Technics SL1200MK2 Cartridge Discussion

I will shortly have my SL-1200mkII modified with Cardas tonearm rewire from KAB USA. When it arrives I am going to put my Denon DL-110 on it. The match should be very nice and I can hardly wait to get it up and running.

I am currently running a Technics SL-D20 which though is no match for the SL-1200MkII is at least a Technics direct drive and even this lil $200 (1982 dollars) unit sounds pretty good with its entry level P-mount cartridge. The thing I notice on it and am sure to on my soon to be SL-1200mkII is DEAD STABLE platter running. Even this low priced unit runs DEAD STABLE!!! :-)

Spraglow,

The 1200 and 1210Mk5 are basically the same. The 120o is silver the 1210 is black (charcoal) with a space for an extra head shell. The 1210M5G has factory upgraded tonearm cables and more features suited for DJing or scratch along with a glossy finish. If you want the best one out of the box the 1210M5G may be your choice because of its better factory wiring. But KAB can upgrade for you the others with Cardas wire, it just takes a little while longer to get the unit delivered.

I chose the 1200MkII because I like the silver over the charcoal. The high gloss M5G interested me but it has added LEDS and other features I just did not need so I went with the more simple looking 1200MKII with Cardas rewiring. It will be hear anytime now, bu you have to be more patient as the mods and testing done by KAB takes added time.

I am looking forward to getting it putting on my Denon DL-110 cartridge. Down the road I'll probably buy the KAB arm damper. and maybe better feet for it.

Having recently received my SL-1200MKII with the KAB modified Cardas rewire I can say a fee quick things given the few hours I have played it yet.

1: The level of construction of the SL-12xx series based on my model is superb. I personally like its more industrial look. I like the blackness of the dense hard rubber base, reminds me sorta like hockey pucks :-) given I live in Canada. I chose a silver aluminium coloured model and it looks great, understated I'd say.

2: I don't get the whining some say about the tonearm. Thing looks solid and well engineered. It's machined to excellent tolerances and IMO easily rivals the RB250 which I had on a previous table. There is not discernible slack in bearings and the arm swings fluidly in all axises. The detachable head shell of all S shaped arms is said to be a weak link compared with one piece straight arms. Honestly in term of absolute measurements on a test bed maybe it is but properly mounted and locked to the arm pipe that joint is more than strong enough for any circumstance and there is absolutely no slack or issue over it and abnormal resonances. I'd say. The arm is a 12grams effective mass and in line with may other after market arms. So I see no issues over this either.

3: It rotates DEAD ON!!!!! and is also silent. I see and fear no sonic issues over the drive employed or how it was made. It is quieter than numerous other motors I've heard driving other brands of tables. I hear no problems with the sound from the spindle bearing either.

4: I have my Denon DL-110 cartridge on it and WOW it has nice synergy wit the arm and turntable. It is almost like a marriage made in heaven.

5: As for sound, it's only been a few hours but lets say it is an impressive sound from the SL-1200MKII with CARDAS rewire and my DL-110. Very deep and wide sound stage, no wow and flutter or other speed error issues that I can hear and good texture overall. My first impressions reaffirm much I have read on the SL-12xx series and it is a killer sub $1000 turntable. It's arm is compatible with many medium compliance cartridges and I'd have no issue recommending the DL-110 or DL-160 for those who want a great but still affordable M.C. cartridge for this set up.

Perfectionist,

Mine has no fluid damper yet, only Cardas rewire. I will spring for the damper down the road. But having owned an RB250 and now the Technics. I see nowhere does it fall short of the RB-250. Both are very nice arms for the money. IMO I think there is no real reason to swap it out for the RB250 or RB300. Maybe higher end Regas but who knows. But hey it's anyone's money to spend. But I think it is simply ridiculous for anyone to think the Technics arm is poor construction. I agree many cottage industry arms are no better but owners of them want to think so given how much they may have spent.

I'm not saying the arm on the SL12xx series is as good as it gets. But for the price of it all it delivers in spades.

Cmk,

Yes it is to a nice quality plate with Gold plated plug ins and a nice grounding post. I do not think they do a complete one piece run through but you may want to email Kevin at KAB about this.

This said I have no fear in the gold plated termination and so because it allows me to easily swap other cables if I want.