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Modded or stock Technics SL1200G

I have been using my modded 1200G for one year now. I am still delighted with my choice to buy and mod this TT. I had Ralph (atmasphere) build an armboard and install it, Tri Mai built and installed the  Triplanar Classic SE tonearm, I added the Oracle Hard Acrylic mat and a HRS 315 gram record weight. Brian Walsh of ttsetup mounted the Lyra Kleos cartridge for me.

Having only used Lyra cartridges since 1988, it came as no surprise to run it for 80+ hours for it to open up. Even though "Mickeys" review stated 50-100 hours for break-in of the TT, It did surprise me that around 85-90 hrs for the whole rig open up and settled down.

Has anyone been unhappy with the purchase of their Technics SL1200G ? I would guess that many have used it stock but wonder if others have done any mods to improve SQ and what mods did they do ?

Platter mats, record weights or clamps, re-wiring the stock tonearm or installing a different tonearm. Power cord was hard but I got that too.


nkonor

Showing 2 responses by jbrrp1

jbrrp1
423 posts
 
I, too, have this tt modded by Ralph for a Triplanar U12 arm.  I have gone with a 5mm thick acrylic mat (no longer available "VSPM" design) sitting atop a 1.5mm silicone foam mat.  I am using a Stillpoints LPS weight, and a peripheral ring clamp that I made myself using a sandwich of two layers of stainless steel bonded to a middle layer of acrylic, all CNC'd to make the ring.  My rig does not sound as good to me without either the weight or the ring.

The whole sounds very transparent and delivers the musical goods in a way that I like.  I'm pretty satisfied with it where I am.  Between it and my Lampizator Pacific DAC I have two outstanding source options, and the biggest limitation I run into is the recording quality itself.  Great records or digital files sound very satisfying to me (OK, given the limitations of home reproduction vs. live - - neither can truly compare to hearing the MN Orchestra live, but on small ensemble works....).  Bad recordings have no place to hide, but they don't make me run, either.  I listen to plenty compromised recordings simply for the joy of the music.  It is just so nice when that joyful music marries with outstanding recording and pressing.
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
@jtsnead 

I agree with Ralph's observation that your constraint on thicker mats seems puzzling.  I have the thickest mat I could put on without hiding the spindle, because I figured more acrylic would offer a better sink for the needle vibration energy, and it had the bonus of bringing my U12 into better VTA adjustment range.  Thinner would have limited my ability to drop VTA at all below neutral, and I have had cartridges that need that.
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