Just picked up a Technics SL-1200mk2 turnable. Some questions!

Menasor
Menasor Posts: 283
edited May 2010 in Electronics
Hey guys,

Just picked this up for my wife tonight for her birthday. It's a surprise so I haven't gotten to playing around with it yet. Any recommendations on some good vinyl to get? :)

Also, I got it used, but in pristine condition. Unfortunately the person selling it didn't have the dust cover. Any cheap places to get a replacement from?

Thanks in advance guys!

Fronts: Energy RC-70
Center: Energy RC-LCR
Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


Pics of my setup (click me)
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Comments

  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2010
    Technic 12's are the shizzle. I used these back in the day when I was into DJ scratching and transforming. Til this day they still are considered some of the best by DJs. Other than that, that was my only use for them. I never considered using them in an audio rig. Congrats. Part should be relatively easy to find, ebay, or some other DJ pro Shops.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    Thanks Sherardp! In terms of sound quality, would the Music Hall MMF 2.1 be better? I've heard arguments for both sides. Not sure who to believe at this point. :)

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,994
    edited March 2010
    Heres a link for a dust cover and other parts..

    http://www.turntablelab.com/dj_equipment/44/188/

    This place is a little cheaper for the dustcover..

    http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm


    Good Luck, and Congrats


    Larry.


    .
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  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited March 2010
    Nice player. Look for the 180 gram LP's.

    Let us know how is works for ya.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited March 2010
    Music Hall MMF 2.1 does NOT do anywhere near as good of a job especially in vibration rejection. I thought the counter weight was also poor on it.

    I changed mine to a 1200 also. the 1200 with a denon dl160 is just fantastic for the $. Also being able to adjust the VTL on the fly on the 1200, is another +.

    Sound wise, i have to give it to the 1200. It just seemed more solid sounding in my opinion.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    Thanks for all the replies guys! It looks like there's a lot I can do to improve this sl1200. I'm not looking to break the band but I think the first thing I need to change might be the needle? It came with a Shure SC35C, which looks to be a DJ scratching stylus. How much is a reasonable price for the Denon DL-160 (used?)?

    I'm still trying to track down a dust cover without paying an arm and a leg (ideally $30 or less). Looks like most online places are like $60-70 with hinges. Ouch.

    Oh here's a pic of the turntable :)

    IMG_0076.jpg

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


    Pics of my setup (click me)
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2010
    NO affil:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Technics-Panasonic-Dust-Cover-SFAD122-01A-SL1200_W0QQitemZ170461454522QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27b04b60ba

    $40 shipped
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2010
    Another tweak/ check up:
    The headshell on those can be bad about twisting out of alignment. Somewhere you can find a free printout to do cart alignment, or you can get a nice protractor here:
    http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73365
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    unc2701 wrote: »
    NO affil:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Technics-Panasonic-Dust-Cover-SFAD122-01A-SL1200_W0QQitemZ170461454522QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27b04b60ba

    $40 shipped

    I don't think that one comes with hinges :(

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


    Pics of my setup (click me)
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    Also saw a lot of positive comments about the SL1200mk2 with the Shure M97xE. What do you guys think?

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,477
    edited March 2010
    It probably won't get much cheaper than KABUSA. $37 for the dustcover, $23 for the hing kit.
    http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm

    I always scratch my head as to what happens to all those dust covers and hinges. DJs never seem to keep them around.

    You definitely want to get a different cartridge on that table. That DJ needle is made for scratching and is not very friendly to classic vinyl. The Denon DL-160 was recommended above, but I would also throw in a nod to the Shure M97xE. It is a good match for the Technics, especially if you run it with the dampening brush down. I am running this cartridge with an SL-1300 (which is essentially the same tonearm), and I like the combo. It tracks very well and offers very good sound quality for the money.

    Normally, when you search, you can find the M97xE for around $60-$70 (w/free shipping), but many of the normal vendors (Amazon, JR) seem to be out of stock. I don't know if they are all just waiting for a new supply or what. Either way, I wouldn't spend more than $80 total for an M97xE. If you start to get up there in price, there are other recommendations.

    As far as buying a used cartridge is always a slight gamble, unless the source is trusted. Unless the savings is significant (at least half the price of a new one), then you are better off buying new.
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    billbillw wrote: »
    It probably won't get much cheaper than KABUSA. $37 for the dustcover, $23 for the hing kit.
    http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm

    I always scratch my head as to what happens to all those dust covers and hinges. DJs never seem to keep them around.

    You definitely want to get a different cartridge on that table. That DJ needle is made for scratching and is not very friendly to classic vinyl. The Denon DL-160 was recommended above, but I would also throw in a nod to the Shure M97xE. It is a good match for the Technics, especially if you run it with the dampening brush down. I am running this cartridge with an SL-1300 (which is essentially the same tonearm), and I like the combo. It tracks very well and offers very good sound quality for the money.

    Normally, when you search, you can find the M97xE for around $60-$70 (w/free shipping), but many of the normal vendors (Amazon, JR) seem to be out of stock. I don't know if they are all just waiting for a new supply or what. Either way, I wouldn't spend more than $80 total for an M97xE. If you start to get up there in price, there are other recommendations.

    As far as buying a used cartridge is always a slight gamble, unless the source is trusted. Unless the savings is significant (at least half the price of a new one), then you are better off buying new.


