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Would a Technics SL-1200 MK2 be an upgrade from a Denon DP-31L?

Hi all,

just wondering if this Technics turntable is superior to my current Denon for home audio use? The Denon is my first and only turntable, and it sounds great so I have no complaints, but I wasn't sure if the Technics would be even better. Especially considering the Technics is a DJ TT, which I don't have a clue if that makes a difference for my usage in a home audio setting.
Price isn't a factor because I'll only pick it up if I can work out some kind of trade for it (although the asking price is $400 in good working order with a new self grounding RCA board installed)

any my advice would be greatly appreciated!

thanks
hockey4496
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 

I agree with Matt. Be careful with this one. Decent SL-1200MKII’s go for around $600 used on my local CL and are not beat up like this one. And have dustcovers too. Apply your $400 toward a good one.  If you do like this one, offer considerably less than the asking price.  The cartridge that it comes with is only $40 new.

And demand an audition. Make sure the tonearm bearings allow for free travel, up and down and left to right. Make sure the cueing is slow and smooth. Finally make sure the TT is holding proper speed. Sometimes, despite all these cursory checks, you may still have to open it up and do some maintenance and repairs. At least a good deoxidizing if the seller hasn’t done it already. If you are comfortable doing the work yourself, go for it. There are great bargains to be found with vintage. If you have to take it to a shop, you have exceeded the cost of a new TT.  Good luck!

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
yep buy local when you can test it and offer lower dollar.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Technics dust cover cost maximum $60 new, i have never used dust covers for my pair of SL1210mk2 since i’ve bought them in 1996. All parts for sl1200 available online everywhere.

$400 is a waste of money on Technics SL1200mk2, you can buy a much better used direct drive Denon, Victor or better Technics (such as SP10mk2) for a little more, but without tonearm.

Stock SL1200 tonearm is a weak point anyway, even with kab fluid damper and totally rewired. I don’t know what you expect from this Technics Sl1200mk2, your cartridge must be really good (mid or high compliance) to make this deck sing. Some other expensive mods simply not worth the price (better just buy SP10mk2).

However, If someone telling you that cheap modern plastic decks like Audio-Technica, Pioneer or other "clones" of Technics are good, i will tell you there is nothing like Technics Sl1200 in terms of build quality. I’ve been using them for 20 years. This is legendary turntable made like the real thing!

I prefer my Technics SP20 and SP10mk2


uncledemp
792 posts
 
I have a 1200 mk2 and like it a lot. It is stock with an AT120 cartridge. I use the Technics overhang gauge and never have an issue with anything, it just plays records, no fiddling. 

Mine me was used but very clean. Personally, I would not buy a unit that had been abused or missing parts.
timlub
2,042 posts
 
Well,I have got 2 cents worth. I've used and modded Technics 1200's. It does look like a DJ table, but dead stock, I prefer it over most entry level tables.  The audio Technica mentioned, needs the phono pre removed at a minimum and really could use a ton of damping before it will get in the league of a stock sl1200. However Audio Technica does have an SL1240. As long as you remove the phono preamp, it competes nicely.  Then lastly, in the last month or so, I have purchased 3 vintage fixer uppers, that were all 3 inexpensive and when I'm finished, each will be quite good.... a Technics SL25 with an Audio Technica ATP-12T arm, a Miida turntable that was made by Denon, it is a nice table with fully adjustable arm and a Sony PS-X60 which has a very nice adjustable on the fly tone arm.  I have no doubt that if you are patient, you'll come across a steal out there.  Not a real recommendation on which way to go, but here are some alternatives to think about. I hope this helps, Tim
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