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Technics SL 1200 GR

Hi everyone,

I know that a lot of you might think I am crazy but it is what it is.  I heard a Rega Planar 6 play a few days ago and was totally mesmerized with the sound. This will be my first TT and I am the type that prefers to buy the best I can instead of starting small, selling and upgrading. I have to admit, I do enjoy fiddling with upgrades but the idea is to get a future proof turntable and upgrade stuff like cartridges, etc along the way.  

Before you recommend that I get the P6, its simply out of my budget. I could consider the P3 if you believe its better than the SL 1210 GR (not the latest model 2 but the original one). 

Anyway, here are some questions I was hoping you'd be able to help me with:

  • What will a good starter Cartridge?
  • Should I go for MM or MC? Is one more complicated to install than the other? prefer something simple as its my first time.  Also, I read stuff like LO and HO.. For what ts worth, I will be using my Marantz PM Ki Ruby's built in phono (I believe it can handle both MM and MC, I could be wrong).
  • Anything else I should keep in mind?  Basic products for maintenance? 

Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate it!

prashanth14485

Showing 2 responses by newfzx7

newfzx7
68 posts
 

 I moved from a Clearaudio Concept to a SL1200GR because of it's removable headshell. I thought it would be a lateral move sound quality wise, but it wasn't, the direct drive Technics sound floor is more quiet and the speed is always dead on.

Other pluses for the SL1200 is the included cartridge alignment tool makes set up easy, you can change the anti-skate on the fly, the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) is also easy to change and accessible. 

I started with an AT VM540ml on mine, it's an excellent lower cost MM cartridge.

newfzx7
68 posts
 

I think you'll be pleased with that AT cartridge.

Here's a common sort of stylus gauge...

Stylus gauge Amazon

On my SL1200 I use a tracking force of 1.8g for my 540ML.

Technics advises to set the antiskate to the same value as you set the tracking force. That's done using a small dial near the back end of the tonearm. 

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