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Technics SL 1200GR with What Cartridge???

I'm starting yet another thread on a similar topic, because I don't want to hi-jack someone else's thread, and I haven't found the answer to my question in other threads.

OK... I'm considering returning to vinyl for some of my listening and I need a Cliff's Notes version of what cartridges I might want to use.  

I've had a Linn Sondek LP12 for years, which I've barely used... but... it's been in storage.  As I recall it was pretty "finicky" and required a lot of attention to perform it's best (which was/is good).  I don't have enough patience anymore to deal with that, and am planning on moving to a Technics SL 1200GR, because it seems simple to operate, gets good reviews and doesn't seem to require a lot of attention. 

It appears that you can get great sound quality from the 1200GR with a good cartridge.  I'm just not sure what might be optimal / best for the money.

I also do not want to go crazy with esoteric cartridges that cost a mint.  My budget is probably in a range of... say... $300-400 to maybe $800-900 (if the cartridge is noticeably better than the more modestly priced cartridges).  

My Linn cartridge is a MM cartridge, I think (Basik or K9) in an Itok arm.  

That's about it.  

I'm not really interested in considering a lot of alternatives either in a turntable, or cartridges.  

Any guidance in this context would be appreciated.

bassdude

Showing 8 responses by bassdude

bassdude OP
461 posts
 

I guess I should also ask... what is the best value priced phono stage?

bassdude OP
461 posts
 
@yogiboy

"My friend uses the Grado Opus 3 with that Technics and it sounds damn nice. And the price is right!"

So... what phono stage is he using with it?  Hi or Low output cartridge?

bassdude OP
461 posts
 

You guys that have been using a variety of cartridges - which one(s) do you prefer?

I’ve been focused on Hana and Grado. The Hana, because it gets so many great reviews (as competing with much more expensive cartridges), and the Grado, because I’m a Grado fan (Grado everything), as well as the great reviews.

I’m unlikely to switch between cartridges for different music, because I prefer "all things acoustic" (jazz, classical, country, blues, etc.), and all stereo albums. I focus on clarity, detail resolution, controlled bass...

And... I’m committed to being practical (budget-wise) - will not chase perfection - especially, at the ridiculous prices for some turntables and cartridges - which are very difficult to believe!

I'd consider just getting my Linn Sondek LP12 out and having it serviced and set up - but, it would prolly cost me too much to justify doing that, even though it's like new.  I'm amazed at what they sell for now!  

Just my thoughts / focus right now...

bassdude OP
461 posts
 

RE:  Phono preamp - Haven't gotten that far yet.  I don't recall what I used with the Linn Sondek LP12. 

And... I don't know which pre's best synergize / mate with what cartridges.

So... open to suggestions there.

bassdude OP
461 posts
 
@recordbore

"I have a Technics 1200G. If you are looking for an easy to set up and maintain table that will last forever, I think Technics 1200GR is a great choice.

I have been using a Hana EL which is very nice. Just replaced it today with a Grado Sonata 3 which sounds very nice as well but is a bit more expensive than the Hana. ($450 vs $600) Little too early to make any firm comparisons!"

 

I’m a Grado fan... is the Sonata 3 difficult to set up (VTA, etc.)? That’s the only criticism I’ve seen. Other than that - everyone seems to love it.

Do you have the "high gain" or "low gain" version?  

What preamp are you using with it?

bassdude OP
461 posts
 
@chayro

"Honestly, if you have the Linn already, I would have it properly set up and just keep it. Once properly set up, Linn should go for many years without issues... new springs, grommets and a new belt are not expensive."

 

Yeah - that’s what I was thinking, but I assumed that Audio Concepts in Dallas (my Linn Dealer) would be too pricey even for just a new belt and set up. The platter has been off during storage, so and it’s not been moved a lot, so I don’t think it should need anything more, if even that. Maybe some lube for the platter spindle and bearing. It’s not been used much at all (very few hrs) and it’s been disassembled and in storage for years.

Of course, I’d prolly get a new / upgraded cartridge. And, that prolly would be something other than Linn, since they’re too pricey. Don’t know what that would be yet. And... would need a new phono stage. Have no idea what the best price / performance would be there.

But... If I can avoid being "ripped off" by the dealer, that might be the best option.

Which is the primary reason I was considering the SL 1200GR and Hanna cartridges. No chance for that by making the change.
bassdude OP
461 posts
 

You know I recently saw Frank Shroeder observe that the “two best cartridges in the World” were the Denon 103R and the Audiotechnica AT95 – both inexpensive, practical cartridges. I listened to both on YouTube and in A:B comparisons, they each sounded about the same as cartridges costing many, many times more.

I listened to the A:B comparison between the Denon 103R to the expensive Lyra Delos and could hardly tell a difference between them.  It's a bit surprising how subtle the differences are between many cartridges, including some of the most expensive ones.

So... I'm going to start out with the Denon 103R, and maybe the AT95. I may never need to go any further. They both sound superb.

And... as a few have suggested, I will likely begin with setting up my Linn Sondek again and trying the Denon 103R, before "I plunge into deeper waters."

bassdude OP
461 posts
 

@ dover

Yes... that's prolly what I'll do initially, until I've decided on the cartridge and phono stage... and... whether 1200GR or 1200G.  

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