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Upgrade from Technics 1200 MK2? $1-$1.5k budget

I'm faced with the option of selling the 1200 and buying another table, or spending for KAB upgrades. I'd like to explore a new table in the $1k-$1.5k price range rather than upgrade the 1200. The table must provide a good base upon which to upgrade.

I'd stick with the technics, but the tonearm is way to "fiddly" for me. There is way to much play in the headshell attachment area. The 2 screws on the bottom, and the single pin / bayonette style attachment are just to imperfect (maybe this is an advantage to some?). It seems like the slightest bump on the ortofon headshell, and I have to play with the azimuth. Also, i'm quite tired of dealing with ever so slight tracking issues. Very frustrating...

For completeness sake -- Stock 1200, AT120E/T, Baerwald protractor setup, 1.4-1.8 VTF, anti-skate 1.0-2.0, VTA at 0 (I have the thicker 1/4" technics mat). The setup is dead spot on, yet I still have tracking issues.

The VPI traveler jumps out at me as a good option. Likewise, Rega RP6, Clearaudio Concept (or SE). These are at the top end of my budget. The RP3 is around 1k, but all the reading I've done suggests that it might be a lateral move from the 1200. Pro-ject 5.1 as well.

One imperative feature must be ease of use / setup. I don't want to fiddle with anything. Thoughts?
128x128martinman
minkwelder
256 posts
 
I have an SL-1200 with a Jelco SA-750D tonearm, Herbies mat and Michell record clamp and I am VERY satisfied with it. The tonearm has built-in fluid damping and with my Denon DL-160 tracks very well. It's hard to beat the 12X0's rock solid speed.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I can speak only to Item #4 of Johnnyb53's recommendations, the two cheap record clamps. I own both of them and wish I didn't. My turntable (not a Technics) sounds substantially better without either.
martinman's avatar
martinman OP
93 posts
 
Johnnyb53 et. al. thanks for your input

To answer some questions:
+ Headshell = ortofon. Does the Sumiko or LpGear ZuPreme lock into place well? In my setup, I can twist the ortofon even when it's screwed down. There is quite alot of excess tolerance around the pin / tone arm connection.
+ Fluid dampener - yes, this was one of the upgrades on the list. I was also going to rewire the tone arm. I hear it's a PITA, but well worth it.
+ The 1/4 in. mat does a pretty good job. I can't really tell a difference between the 1/4" and 1/8" mat -- i've only been using the 1/4 mat for about a week.
+ This is the record weight that I've been using: http://www.amazon.com/Chrome-Finish-Turntable-Stabilizer-Audiophile/dp/B0043KJAK4
I've only had it for a couple weeks. Not sure it really does anything with my 180g records.
+Hmm. So the feet i haven't though much about. The stock feet allow for level adjustment which I need. johnnyb53 - how do you level your table with the vibrapod cones?

I emailed Kevin a while back and he suggested that a rewire would be the most cost effective (it's like $30 + time). I was also going to replace the headshell wires and also add new RCA cables. So the order of my upgrades would be 1) tonearm rewire, 2) headshell + rca cables, internal ground, fluid dampener.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Mod yours for half your budget.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
ANY unstable movement in the arm, any looseness in the headshell, any play in the arm bearings, any non-rigid components in the chain must be eliminated.

IMO, not to mince words, your planned corrective action to your existing arm is a silk purse / sow's ear proposition.

Replacing your current arm with a better arm will result in performance closer to the potential of your table. My suggestion, within your budget, is a Jelco SA-750L (adjustable fluid damping). You could also get a nice cart like an AT-33EV, a good match for the arm, and still stay under budget.

But ultimately, it's your decision.
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