Turntable purchase advice sought

Asking price for the modified 1200 Mk2?  And specifically what mods were done?

Keep in mind that the older SL1200 series is quite different from the modern 1200G series, even though Technics made the bad decision to have them look nearly exactly alike.  If the cost of the modified SL1200 is anywhere near to the cost of a new G series, go with the latter, is my advice.

@lewm Price is $1K and mods are as follows:

Linn mount (Silver color) and SME Tonearm armboards Technics SL-1200, SL-1210, SL-1200GAE, SL-1200G - black - dave-cawley - retail for $133 each
MCRU Linear Power Supply for Technics SL1200/1210 Linear Power Supply | STEP2 - retail for $340
Technics SL-1200 SL-1210 New Precision Audiophile Bearing Ruby - dave-cawley - retail for $350
Audiophile Mat 1 - dave-cawley - retail for $116
Isonoe Audio Isolation System with M6 Thread (Set of 4) - black - dave-cawley - retail for $141
Bren1 Record Clamp - $76

The fact you don’t mind fussing around should lead you to trying it.

Count me as an SL1200 believer. Like any turntable, changes are very possible and you should be able to assess whether or not different is better as you experience an other machine.

In addition to DC’s Timestep, Kevin Barrett @ KABUSA has much info as well as cost effective mods that are great for jumping in.

The original SL1200 MkII unit up through 2010 production should prove over time to be one of the more relevant turntables ever IMO. MUCH performance can be pulled from its well executed design.

@boothroyd Thank you for the advice. My one last hesitation is that it has fixed RCA cables coming from the tonearm. Assuming I keep that tonearm for the time being means I'm stuck with whatever quality those output cables have. Should this be a concern? I'm using Morrow PH4's at the moment. 

I agree with what boothroyd says.  In fact, Technics pulled more performance out of the SL1200 when they introduced the G series.  But as far as I know, the least expensive G series TT costs about $1700 retail.  So there is a gap in cost that might make the older TT worth the plunge/

@simao if the captive signal leads are a concern, there are options of attaching an RCA breakout box or direct replacement to some other preferred cable - many videos & sources are available for such work including KABUSA.

@boothroyd @lewm Cool. Thanks again. I removed an RCA breakout box from my VPI several years ago so am comfortable doing that in reverse. You have helped me be more comfortable with my decision. 

One last thing :) For the $1K price and with everything that comes with it, is there any other table I should consider in lieu of the 1200 for the same price and features?

As far as other options are concerned, there definitely are other turntables available that would allow you to explore, each with their own set of challenges.

While each system is somewhat unique, I feel the unconventional in audiophile terms Technics DD offers tremendous potential along with joy of operation.

+1 on the SL-1200 mkII

I own 3. 2 from mid late 80.s. 
1 from early 2000’s or late 90’s, I forget. 
 

all 3 still work flawless, never an issue at all, clean lube every couple years of heavily used.

best TT available. Others u break belts, things go wrong, wiring, etc etc

 will pass these down to kids soon 1 of them anyway. 
 

can’t go wrong with the 1200mkii 

most reliable TT ever built

Technics are solid performers. An Sl-Q3 and a 1600 mk2 are in the stables here. The Q3 is nice due to being able to set the number of times it repeats. Alongside it is a VPI HW-19 mk something or other. It’s nice to have them alongside each other. One for background or falling asleep music. The other for paying attention. :-)

Seems a heck of a bargain for a TT and many improvements/parts

Ruby bearing??? Anyone know about that????

Reviews of that???

You certainly could ask Kevin, Technics Guru

https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm

thanks for the KAB link!!

I think the turntable you are looking at is definitely worth consideration; however I wonder whether the value of all the additional mods is worth the additional price (above market) that you would be paying for this particular Technics SL 1200. Alternatively, you could source another SL1200 that is in the $300-$500 range and then spend the saved money on an upgraded arm (maybe something by SME). Whether that would provide better sound for your $ vs standard SL 1200 arm and the mods you listed, I don’t know… but I think it is worth considering.

@elliottbnewcombjr Gem Stones used as a Ball is a common replacement over a Steel Ball, has approx’ 25 Years behind it as a Concept, it was one selected for Idler Drives during the 90’s.

This was a ’biggy’ from about 2010 onwards when Lenco Idler Drives become a DIY Service Trend. The use of alternative materials, to be used as a Bearing Housing Ball was seen spoken about much more publicly since this period.

Gem Stones, as said are attractive, but also are Fragile and a Platter Spindle that can have a free movement vertically can take a Gem Stone out if a impact occurs. The same is for a Gem Thrust Pad. The idea of a Low Coefficient of Friction at the Spindle Base / Thrust Pad Interface from the use of a Gem is attractive, but there is risks present, that can easily be avoided, by selecting an alternative material.

I would have one myself, but the idea of giving the inherent risks over to another who might not fully understand the overall risk would not settle with myself. 

pindac

thanks for the explanation. the vertical bearing and thrust plate in my prior Thorens TD126 wade me ask.