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Vintage Technics SL-1000A vs Pro-Ject Debut or Exp

I'm the original owner of a stock Technics SL-1100A, currently with a 25 yr old Shure V15 V-MR cartridge. I'm just dragging it back out after years of storage to revisit my LP collection. It seems to work fine and is in good repair.

I'd be interested in making some reasonable upgrades to this turntable, and would like your thoughts on those, but I'd also like to get a better idea of how good this table really is or can be in comparison/rank with current tables like the Pro-Ject Debut/Expression lines and similarly priced new tables.

Has table technology advanced to the point where I'd be better off buying new, or would I be better off doing some upgrades to the old Technics?

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj13/zacamomusic/HiFi/SL1100A.jpg

Thanks
Geo815

Technics SL-1100A
Cambridge Azur 640P
Cary SLI-80 F1 Integrated
Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD Player
Triangle Celius ES Speakers
geo815
geo815 OP
2 posts
 
Roy-
Thanks again for your sage advice. In terms of optimizing the stock Technics EPA-110 tonearm with a new headshell and cartridge, I have a few questions maybe you can help with.

I've adjusted the arm to the specs on the AccuTrak UNIVERSAL PROTRACTOR from Vinyl Engine, and I think it's working pretty well, although limited in low-end extension and depth of soundstage. I'm currently running a 30 year-old Shure V15V-MR cartridge with the stock Technics headshell. The stock headshell with screws weighs approx 10grams and the combo clocks in at approx 17grams. I have not been able to find the Arm Mass specs on the stock EPA-150 arm to determine specific compliance. BTW this stock arm can be adjusted for VTA but not very accurately. Basically it's the "loosen the screws and have the whole arm drop into your hand" type of thing. I've got the arm as level with the platter as I can get it.

Headshell: I'd like to replace the headshell with an adjustable azimuth unit as you suggest. What I can find new comes down to the SUMIKO HS-12 (http://www.needledoctor.com/Sumiko-HS12-Headshell), the LP Gear ZupremeĀ™ (http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=LPGZHEAD&Category_Code=HEADSHELLS), or the Rek-O-Kut http://www.garage-a-records.com/products.php?cat=127). All seem to weigh about the same - 12grams. Any thoughts about preference/recommendation on these?

Cartridge: With one of these better but heavier headshells, what are my limitations in types of cartridges? I've always used MM cartridges - should I try an MC? My phono pre will accept both. Can you recommend any cartridges specifically for this setup in the $350 range?

Thanks again for your help-
George

Technics SL-1100A
Cambridge Azur 640P
Cary SLI-80 F1 Integrated
Njoe Tjoeb 4000 CD Player
Triangle Celius ES Speakers
slowhead
40 posts
 
A replacement stylus, Jico or SAS for the Shure would let you know your limit of what you have now. You may not find the tables you mentioned to be that much of an improvement. I went down a similar road. Be careful of going LOMC, matching your cartridge specs. to your stage is paramount.
royj's avatar
royj
151 posts
 
Hello, George

Your Shure is quite a good cartridge and a new SAS stylus for it someday would be a sensible choice. The headshells you selected are all fine, although I would put the Sumiko last, for their logo displayed on top but mostly for how its finger-lift attaches compared to the other two (which look identical to me).

Unless your records are warped, I would not worry about the arm's effective mass too much. It's fine for most cartridges.

If this were my system, I'd keep the Shure, change the headshell and then align using an Arc protractor. Next, I would use a larger outboard AC transformer for the phono preamp, for improved bass and dynamics. Finally, I'd use Audio Magic cables to connect the phono preamp to the integrated amp.

And I agree with Slowhead.

Best regards,
Roy
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