Looking into a Technics SL-1200M3D turntable - thoughts?

[Cheepnik]

I understand these are usually used by DJs, but I also hear it's a very solid, reliable unit for home use.

If you have one, are you happy with it?

What cartridge would you recommend? I have a great resource nearby (Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor) to install it, calibrate the table, etc., but I wouldn't mind a few endorsements from users on a make/model of cartridge that goes well with this turntable.

Is ~$250-$300 a fair price for a used one in excellent condition?

Thanks!

[vinyl anachronist]

I understand these are usually used by DJs, but I also hear it's a very solid, reliable unit for home use.

If you have one, are you happy with it?

What cartridge would you recommend? I have a great resource nearby (Jerry Raskin's Needle Doctor) to install it, calibrate the table, etc., but I wouldn't mind a few endorsements from users on a make/model of cartridge that goes well with this turntable.

Is ~$250-$300 a fair price for a used one in excellent condition?

Thanks!

I suggest you do a search on one of the very many threads on Technics turntables on this forum. I don't think we need to start another flamefest arguing about its merits.

[Onward]

I have a sl-1210mk2 with an audio technica AT440mla pickup. I love it. Easy to use, set up and live with. Solid and heavy and not prone to acoustic feedback. Adjustable feet makes it easy to level, adjustable vta and a medium mass tonearm makes it compatible with lot of cartridges and the detacheable headshell makes it easy to swap em out.

Be sure to get the thick rubber mat as it dampens the platter a bit.

A weak point is that the built in power transformer that can start humming after a few years. This can be remedied with the external powersupply from KAB.

In short: Solid, fussfree vinyl playback, and thats why I prefer it to my Rega P3.

[Rolf Erickson]

I have a sl-1210mk2 with an audio technica AT440mla pickup. I love it. Easy to use, set up and live with. Solid and heavy and not prone to acoustic feedback. Adjustable feet makes it easy to level, adjustable vta and a medium mass tonearm makes it compatible with lot of cartridges and the detacheable headshell makes it easy to swap em out.

Be sure to get the thick rubber mat as it dampens the platter a bit.

A weak point is that the built in power transformer that can start humming after a few years. This can be remedied with the external powersupply from KAB.

In short: Solid, fussfree vinyl playback, and thats why I prefer it to my Rega P3.

I have worked on several of these 1200 series. Solidly made, no nonsense, They function just fine at the price point they can be purchased at, worth getting for anyone starting out in vinyl. If you want to spend more, you can do so later on. These keep their value quite well, this price is fair to good, but not a bargan. If the condition IS primo, then fine, buy it. The weak point is poor isolation, you can do things to remedy that, put some suspention under it..? Mount it on a shelf?? But not to worry too much about it, unless you play at super loud levels, or stomp around your place... Rolf Erickson.

[Toka]

Solid and no-nonsense...Rolf nailed it. With a few mods you have a keeper.

[Paul G]

I have the exact model you are considering, the Technics SL-1200M3D. I use it with a Shure V15VxMR -- alas, no longer made -- and like the results. Based on other threads (not on my own experience), good reasonably priced alternatives to the V15 are the Shure M97xe, Audio-Technica AT150MLX, and Audio-Technica AT440mla.

Paul

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi,

This is an excellent sturdy daily user turntable. With some modifications, it can be a full-fledged audiophile turntable. Super reliable too. If you want suspension, look for a SL-1600, this one is also fully automatic and uses the SL-1200 drive system. My SL-1600 is very modified and is superb sounding. Enjoy!

[jt1stcav]

It's a '79 SL-1700MK2 with my long-discontinued '83 Stanton 981HZS pro calibrated MM cartridge...extremely smooth and clear playing 180g vinyl. I'd love to get another D98S longhair Stereohedron stylus, but the only place I've found that carries these rare styli wants over $240 for one! I do have an older, worn Sumiko Blue Point...maybe I should do a retip/exchange thru NeedleDoctor and try this MC on my 'table.

