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Technics SL1200MK2 Cartridge Discussion

Hi,

I'd like to have a thread on cartridges that work with the Technics SL1200MK series tables.

I want to buy a Technics SL1210MK2 (the new black version from Musicians Friend) and need a cartridge recommendation. I am using a Musical Fidelity A308CR preamp that has MM/MC capability. My amps are Bryston 7B ST's and I have a pair of B&W Signature 800's on the way to replace my N801's. The MF Preamp is rolled off on top and the system is very listenable for long lengths of time. I'd describe it as detailed, but not too bright.

I really want to try the Technics table as it is relaible and inexpensive ($400 shipped or less for a used table if I go the ebay route). Please do not try to talk me into a different table. I had a VPI Scout and Dynavector 20x (High output) that I sold because I just wasn't using it. I'd like to keep this cheap so that I have decent TT available when and if I want to use it.

What can you recommed for a cart? I'd like to keep $160 to $200 as a max and stay lower if possible. Here is what I am considering:

Denon 103 (not the R)
Denon 110
Denon 160

Audio Technica 440 MLa

Shure M97xe

I do not know what carts work well with the Technics tonearm. I know that it is light and some threads recommend a Sumiko headshell for the Denons. What do I need to know here before buying a table and cart.

Thanks.
tigerwoodkhorns

Showing 5 responses by cmk

cmk
397 posts
 
Not so much a cartridge question, rather an SL1200 hot-rod question:

Which would be a better option for modding an SL1200
a) HiFi World's version with modded RB250
http://editions.pagesuite.co.uk//_PSEDITIONS/HiFiWorld/Hi-Fi%20World/September%202007/PDFPages/Page92.pdf
http://editions.pagesuite.co.uk//_PSEDITIONS/HiFiWorld/Hi-Fi%20World/September%202007/PDFPages/Page93.pdf
http://editions.pagesuite.co.uk//_PSEDITIONS/HiFiWorld/Hi-Fi%20World/September%202007/PDFPages/Page95.pdf
http://editions.pagesuite.co.uk//_PSEDITIONS/HiFiWorld/Hi-Fi%20World/September%202007/PDFPages/Page97.pdf

OR
b) KAB SL1210 M5G with:
Fluid damper
Outboard PS
Threaded record clamp
Cardas tonearm rewire
Isonoe feet
cmk
397 posts
 
I hear you guys on the arm. Personally I kinda like VTA on the fly, so keeping the arm is probably the best. As for the arm mods, the KAB Cardas rewire is only to an RCA plate? Don't they have something that goes straight to RCAs or even XLRs?

If I were to do up a no-holds-barred Technics, I supposed it would look like:

KAB SL1210 M5G with:
Outboard PS
Threaded record clamp
SDS Isoplatmat
Isonoe feet
Cardas tonearm rewire into XLRs
Sumiko HS12 headshell
Fluid damper
Denon 103R w Soundsmith OLC retip
Aqvox Phono 2 MkII

Now that would be sweet!
cmk
397 posts
 
Has anyone compared the Mapleshade brass footers and the Isonoe footers? Which is better at isolation?
cmk
397 posts
 
Back to carts for the Technics arms, has anyone tried out:
a) Sumiko Blackbird
b) Music Maker III
c) Dyna DV20XH
d) Benz Glider S H
cmk
397 posts
 
This maybe a silly question, but I haven't seen anyone use this combination: Is it possible to mount the PeteRiggle VTAF onto the Technics with the OL armboard?
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