciated.
I personally love this TT. I have spent countless hours fine tuning the pitch with my multimeter, and the more time I spent pulling this TT apart the more I learned to appreciate what an incredibly well made machine this is.
 
Which one is a better match for stock 1200 mk2 arm - Denon DL 110 or AT 440 mla(b)? Thinking of upgrading from AT-95 and have narrowed to these two carts now. Those of you who have tested both cartridges with this turntable, perhaps a little help could do.
How good a tracker is Denon compared to AT? Used vinyl is what I spin.
Thanks folks.
 
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I have been using a Micro Glider Benz for a few months now, excellent matchup. The Soundsmith Carmen is stellar, Ortofon MC20 Super II is lush, the Denon 301 meh

No problems at all with a Shure M97xE either which is pretty good bang for the price

Regarding the carts you mentioned, both are good and have their fans so flip a coin
 
I've become disillusioned with my VPI Scout. I recently found out that the tonearm is not seating properly because the hole (female part) in the arm well is worn down. A new arm wand would cost $800+. But I have a Technics SL-1200MK2 just sitting around. I originally bought it for my son but he doesn't like its sound and is using an older model. Another Aker suggested that I mount and align my Dynavector 20X2 on the Technics. He said that it may sound better than my Scout plus it has on the fly VTA. VTA settings have ben a constant problem with my Scout because it is so difficult to change. My Technics was purchased from another Aker. It already has some upgrades, like better wiring and tonearm damping. The only thing I don't like about the Technics is my son told me that adjusting the azimuth is a PITA. But I'm going to try the switch anyway. Can anybody tell me the best way to align my cartridge? My son used to have a plastic device where you would try to get the stylus as close to the end as possible. I never liked it because it seemed too easy to cause an accident. (Break off the stylus.) In any case, an Aker friend recommended the Stephenson alignment method for the Technics. Any suggestions are welcome.
 
Just use the gauge, you line it up using a razor blade. To adjust the azimuth you need to buy a headshell with an azimuth adjustment.
 
There are 2 small screw heads directly behind the headscrew collar and underneath that may allow for slight azimuth adjustments. However, the tables are built to some pretty high tolerances, and if you have an azimuth problem, I would recommend that you analyze your cartridge install to make certain that it's install isn't the problem.
 
To rewire the arm the bayonet (2 small screws on bottom of the armtube) is detached from the armtube and the armtube detached from the bearing assembly on the other end (2 more slightly larger screws). When reassembling, there is a small amount of play at both of these junctions and it takes a bit of care to ensure that everything goes back together "square". When I rewired my arm, I put it back together a bit quickly and had to re-remove the arm assembly and readjust a bit to get the azimuth back to where it should be. There is also a bit of play in the bayonet connection when installing the headshell, and this can serve as another way to do fine adjustment to the azimuth.

Those screws are impossible (in my opinion/experience) to loosen and tighten with the tonearm assembly attached to the plinth. Fortunately, removing it is relatively simple. To get at the screws closest to the bearing assembly requires separating the arm/bearing assembly from the base, which is more time consuming than difficult. Make sure you set the anti-skate to zero before this separation, otherwise it can be a bear to get the AS spring re-engaged.
 
If I may submit my application for membership...
tumblr_nzvh4dMfbH1qi7c6jo1_540.jpg

Found that in the display case when I headed up to Galaxie to pick up my repaired SA-600 receiver. At $275, I couldn't pass it it up. :)

It didn't come with a dustcover, although he may have a spare lying around. No time to look for one then because he was closing early for the holiday. The VTA ring was stuck, but a little Google and a little hot air from a hair dryer loosened it up okay.

The TT came with a Stanton 500 cartridge. When I get home from work this morning, I'll replace it with the M97xE/Jico SAS combo I've been using on my LP120.

Now for a question. I have the 1/4" KAB supermat. Do I have to account for that when setting VTA per the manual?
 
I certainly did. A recommended VTA setting of "1/2" based on the M97xE's 15.6mm height gets the side of the cart crashing into the side of the record... with the cue lever UP. I finally had to go to 3-1/2 to get an acceptable amount of clearance to freely move the tonearm with the cue lever up,
 
DarkAudit said:
I certainly did. A recommended VTA setting of "1/2" based on the M97xE's 15.6mm height gets the side of the cart crashing into the side of the record... with the cue lever UP. I finally had to go to 3-1/2 to get an acceptable amount of clearance to freely move the tonearm with the cue lever up,
Click to expand...
You can easily adjust the cueing bar to raise higher. Don't use VTA as a fix for this.
 
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