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thinking about technics 1200 mkII

S

surfbug

New Member
Hi,

I have a sl-b220 and a d30


I want a real turntable! hahaha

the sl 1200 mk II -- is that a good start for a better quality table?

any issues to look out for ?


I mght have one on the line for $225 approx

what is the difference between this and the 1600 mk II?

thanks!
 
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The Sl1200 is a great choice and should last you a life time.

Plenty of spare parts, mods and upgrades are available too. It´s a never ending source of fun and enjoyment.
 
"what is the difference between this and the 1600 mk II? "
1200MkII; Entry level pro table, solid base, fully manual, no automute, nearly bulletproof with parts availability, many mods to upgrades in ascending cost.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=381384
Very popular and well-regarded, the entry level 'better standard' by which others are compared.

1600MkII; Fully auto single play version of the 1600-1700-1800 "Audiophile" 1200 version series with automute, suspended platform, controls outside of cover, nearly foolproof and nearly bulletproof, many 1200 mods work on it outside of platter, base, and most electronic mods. Very well regarded autoplayer reasonably priced at present in the used market, it's less-automated 1700MkII and non-automated 1800MkII siblings are not to be disregarded as candidates with the same base and essential arm features as the 1200MkII.
 
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$225 is a steal for a working SL-1200MK2!

You might want to do a forum search on this model - there's literally hundreds of threads all about this forum favorite!
 
SL-1200Mk2 is the Toyota Camray/Honda Accord of turntables. Excellent build quality/materials/design. Fully manual with little if anything to fail and a slew of upgrades to make it even better. Plain Jane or tricked out the 1200Mk2 could be your first/last turntable and will last a lifetime. Not much out there new that will come close unless you want to spend $1,000+. A well cared for preowned 1200Mk2 will run circles around the new so called entry level audiophile turntables that turn into a money pit when you try to make them run on time, quiet the motors and the life expectancy is going to be a short one compared to the 1200Mk2.
 
It's a nice table.

1800 or 1800 Mk 2 - manual
1700 or 1700 Mk 2 - semi automatic
1600 or 1600 Mk 2 - fully automatic

Mk 2's are more desirable and have quartz locked speed control, and TT controls can be accessed when the cover is closed.

I have an 1800. I like it, but the speed drifts slightly (and has since new). Common fault if that the damping fluid leaks so you have to be careful when queueing. Not sure if Mk 2's are affected.
 
majick47 said:
SL-1200Mk2 is the Toyota Camray/Honda Accord of turntables.
Click to expand...

I like that.

My own analogy is to describe it as the Swiss Army Knife of turntables, because it can be modded for 78 speed, has swappable headshells, can just as easily be used for DJ duty as well as audiophile use, is rugged and well-engineered, etc.
 
beatcomber said:
I like that.

My own analogy is to describe it as the Swiss Army Knife of turntables, because it can be modded for 78 speed, has swappable headshells, can just as easily be used for DJ duty as well as audiophile use, is rugged and well-engineered, etc.
Click to expand...

Good way to put it. The only records (out of 20K+) I can't play with my modified SL-1200 are sixteen inch discs.
 
Correct me if I am wrong on this but I think the original poster really wants to know the sonic differences between the SL-1200Mk2 and the SL-1600Mk2.
 
The 1600 is reputed to be over-all the better sounding 'table to the un-mod'ed 1200, all other things more-or-less equal.
 
Some folk feel the 1600MKII (as well as the 1700MKII and 1800MKII) have a slight sonic edge in stock form, mostly due to the suspended design.

I feel the difference is nominal at best, and easy as pie to address if you feel there is some issue.

I own a 1710MK2, and have had plenty of 1200MK2s go through here. If you don't need auto features, then go for the SL1200MK2- more parts are available, a bit more sturdy and robust, and easily modified to sound so much better than in stock form.
 
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