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TECHNICS SL1200 MKII.......THE REAL FACTS

I have been a very active participant in this hobby for many years (going on 30). I have owned amplifiers by B&K, Marantz, Forte, VanAlstine, Accuphase, GAS, Onkyo Grand Integra, Musical Fidelity.....Speakers by Thiel, Energy, Genesis, Vandersteen, PSB, Definitive Tech, KEF, Mission, B&W....Turntables by Sota, Rega, Linn, AR, Thorens, Dual, and yes; Technics. I have a Technics SL1200 MKII which I have had for a few years now. It has been modified in the following ways (all mods based on trial and error and final listening results):
-TT Weights 454 record weight
-XPM1 Acrylic mat with 1/4" heavy Technics rubber mat underneath
-Steel plinth cover (chrome finish). I cannot explain why, but the background is more quiet and micro dynamics are better with this in place.
-Armtube stuffed loosely with cotton.
-Heat shrink tubing on outside of arm tube.
-Stock headshell replaced with Sumiko with Sumiko headshell wires (do NOT underestimate what headshell quality can do with these things).
-Plugs on the stock cables replaced with better plugs: Vampire OFC RCA plugs.
-Bearings adjusted for minimal play with minimal friction.
-KAB Power Supply added

Now, this is the scoop. I do not want a Technics turntable. I am an audio snob. I want only salon approved brands; period. That is why this situation sucks dog. Out of all the turntables I have owned. This Technics with this combination of mods has the blackest background, the best dynamics, the most detail, the clearest stage, the most pace and timing and overall just simply plays the song in the least-confused manner of ANY turntable I have ever owned. In many ways it makes every other turntable I have ever owned sound like Amateur Night in sonic comparisons. Facts are facts. The Technics SL1200 MKII, when properly tweeked, is one serious LP playback unit. At least the chrome plated steel plinth cover covers up the name.
audiomaster1967

Showing 3 responses by pryso

pryso
1,972 posts
 
Hey Ralph, (Atmasphere), I was surprised to see your statement, "they are built for the expedience of semi-pro DJ work, which is the market to which the product is aimed." I would expect something different with your product knowledge.

The SL-1200 was introduced in 1975 as a consumer product. In the 1980s as CDs impacted development and sales of all turntables, it was the discovery and adoption by dance club/party DJs that created demand which kept the 1200 series in production. Unfortunately I think the common current false perception of the Technics 1200 models as "DJ tables" gets in the way of many audiophiles admitting to any credibility for their performance.

I do agree with Audiofeil and others who identify the 1200 series as good performers and a great value, but not necessarily the best tables available. And I must offer credit of another sort. About four years ago I started reading reports on the performance of the 1200 series and how that could be improved even more with a few basic mods. That led me back to consideration of a DD table and after further research, finding a decent Technics SP-10 Mk2.

Thus my appreciation for the Technics 1200 tables was to open my mind to a DD after decades of belt drive brain-washing. ;-)
pryso
1,972 posts
 
I'm sorry vinny but statements like this discourage any further comment, "Half The money id spend on a lenco would blow away any technics table ever made."

From your questions you obviously don't have experience with all the options for "any technics table ever made" so why would you say that?

Noting against a rebuilt Lenco, they obviously have many fans.  But there seems to be a larger number of experienced audiophiles who are very happy with their Technics.  Again sorry but there is no single audio component I can think of which has universal praise and approval.

Just FYI, the SP-25 offered the motor unit from the SL-1200 but without plinth or arm for those preferring to select their own.  The SP-15 was a clear step up in performance, as was then the SP-10 Mk 2 above that and then again the SP-10 Mk 3.  The new series of Technics tables may well offer further sonic improvements over the respective older models.  I've not seen any direct comparisons.  But I did hear a demo of the SL-1000R and while there was no direct comparison with any competitor at that time I can say I've never heard a more musically realistic presentation from an LP I'm well familiar with.
pryso
1,972 posts
 
The SP-20 chakster referred to many not have been sold in the US.  At least I've never seen one, only references online.  The Special Products or SP series sold here were the 25, 15, and 10.  The original SP-10 had built-in power supply and on/off switch.  The SP-10 Mk 2 included those in a separate box and added quartz lock, among other improvements.  That was followed by the SP-10 Mk2A and Mk 3.  Plus there were broadcast versions of at least the Mk 2.

More detailed information can be found online for those interested.
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