Technics SL-1210MK5 Turntables?

msg

Kinda feeling the vinyl itch here lately. At the moment, finding myself enamoured with the Technics SL-1210MK5, but those things are ridiculously priced since discontinued. I see some used ones from DJ rigs (nope) or a few New-In-Box leftovers for around $1900 (!!!)

I was reading that Panasonic is bringing Technics turntables back sometime between April 2016 - March 2017, this announcement made in September 2015, but who know what this will mean for the design. Hopefully they'll just keep it mostly as it was, and that any changes will be in the way of true refinements, and not anything that hacks the quality in the least. I have this somewhat romantic image in my mind of the old production crews walking back onto a shut-down factory floor, pulling some white dust covered sheets off the equipment, and someone flipping a lever and all lights and machines coming back to life with new 1200s coming down an assembly line.

Guess I'll keep an eye out for a nicely cared for 1210MK5 in the meantime.

Nightfall

What about the Pioneer PLX-1000?

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-368856-pioneer-plx-1000-turntable.aspx

txcoastal1

Don't be a Ken

gudnoyez

https://quadcities.craigslist.org/ele/5365667432.html

Here is a SL 1200 MK3 model this is the most popular of the 1200s for Djs not a bad price looks like it's in good shape if it wasn't for spending money on the holidays and saving for crossover upgrades I would of checked into this, that pioneer is also worth checking into which I have considered but it's not a 1200.

ken brydson

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Don't be a Ken

Hey, I resemble that comment, I'm offended...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAgLhr6sHtc

msg

gudnoyez wrote: »

https://quadcities.craigslist.org/ele/5365667432.html
Here is a SL 1200 MK3 model this is the most popular of the 1200s for Djs not a bad price looks like it's in good shape if it wasn't for spending money on the holidays and saving for crossover upgrades I would of checked into this, that pioneer is also worth checking into which I have considered but it's not a 1200.

dang. looks nice, and nice price.
I don't like that it's modded though. I like the red lights. Is that what was oe on these?

I guess I need to expand the search to 1200's and not just 1210's.
I thought I had the models figured out, but apparently not. I thought the MK5 was the first model to offer the RCA's, but that started with the MK3 then?

I thought the 1210 meant black, though I am seeing some 1200's in black, too.

Thanks for the recommendation on the Pioneer, but I'm kind of feeling put off of the clones, and would like something of reasonably nice quality. I'm a bit fed up with cheap feeling modern electronics with prices much higher than the product is really worth. Anyone actually put hands on this Pioneer? Is it an all metal chassis, or is it plastic with weights in it like the Audio-Technica LP-120?

Nightfall

The Pioneer is the real deal. It weighs almost 30 pounds. Also has a removable power cord in case you want to upgrade that too.

To create an extremely stable player and prevent vibration, Pioneer utilized a heavy-mass zinc die-cast chassis for the top section of the player, reinforced with a bottom section made of 8-mm thick resin. The base of the unit was further enforced with 9-mm thick vibration-damping material that results in extremely stable playback. The tone arm also received great attention in build quality and design to maximize performance, using rubber insulation to minimize howling effects during audio playback. The RCA jacks feature gold-plated machine-cut parts for low impedance for excellent sound quality output.

msg

wow, it seems they really did put forth some nice effort. that's a bit of a pleasant surprise. admittedly, I just assumed it would be like the other clones available. I'll look into that, thanks.
any sense of sound quality? NF - you're a vinyl guy, right? have you had a chance to hear or put hands on the Pioneer at all?

man, Technics madness - it seems absolutely crazy out there. seems like all the ads are expired, or sell super fast. reminds me of the cost inflation for any gear anyone can tag with "vintage".

