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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
pennfootball71's avatar
pennfootball71
278 posts
 

I can’t believe you were mesmerized by a P6! I had one it was a total meh meh meh I couldn’t wait to trade in for something else.

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

@pennfootball71 Interesting..  could it have been the acoustics, rest of the chain or something. Coz I really liked how the P6 sounded.

Also, what's a budget value for money phono interconnect? Or is the stock cable good enough?

 

newfzx7
62 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. 

helomech
1,712 posts
 

The GR is the best sounding table I’ve encountered anywhere near the <$3K price point. 

You really must step up to a $5K^ belt-drive table or the 1200G to get a worthwhile improvement. Even with a $5K belt drive you might have to sacrifice some pitch stability when it comes to sustained notes.
 

 

 

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

Guys, the table arrived yesterday and its simply stunning. Love how it looks and feels. The heft and weight feels solid compared to the Rega (which felt quite light to be honest). I'm not saying it in a negative way, coz I know Rega is all about its engineering but the weight of the 1210 gr does feel nice.

@newfzx7 thank you.  the AT cartridge will arrive today. I bought one that's already installed to a head shell. Its supposed to be pre-aligned.  My stylus gauge and protractor doesn't arrive until tomorrow. Should I wait to make sure i have the accurate tracking force and alignment or trust the cartridge alignment and Technics tracking force knob?

@helomech thank you. I am extremely pleased with the table and i don't doubt it one bit. Can't get better than this for the $$. 

 

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