    Is it worth spending all this on the SL1200 (extra on dust cover, then needle etc) when I can get a Music Hall MMF2.1 for about $220 with dust cover and a Grado needle already installed? I initially only wanted to spend $250 tops. If I got the dust cover and the extra needle I'll be up around the $400 range in money spent.... hmmm

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


    Pics of my setup (click me)
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited March 2010
    Menasor wrote: »
    Thanks Sherardp! In terms of sound quality, would the Music Hall MMF 2.1 be better? I've heard arguments for both sides. Not sure who to believe at this point. :)

    The Technics build quality is much better than the 2.1. BTW don't go on the cheap with a cartridge. The Denon is a good choice. If you buy one new note that it takes about 35 hours for the cantilever to loosen up and about 100 hrs for it to sound its best.
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited March 2010
    Menasor wrote: »
    Is it worth spending all this on the SL1200 (extra on dust cover, then needle etc) when I can get a Music Hall MMF2.1 for about $220 with dust cover and a Grado needle already installed? I initially only wanted to spend $250 tops. If I got the dust cover and the extra needle I'll be up around the $400 range in money spent.... hmmm

    where you finding the music hall for 220 w/ everything included?
    is this new/used?
    sounds like good deal if new
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
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    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    rcrook317 wrote: »
    where you finding the music hall for 220 w/ everything included?
    is this new/used?
    sounds like good deal if new

    It's used, but the seller claims it's been barely used over the course of 4 years

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited March 2010
    I don't know how much into vinyl you are going to get but I have set up a Music Hall MMF 9 for a friend here and it was a bit of a PITA to set up. The anti-skate mechanism is the fishline weight type and is very imprecise and subject to airborne vibration. I wasn't all that impressed with the build quality either. The 1200 is definitely a more solid table. I've not compared the sound of the MMF 9 to a 1200 however. Just and FYI I am not a big fan of the Technics table compared to the higher end tables but in this case I think between the two you are better off with the 1200 as the 2.1 is very entry level.

    Others can chime in about the upgrades availible for the 1200 as I'm not familiar with them. There are several upgrades to the 2.1 that can take the table to a much high level regarding SQ.
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  • Huck344
    Huck344 Posts: 453
    edited March 2010
    Dust cover with hinges

    http://cgi.ebay.com/TECHNICS-SL-1200-DJ-TURNTABLE-DUST-COVER-IN-PACKAGING_W0QQitemZ280485541182QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDJ_Gear_Lighting?hash=item414e3db53e#ht_500wt_1182

    No affiliation
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2010
    Menasor wrote: »
    I don't think that one comes with hinges :(

    Ah. Forgot to check for that. I think I might have one rattling around my garage. Will shoot you a PM if I find it.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    You guys are awesome (much more responsive than those AVS forum guys haha). I'm gonna see if I can track down the Shure M97xE for a decent price new as well as a dust cover (trying to see if anyone on craigslist will sell me one first).

    I'll play around with it and come back with my impressions once I have everything set up. :) I'm sure I'll make some upgrades to it down the road. It sounds like I can't really do better for the money, so I might as well stick with it. Sounds like a keeper that will last a long time

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    unc2701 wrote: »
    Ah. Forgot to check for that. I think I might have one rattling around my garage. Will shoot you a PM if I find it.

    That would be awesome! Thanks!

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited March 2010
    Menasor wrote: »
    It's used, but the seller claims it's been barely used over the course of 4 years
    was wondering cuz thats a 4-500 dollar table all day long.
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    rcrook317 wrote: »
    was wondering cuz thats a 4-500 dollar table all day long.

    Hm... the 2.2 is 400-500, but the 2.1 only went for $300 brand new didn't it?

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited March 2010
    Well I think the real question or issue here is why do you think your wife wants, needs a turntable.

    If she is interested in turntables, wouldn't she have an opinion about what cartridge to buy?

    Please let us know how she likes the turntable.
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    bikezappa wrote: »
    Well I think the real question or issue here is why do you think your wife wants, needs a turntable.

    If she is interested in turntables, wouldn't she have an opinion about what cartridge to buy?

    Please let us know how she likes the turntable.

    She's always wanted a turntable, but doesn't really want to get into the specifics about which one to get or what makes it sound good. She just wants it to sound good. It's pretty much up to me to do all the research and come up with a setup that's the best sounding for the price. I want to give her a special setup that she will enjoy and would last her a lifetime.

    I'll definitely let you guys know what she thinks when I give it to her :)

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited March 2010
    Get the Denon for sure. I had the Shure and the Denon smokes it.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Get the Denon for sure. I had the Shure and the Denon smokes it.

    Wow you guys are all bad influences!! Haha

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited March 2010
    It really is that much better for the price difference.

    Edit: I tried both carts on the same table.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    Hm... I might be able to get a M97xE for around $60... but the Denon is like $180. Really worth 3x the price?

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,477
    edited March 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    It really is that much better for the price difference.

    Edit: I tried both carts on the same table.

    Triple the price, it should be better.
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  • Menasor
    Menasor Posts: 283
    edited March 2010
    While I sort out which stylus I want to upgrade to, would the Shure SC35C be ok to listen with for now? Or would it put unnecessary wear on the vinyl? Thanks!

    Fronts: Energy RC-70
    Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Surrounds: Energy Veritas 1.0CM
    Subwoofer: SVS PC12-NSD
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR705
    Amplifier: Denon POA-2200 w/ Ben's ICs


    Pics of my setup (click me)
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