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Technics SL 1200 GR

Hi everyone,

I know that a lot of you might think I am crazy but it is what it is.  I heard a Rega Planar 6 play a few days ago and was totally mesmerized with the sound. This will be my first TT and I am the type that prefers to buy the best I can instead of starting small, selling and upgrading. I have to admit, I do enjoy fiddling with upgrades but the idea is to get a future proof turntable and upgrade stuff like cartridges, etc along the way.  

Before you recommend that I get the P6, its simply out of my budget. I could consider the P3 if you believe its better than the SL 1210 GR (not the latest model 2 but the original one). 

Anyway, here are some questions I was hoping you'd be able to help me with:

  • What will a good starter Cartridge?
  • Should I go for MM or MC? Is one more complicated to install than the other? prefer something simple as its my first time.  Also, I read stuff like LO and HO.. For what ts worth, I will be using my Marantz PM Ki Ruby's built in phono (I believe it can handle both MM and MC, I could be wrong).
  • Anything else I should keep in mind?  Basic products for maintenance? 

Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate it!

prashanth14485
willyht
55 posts
 

I had an SL1210 GR and have nothing but good things to say about it. I started with an Ortofon Blue MM cartridge ($200), and then an Audio Technica VM540ML MM ($200), but ultimately went with an Audio Technica art9xi MC cartridge ($1,500), which brought the sound to a new level.

Truth be told, I upgraded to the SL1200G, out of curiosity, but other than pride of ownership, and next-level build quality, I can’t say the sound difference was night and day better. Bottom line, the SL1210GR is a classic table and it’s friendly with a lot of headshells/cartridges. I guarantee you’ll be happy with it. Imho, when you're at the quality level of an SL1210GR, the choice of cartridge is a much larger contributor to the sound than the table.

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

@lalitk Thank you. Quick question, is installing the Hana MC cartridge straightforward or will it require some adjusting etc. Keep in mind, I have very limited knowledge and would prefer not to have any complications.. I hope you understand where I am coming from. Scared of making stupid mistakes and potentially damaging.. lol

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

@willyht thank you so much. for sharing your experience. I just placed the order. I have to now decide on the cartridge.  I'm leaning towards a similar journey to that of yours.  Start with a simple budget cartridge (ideally <$500 or $750 at the most - perhaps the Hana recommended by @lalitk) and gradually work my way up over time. 

I'd prefer something that's plug and play given my little to no knowledge and experience. lol

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

@lewm @yogiboy @newfzx7  thanks for your inputs. I went ahead and placed the order with more confidence. I'm super excited to see this beauty in person.  

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

Cartridge options in no particular order:

  • Hana S MC Cart ($750, not ideal)
  • Grado Opus 3 MI ($300)
  • AT VM540ml ($250)
  • Orotofon Blue or Black

What do you guys think about the Nagaoka JT 80 Black? Also, in that <$500 price point.

Thank you so much for your help!

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