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Technics SL1200MK2 Cartridge Discussion

Hi,

I'd like to have a thread on cartridges that work with the Technics SL1200MK series tables.

I want to buy a Technics SL1210MK2 (the new black version from Musicians Friend) and need a cartridge recommendation. I am using a Musical Fidelity A308CR preamp that has MM/MC capability. My amps are Bryston 7B ST's and I have a pair of B&W Signature 800's on the way to replace my N801's. The MF Preamp is rolled off on top and the system is very listenable for long lengths of time. I'd describe it as detailed, but not too bright.

I really want to try the Technics table as it is relaible and inexpensive ($400 shipped or less for a used table if I go the ebay route). Please do not try to talk me into a different table. I had a VPI Scout and Dynavector 20x (High output) that I sold because I just wasn't using it. I'd like to keep this cheap so that I have decent TT available when and if I want to use it.

What can you recommed for a cart? I'd like to keep $160 to $200 as a max and stay lower if possible. Here is what I am considering:

Denon 103 (not the R)
Denon 110
Denon 160

Audio Technica 440 MLa

Shure M97xe

I do not know what carts work well with the Technics tonearm. I know that it is light and some threads recommend a Sumiko headshell for the Denons. What do I need to know here before buying a table and cart.

Thanks.
tigerwoodkhorns
solman989
44 posts
 
I always take the lid off when I play. The lid is just an extra appendage that will absorb any airborn vibrations and transfer them to the table.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
03-10-08: Perfectionist

"If you want a little airier treble, leave the lid up when you play a record."

Umm, no one should be running a tt with the lid up, or down.
Take it off and put it in another room.
Perfectionist, you are aptly named. Technics SL12x0 models
vary as to whether they have a hinged or set-on removeable dustcover. The basic SL 1200 has the hinges. The DJ oriented tables (such as the M5G) have removeable dustcovers. So I remove mine altogether, but it appears that Tigerwoodkhorns has a hinged one, and I was saying that he should at least leave it up when he's spinning a record. The closed dustcover probably accounts for his rolled-off treble.
perfectionist
197 posts
 

Not trying to start anything here...
I have two SL-12xx tables, main rig and garage rig. One's hinged, one isn't. If you listen to music at TV levels, it probably doesn't matter. But the louder you crank that volume, the more that lid resonates. And like Solman989 says, it then transfers that energy to the table. I've been removing my lids since I was a teen; it's just common sense audiophile brethren... ;-)
sharpe
9 posts
 
I agree with you 100% about the screw down clamp on the VPI. It is sort of a pain without very much gain.
Changing records is a breeze with the Technics 1210. I find myself listening to more records during a session. I have now put my Shure V15IV on the 1210 and like the sound very much. It also looks cool with the silver and black body matching the silver and black table.
tigerwoodkhorns OP
130 posts
 
Sharpe,

Maybe that is the bottom line. The Technics is so easy to use and so easy to change records that I don't mind going through several records at a time. The VPI took too much effort to use with the wobbly arm, wierd rubber belt and clamp.

As far as a rolled off top end, that is what I expect from vinyl, so it is not a problem. It sounds analog (like the VPI which had no dust cover)
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