Even the older Technics consumer 'tables like mine (before DJs discovered them) are rugged as ever and built like tanks. Since my floor's literally a concrete slab, I have no troubles with vibrations due to footfalls on rickety wood flooring; even my dual subwoofers have no affect on the 'table's isolation dampening, which I think is pretty good, at least with my system.

As you can probably tell by now, I'm very satisfied with my 28 year old turntable.:righton:

[rcarlton]

I have the exact model you are considering, the Technics SL-1200M3D. I use it with a Shure V15VxMR -- alas, no longer made -- and like the results. Based on other threads (not on my own experience), good reasonably priced alternatives to the V15 are the Shure M97xe, Audio-Technica AT150MLX, and Audio-Technica AT440mla.

Paul

Same here. Have the SL-1200 M3D. Agree with his cartridge recommendations:nauga: .

[lukpac]

With some modifications, it can be a full-fledged audiophile turntable.

Suggestions?

[LesPaul666]

I have a question...does the horizontal azimuth alignment shift at all, due to the plug-in headshell on the Technics SL's?

[motorcitydave]

Same here. Have the SL-1200 M3D. Agree with his cartridge recommendations:nauga: .

I concur. I have the SL1210M5G, and it's a fantastic turntable. For everyday use, it can't be beat. Especially for the price.

[MichaelR]

Suggestions?

The internal wiring is considered a weak point ...

[dmt]

http://a466.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00008/56/46/8626465_l.jpg

my son loves it!

[Toka]

The internal wiring is considered a weak point ...

Yea, thats one of the biggest areas for improvement (while the MK5's have OFC wiring, the other models have tin-plated wire :eek: ). KAB offers a tonearm re-wiring using the Cardas stuff, plus you can then use your own IC's. The tonearm damper is the other 'big one' (with the outboard PS being right behind it).

[lukpac]

Yea, thats one of the biggest areas for improvement (while the MK5's have OFC wiring, the other models have tin-plated wire :eek: ). KAB offers a tonearm re-wiring using the Cardas stuff, plus you can then use your own IC's. The tonearm damper is the other 'big one' (with the outboard PS being right behind it).

Has anyone done a before/after with new wiring?

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi lukpac,

I began my Technics upgrade by upgrading the interconnect cables to Esoteric Sound's cables. I then upgraded the sagging suspension to Linn Springs and upgraded the headshell wiring to OFC from Sumiko. I also upgraded my tonearm bearings to better ones and mass lightened the arm. I also purchased a record clamp to round it out!

[lukpac]

I began my Technics upgrade by upgrading the interconnect cables to Esoteric Sound's cables. I then upgraded the sagging suspension to Linn Springs and upgraded the headshell wiring to OFC from Sumiko. I also upgraded my tonearm bearings to better ones and mass lightened the arm. I also purchased a record clamp to round it out!

A few things:

- what "sagging suspension" do you speak of? The included feet?

- it was my understanding the tonearm bearings were already quite good. How did you upgrade them?

- how did you lighten the arm?

[motorcitydave]

Hi lukpac,

I began my Technics upgrade by upgrading the interconnect cables to Esoteric Sound's cables. I then upgraded the sagging suspension to Linn Springs and upgraded the headshell wiring to OFC from Sumiko. I also upgraded my tonearm bearings to better ones and mass lightened the arm. I also purchased a record clamp to round it out!

Which record clamp did you get?

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi,

I have a Thorens Record Clamp on my Technics. Works well!

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi lukpac,

The SL-1600 has a suspended platter. Some of these have sagging springs due to age. I used Linn Sondek LP-12 springs for this job. I used SME tonearm bearings for that upgrade. The Technics bearings are very fine quality. I was just wanting a little more and it had to be torn down for overhaul. I lightened the arm by changing the arm tube assembly to a carbon fiber version of my own design.