Nightfall

msg wrote: »

wow, they really did do that tt right. that's a pleasant surprise! I'll look into that, thanks.
any sense of sound quality? NF - you're a vinyl guy, right? You had a chance to hear the Pioneer at all? You have a micro-seiki, right?

man, Technics madness - it seems absolutely crazy out there. seems like all the ads are expired, or sell super fast. reminds me of the cost inflation for any gear anyone can tag with "vintage".

I'm new to vinyl. I'm just throwing out a a new option for you. I bet a serviced and refreshed Technics is probably a little bit better than the Pioneer but I also bet it's pretty close.

Stereophile raved about the Pioneer but I also don't know how many grains of salt to take that for.

Nightfall

Here's a massive thread on it. Lots of happy campers.

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/pioneers-new-plx-1000-turntable.367966/

txcoastal1

ken brydson wrote: »

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Don't be a Ken

Hey, I resemble that comment, I'm offended...

LOL, that was in reference to our scared Canadian brother to the North

honestaquarian

I have two SL-1200MKII's
One black one in the living room system and one silver one in the bedroom system.Pioneer,Audio Tehnica and Gemini all make turntables based on the 1200. I have a Shure V15 Type VxMR in the one in the living room and it's predecessor the V15 Type VMR in the bedroom. These turntables are SOLID and VERY adjustable (*how many turntables nowadays give you tonearm height adjustments? How many keep the quartz lock even after you have moved away from 33 1/3 and 45 RPM with the pitch control?*) Can better sound be had? Yes,but for a LOT more money and usually with something that is not as solid.

RamZet

Nightfall wrote: »

What about the Pioneer PLX-1000?

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-368856-pioneer-plx-1000-turntable.aspx

Is this a re-brand of the Audio-Technic?
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turntables/1468a7a181c8627f/index.html

Nightfall

They're both 1200 clones, but individual clones. The Pioneer is almost 10 pounds heavier than the AT table and twice as expensive.

RamZet

Nightfall wrote: »

They're both 1200 clones, but individual clones. The Pioneer is almost 10 pounds heavier than the AT table and twice as expensive.

Ahhhh, good to know.

msg

The Pioneer has a metal top and resin base, whereas the Audio-Technica is mostly plastic. The Pioneer also offers RCA jacks while the AT has captive cables.

Still researching the feedback on the Pioneer to determine the button feel in comparison. So far only read one piece speaking to this, and it said the Pioneer has nice button action.

That thread over at SH that Nightfall linked above has some pretty good info so far. Starts off with a lot of skepticism, but skipping to the end, after some people finally got their hands on the Pioneer, there's some positive feedback. There are some cons regarding this turntable as well, though.

My gut feeling is that I'd still prefer the Technics at this point, but not holding my breath for one. Can't get over the asking prices for these things in beat up condition.

RamZet

msg wrote: »

The Pioneer has a metal top and resin base, whereas the Audio-Technica is mostly plastic. The Pioneer also offers RCA jacks while the AT has captive cables.

Still researching the feedback on the Pioneer to determine the button feel in comparison. So far only read one piece speaking to this, and it said the Pioneer has nice button action.

That thread over at SH that Nightfall linked above has some pretty good info so far. Starts off with a lot of skepticism, but skipping to the end, after some people finally got their hands on the Pioneer, there's some positive feedback. There are some cons regarding this turntable as well, though.

My gut feeling is that I'd still prefer the Technics at this point, but not holding my breath for one. Can't get over the asking prices for these things in beat up condition.

