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Upgrading Technics 1200 Tonearm under $1000

My analogue setup:
  • AT9 cartridge
  • Herron vtph-2a stage
  • Bryston 4b3 amp
  • Bryston Model T Sig speakers
  • Moon Neo 350P pre
  • Technics 1200mkII

I upgraded the Technics with the obligatory fluid dampening technology - a must for anyone listening at higher volumes. Wires are upgraded to the cardas all purchased from KAB! I also stripped the tired silver paint and painted the plinth a pearl white. The tonearm is the only piece left to update! I'm struggling with the amount of choices out there that is easy to set up. I looked at the Rega RB330 as a possible candidate but I'm open to other suggestions.
joyofsound
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You you have no interest in different cartridges and willing to upgrade SL1200mk2 then extrrnal power supply is what you can do before upgrading the arm. Also Isonoe feet (available in silver or black).


Look for Jelco tonearm, it’s popular upgrade and armboards available. 
westcoastaudiophile
242 posts
 
easiest tonearm upgrade would be SL1200MK4 titanium arm
anthonya
126 posts
 
can also try a belt drive or idler with suitable tonearm. Or... change to a good MM like what Chakster suggest. 

both option will make the system much  more musical warm textured and liquid.

making it sound more detailed and accurate can sometimes work against. seeing your using bryston. 

audio technica with ceramic inserts or headshell is also very good. smoother and more musical. that is another  cheap and easy upgrade option.




chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
easiest tonearm upgrade would be SL1200MK4 titanium arm


This is very rare old model from the 90s for domestic Japanese market, the price is insane and tonearm is not easy to find separately. The OP already rewired his tonearm, so the only difference between mk2 and mk4 is the armrube (aluminum vs. titanium).

I remember the price for new Jelco tonearm on ebay was just about $450-550 in 2019, I think it’s a good alternative to the stock arm even if the price was increased. This is a perfect match for Technics and better than Rega tonearm.
andysf
268 posts
 
IMO you will have to spend more than $1000 to significantly upgrade that arm. I do see some people replacing the arm on the 1200G model.  Maybe they would give you a deal on the old arm?
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