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Anyone have a fully upgraded KAB 1200?

I'm very close to having a fully upgraded KAB Technics 1200 with only needing some of the power supply upgrades.  Basically, i'd need the outboard PS and the strobe disable to call it complete (I did the DC voltage regulator (DC-1200) a while back to prepare for the outboard power supply).

Can anyone can comment on whether or not it was worth it?  I'm very happy with the 1200, and this last bit will call it "complete".  Reading through forums, I realize that the sonic improvements are not as great as say a tonearm rewire, mat, or tonearm silicon mod.  However, it's more of a "why not" type of thing and also as a sense of completion to it.

Cost would be ~$200.  Thoughts?  
128x128martinman
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
KAB PSU mods are an easy recommendation as are the Isonoe Sorbothane Boots from KAB.

Sarbothane or glass pads for Isonoe is not necessary. Isonoe is UK company, KAB is just a USA re-seller.
Isonoe feet without additional sarbothane boots are fine, just like on first 2 pictures on Isonoe Official Site


martinman's avatar
martinman OP
91 posts
 
Just wanted to update everyone.  I received the outboard power supply and strobe disabler this week and did the upgrade last night.  Sound report?  Definitely an improvement and noticeable change.  It's difficult for me to describe specifics let alone use the poetry that typically accompanies these type of tonal improvements. 

I'll say this -- *much* quieter and lower noise floor.  Totally worth it.  

I did the upgrades over several years:
+ Tone arm rewire, RCA jacks, cotton in tonearm for stabilization 
+ DC-1200 for voltage regulation (prep for outboard power supply), TD-1200 tone arm dampening, Isonoe feet
+ SX-1200 Strobe, outboard PS.    

Overall I think the tonearm wire was probably best bang for buck and most impactful to sound quality.  It was also the biggest PITA...  but I'd do it all again.    

If I do move on from the 1200, I'd probably look for a platform that starts at $2k-$3k.  I'm not planning on doing anything atm - the 1200G / 1200GR looks interesting - so maybe in the future.  But at least for now,  I'm 100% satisfied with the whole experience of DIY style upgrades to this deck.  Great experience, and totally worth it.  
nilecniv
7 posts
 

Thanks for reporting back!

Would you say the KAB PS-1200GXL was worth it? I have been looking at various linear power supplies offered for the 1200 for years, but have not bit the bullet. 

Can you comment on the install difficulty or do you have photos? Doesn't seem Kevin at KAB has updated his images from the original model.

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