Well technics is brining back the 1200 due to popular demand and market trends.

boston1450

If you like Technics there are other models that are solid performers for decent prices. I run this SL-1300 & if you can get one serviced & in great condition-they wont break the wallet & are solid players

msg

boston1450 wrote: »

If you like Technics there are other models that are solid performers for decent prices. I run this SL-1300 & if you can get one serviced & in great condition-they wont break the wallet & are solid players

Good thinking, Randy, thanks. Maybe I'll broaden the search a bit. It would be nice to be able to find something enjoyable and of solid build quality while the Technics thing shakes out. This is a friggin' rabbit hole and I haven't even bought anything yet!

boston1450

Very soon im taking a leap on purchasing a new turntable & its gonna be a do'zy. In 3-4 years ive had 10 or more & thousands of records. Little by little steps. Take your time & youll find one that does what you want. Make it enjoyable

honestaquarian

http://www.ebay.com/itm/technics-SL-1210MK2-A-Direct-Drive-Dual-Voltage-110V-220V-Turntable-SL-1210MK2-A/281890519821?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=34494&meid=45c05b6c225c48cf95a37982f3f55d86&pid=100005&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=201486722571

This is on eBay right now along with a LOT of other various varieties(*and colors*) of the 1200

msg

Haha, man that thing doesn't work.
I really appreciate the looking out, but I'd be looking for a clean, relatively turn-key M3 or MK5. With oe box and packing materials if at all possible. And what's the deal with all the Japan 100v imports?

I think I'm getting a bit eaten up in Technics 1200 craze. I'd really like one to see what it's all about, but gotta be sensible. Not looking to take on any old DJ tables or projects.

msg

Boston - what're you thinking on for your next one?

honestaquarian

I got REALLY lucky after years of wishing and hoping and got my silver one when a customer walked into the hi fi shop I used to work at looking to sell one. My black one I waited PAITIENTLY for a few months and snagged a clean one on eBay.
Again all versions of that turntable are up for sale on eBay at one point or another.All ya gotta do is search for them and wait paitiently.

msg

Nice. Yeah, I think that's the conclusion I seem to be reaching as well. Pretty cool you managed to get two you're pleased with.

Any words of wisdom for purchasing a tt on Ebay? I imagine there are a bunch of people just trying to cash in, and don't really know what they're doing packing and shipping wise.

gudnoyez

If that 1200 MK3 I posted is still available a week from now, I got to much going on this week..I might just check it out as it appears to be in good shape but I would like to see it action If it's to good to pass up I might consider it.

msg

Yeah, definitely, if it's complete and in nice working order, might be a nice little acquisition. Be interested to hear how that works out, and what you think. All the Technics ads I've come across are sold/expired, so it surprises me that this is still around.

boston1450

Scott. Ive been enjoying the ones i have. They all have great features & work great. Good carts & stylus. I havent really done much research at this point as i have other projects tying up my audio funds. Ive had the nib ATPL120 Audio Technica & i enjoyed it alot & i sold it off cause i bought my Marantz 6300 on Ebay & had great experience with that transaction. The 1300 i got local for 150 bucks & its been outstanding. The sl-23 i got for 10.00 in box & replaced the belt & it spins like a top. I just got back into vinyl after 30 years of cassettes n cd's. So in the last 4 years or so i play around. Buy a new album once in awhile & look for album lots-keep the ones i want & sell off the ones i dont. Its been a fun journey so far. When i do decide to buy-it will be new in the 1-2000 range & it will be hopefully my last keeper. It wont happen overnight. So i dont wet my panties over it. Im the last person to recommend tables to others. I do know my experience has been good with the ones ive had

msg

dangit Randy... lol, I swear man, the deals you get
I was looking at the SL-1300 you recommended, and it looks like it would work pretty nicely for what I need right now. I like the first version like you have, but not so much the MK2 version of that table. at this point, I kinda like tables with the strobe light, specifically red.

just added this to my list for consideration. what do you think?

voltz

I forgot about Joshua's tables, he was up at LSAF and his plinth made from "Blond Monkey Board" was slick! and he uses REGA RP series tonearm and platters I believe and he has many choices in woods to pick from.

Scott you will find so many choices it can make you pull your hair out, and I don't have much left.

http://www.jwmacoustics.com/index-1/#/karen/

boston1450

Here some to ponder on http://www.musicstack.com/guide-to-collecting-vinyl-records/ten-most-expensive-turntables.html