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Vintage Technics SL-1000A vs Pro-Ject Debut or Exp

I'm the original owner of a stock Technics SL-1100A, currently with a 25 yr old Shure V15 V-MR cartridge. I'm just dragging it back out after years of storage to revisit my LP collection. It seems to work fine and is in good repair.

I'd be interested in making some reasonable upgrades to this turntable, and would like your thoughts on those, but I'd also like to get a better idea of how good this table really is or can be in comparison/rank with current tables like the Pro-Ject Debut/Expression lines and similarly priced new tables.

Has table technology advanced to the point where I'd be better off buying new, or would I be better off doing some upgrades to the old Technics?

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj13/zacamomusic/HiFi/SL1100A.jpg

Thanks
Geo815

Technics SL-1100A
Cambridge Azur 640P
Cary SLI-80 F1 Integrated
Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD Player
Triangle Celius ES Speakers
geo815

Showing 2 responses by geo815

geo815 OP
2 posts
 
Roy-
Thanks so much for the response and your insights. All very good ideas. I'm going to jump into the damping project this weekend.

I'd like to get a custom arc protractor made to see if I can optimize the stock arm - can you recommend any vendors for that?

Also would be interested in upgrading the arm, but don't know where to start for sourcing an arm board. I would think the exactness of the cutout and mounting holes would make or break it. Any ideas on sourcing?

I did contact KAB, and although they're very familiar with other Technics models, he wasn't able to offer much in the way of specific upgrades help on the SL-1100.

George
geo815 OP
2 posts
 
Roy-
Thanks again for your sage advice. In terms of optimizing the stock Technics EPA-110 tonearm with a new headshell and cartridge, I have a few questions maybe you can help with.

I've adjusted the arm to the specs on the AccuTrak UNIVERSAL PROTRACTOR from Vinyl Engine, and I think it's working pretty well, although limited in low-end extension and depth of soundstage. I'm currently running a 30 year-old Shure V15V-MR cartridge with the stock Technics headshell. The stock headshell with screws weighs approx 10grams and the combo clocks in at approx 17grams. I have not been able to find the Arm Mass specs on the stock EPA-150 arm to determine specific compliance. BTW this stock arm can be adjusted for VTA but not very accurately. Basically it's the "loosen the screws and have the whole arm drop into your hand" type of thing. I've got the arm as level with the platter as I can get it.

Headshell: I'd like to replace the headshell with an adjustable azimuth unit as you suggest. What I can find new comes down to the SUMIKO HS-12 (http://www.needledoctor.com/Sumiko-HS12-Headshell), the LP Gear ZupremeĀ™ (http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=LPGZHEAD&Category_Code=HEADSHELLS), or the Rek-O-Kut http://www.garage-a-records.com/products.php?cat=127). All seem to weigh about the same - 12grams. Any thoughts about preference/recommendation on these?

Cartridge: With one of these better but heavier headshells, what are my limitations in types of cartridges? I've always used MM cartridges - should I try an MC? My phono pre will accept both. Can you recommend any cartridges specifically for this setup in the $350 range?

Thanks again for your help-
George

Technics SL-1100A
Cambridge Azur 640P
Cary SLI-80 F1 Integrated
Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD Player
Triangle Celius ES Speakers
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