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Upgrade from Technics 1200 MK2? $1-$1.5k budget

I'm faced with the option of selling the 1200 and buying another table, or spending for KAB upgrades. I'd like to explore a new table in the $1k-$1.5k price range rather than upgrade the 1200. The table must provide a good base upon which to upgrade.

I'd stick with the technics, but the tonearm is way to "fiddly" for me. There is way to much play in the headshell attachment area. The 2 screws on the bottom, and the single pin / bayonette style attachment are just to imperfect (maybe this is an advantage to some?). It seems like the slightest bump on the ortofon headshell, and I have to play with the azimuth. Also, i'm quite tired of dealing with ever so slight tracking issues. Very frustrating...

For completeness sake -- Stock 1200, AT120E/T, Baerwald protractor setup, 1.4-1.8 VTF, anti-skate 1.0-2.0, VTA at 0 (I have the thicker 1/4" technics mat). The setup is dead spot on, yet I still have tracking issues.

The VPI traveler jumps out at me as a good option. Likewise, Rega RP6, Clearaudio Concept (or SE). These are at the top end of my budget. The RP3 is around 1k, but all the reading I've done suggests that it might be a lateral move from the 1200. Pro-ject 5.1 as well.

One imperative feature must be ease of use / setup. I don't want to fiddle with anything. Thoughts?
martinman

Showing 2 responses by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
Wow, that's one great table to set aside because of a fiddly arm. I'd re-plinth the table and get a different arm. With your budget, have you considered a Jelco 750L (12") arm?

Otherwise, you're likely to spend Over $3000 even in the used market to approach the performance of your Technics table.

And that's coming from a very satisfied owner of a VPI Aries table with a 12" JMW arm.
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
ANY unstable movement in the arm, any looseness in the headshell, any play in the arm bearings, any non-rigid components in the chain must be eliminated.

IMO, not to mince words, your planned corrective action to your existing arm is a silk purse / sow's ear proposition.

Replacing your current arm with a better arm will result in performance closer to the potential of your table. My suggestion, within your budget, is a Jelco SA-750L (adjustable fluid damping). You could also get a nice cart like an AT-33EV, a good match for the arm, and still stay under budget.

But ultimately, it's your decision.
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