Why Isnt Techincs 1200 Considered Audiophile?

WRT...

 the arm is quite substandard

Hmmm - but is the rest of the TT "up to snuff" ?
- because Jeff at Audiomods believes it is - if you add one of these...

http://www.audiomods.co.uk/technicsarm.html

I have an Audiomods Classic II arm with the bead-blasted finish and it is a superb addition to any TT.

A friend has the 1200 with the Series Five arm built for the 1200 and he loves it

http://www.audiomods.co.uk/completearms.html

I think with an Audiomods arm, the 1200  is well into audiophile teritory.

Regards - Steve

The Audiomods is a tweaked Rega tonearm, there are many option for SL-1200mkII and it depends which cartridge are you gonna use. Also detachable headshell is a nice option. 

I'm still not sure which model of turntable the OP is tying to discuss, but Technics tonearm is not bad at all, the old one cost just $150 new, do you know any other tonearm for $150 that will give you same quality? Fluid damper from KAB is easy to add, and when i tried Technics EPC-205c mk4 cartridge on the stock toneam it was amazing. 

The Technics is one of a number of audio components that measures well (by certain industry approved standards) and sounds, well, not so good.  The quick answer is that means you're not measuring the important stuff.  With a light platter the constant checking and correcting micro speed changes imparts a particular coloration and timing distortion.

Michael Fremer put it well when he wrote:

"Regulating a direct-drive motor's speed with a phase-locked loop produces tight speed control and measurably low levels of wow and flutter, but the motor's constant, ultra-high-speed hunting and pecking as it over- and undercompensates in the attempt to produce a consistent speed can create a jitter effect in the mid-treble to which the human ear is particularly sensitive, adding a hard, brittle texture to music. That describes the sound of Technics' now-discontinued SL1200 series of direct-drive turntables, and explains why, despite their high build quality and relatively low price, few are used in serious audio systems, though some listeners claim that these 'tables can be modified to improve their sonic performance."

Certain direct drive TTs have overcome that problem principally with very heavy platters imparting a strong fly-wheel effect.  They are very expensive though going back to the Goldmund, and more recently the VPI and others

As with most things, hearing the problems may depend on associated components and the discrimination of the listener.

melm, Is this like the Emporer's New Clothes?  Only the most discerning are able to see that he is not naked.  Or that the SL1200 is not as good as it sounds.  

This is a great turntable. Definitely audiophile quality with the right cartridge.