The Technics is a better table stock, and it has an upgrade path that the Pro-Ject simply does not. As time and budget allows, you can experience dramatic improvements by doing the following:
1. Add a Herbie's Way mat. Makes a very noticeable difference. Around $70.
2. Substitute a Sumiko HS-12 headshell for the stock shell. About $50. Adds mass to the arm, gives you a more stable and adjustable mount for high-quality cartridges.
3. Add the KAB Fluid Damper. Around $100, I think. Or perhaps change out the arm entirely for a Rega, Jelco or...SME 309!!!
4. Swap the feet or put it on an isolation platform.
5. Rewire the stock arm, if you decide to keep it, and it is good enough.
My SL-1200 makes music. It has the Herbie's Way mat, Sumiko headshell, AT disc stabilizer, KAB fluid damper and a Denon DL-103 cartridge.
I highly recommend the Denon DL-103 cartridge if your phono stage can handle it, but if not, get a Denon DL-110 or DL-160. Over the years, I've found those to be the best bang for the buck in terms of performance and synergy.
Good luck!
1. Add a Herbie's Way mat. Makes a very noticeable difference. Around $70.
2. Substitute a Sumiko HS-12 headshell for the stock shell. About $50. Adds mass to the arm, gives you a more stable and adjustable mount for high-quality cartridges.
3. Add the KAB Fluid Damper. Around $100, I think. Or perhaps change out the arm entirely for a Rega, Jelco or...SME 309!!!
4. Swap the feet or put it on an isolation platform.
5. Rewire the stock arm, if you decide to keep it, and it is good enough.
My SL-1200 makes music. It has the Herbie's Way mat, Sumiko headshell, AT disc stabilizer, KAB fluid damper and a Denon DL-103 cartridge.
I highly recommend the Denon DL-103 cartridge if your phono stage can handle it, but if not, get a Denon DL-110 or DL-160. Over the years, I've found those to be the best bang for the buck in terms of performance and synergy.
Good luck!