2. analog
  3. 119304-1665

New TT -- $1k - $1500

Where do I go from a technics 1200mk2?  I was thinking of the VPI scout.  Thoughts?

I know KAB upgrades are out there, but all totaled they are about $5-600 in upgrades.  I'm wondering if I can sell the 1200, and upgrade to something more exponential (offering even better upgrade options that I can spend over the next years).  

I've had the stock 1200 for almost 3 years and looking for something different.  Can I get it at $1500?
martinman
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Tone Publications review of SL-1200 with SME tonearm and other upgrades here:

http://www.tonepublications.com/analogaholic/sl-1200-upgrades-sound-hifi/
martinman's avatar
martinman OP
96 posts
 
effisher:  thanks for the hup - i contacted george and we're exchanging emails.  I haven't looked at SOTA tables before - mainly rega and VPI.  
Rega: Many dealers carry them
VPI: Nice clean looks

SOTA looks very good too!  Very few complaints online (whereas Rega and VPI have their share!). 

Regarding 1200 upgrades: The KAB level of upgrades is where i'm at financially.  Seems to be the best bang for the buck *and* provides the most benefit.  Though, the tonepublications article is down on these mods, when comparing them to a $2k tonearm...  not sure that's a fair comparison.  

I actually found someone local who can service / rewire the tonearm on the 1200.  This was my biggest hurdle.  Plus, they can go through it and fix up anything that needs attention.  The biggest thing that I want to make sure is the tonearm bearing.  All the tests i've done seem to pass, but i'm not sure if i'm doing them right.  

So, with tonearm rewire, at150mlx cart +SumitkoHS12 (i have this on hand), tonearm fluid dampening i'm in for about $500 (labor included).  
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
martinman, where are you local to?

martinman's avatar
martinman OP
96 posts
 
Lower michigan
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The fluid damper works very well, and the Technics tonearm bearings seem to hold up well. My deck has been in daily service for almost 9 years. Technics actually stated the bearing drag (7.5mg, I think) as one of its published specs.

Concerning the damping fluid: Fill it too high (over 50%) and it kills the liveliness and detail of the music. 1/3 full is j-u-u-s-t right. It'll track like a mofo (including very warped thrift shop records) and the music has a nice flow with excellent dynamics.
More to discover