Technics 1200GR Owners

I just bought the SL1210GR about a month ago.  So far I'm absolutely loving it!  I've been switching out carts to find the best match in my system - Ortofon 2M Black/Bronze, Kontrapunkt B, and Clearaudio Maestro V2.  No clear winner yet, as they all have their own signature, and all sound wonderful.

I use the Technics stock headshell, an Ortofon LH-9000, and a Yamamoto Sound HS-2HS-2 headshell.  All adding a mild signature that sounds good IMO.  With the non-Technics headshells, I am using the additional tonearm weight.

I did remove the stock feet, and replaced them with an Isonoe Suspension Footer system and sorbothane boots w/ glass inserts, bought from KAB USA.  Certainly helps with vibration, and blacker backgrounds.

I've also been playing around with different mats.  I did not care much for the stock rubber mat, although it's not terrible.  I've been going back and forth with a Funk Firm Achromat (5mm), and a Poly-Glass mat with a thin rubber mat on top.  More more lively midrange in my experience.

The best footers for Technics: 
http://www.isonoe.com/products2/audio-isolation-system/

” Using conical tip nowadays is very strange decision. “

It might be strange but I picked it for very specific reason. The speakers are the Thiel CS 2.4’s and they can tend to sound bright in my room. With the 103 I don’t really perceive the rolled off highs but a more neutral sound. As for the bass I’ve done back and forth comparisons with the Dynavector 20x2L and both produce about the same amount of bass and bass quality - for the most part. I use a Zupreme headshell and use the extra counter weight as well. My preamp is a BAT VK-3ix and I use a Parasound A21 amp with PAD speaker cable. The phono is the dynavector P75 mk3.

I was thinking of trying and Audio Technica MM cart but I’m not sure which one would be the best fit because I’m not that familiar with that line.

Have had the GR for over three weeks and it is my final turntable.  Could have sprung for the G but was completely satisfied with the GR in a demo.  
Absolutely loving the speed accuracy and stability that adds an easily distinguishable energy and neutrality to the sound that was not there on my previous high mass belt drive table. 
Makes my old cartridges sound so much more alive. 
The idea of no longer being concerned about speed and pitch wavering allows me to relax and listen to the music. 
Currently running the Ortofon Cadenza Blue which sounds spectacular on this table even with low run in hours. 
Tried a variety of mats and headshells.  The stock headshell works just fine and lets the cartridge be as low as possible.  Other 'shells raised the cartridge and made it impossible to set proper VTA. 
Tried the wooden bull mat (not bad but bass was too rounded off) and the Funk Achromat 5mm.  The achromat was yanked in a hurry because it made the bass sound light and "hollow" and reduced its depth and impact.  The stock mat sounds the best so far- deep bass and high energy neutral sounding.   I may try a Herbies mat in the future but have no need at present.  Thrilled with the neutral, transparent, high energy speed stable sound.    

I had my Zu 103R converted to ESCCO's white sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus. Well worth the $400 cost. I believe Andy Kim does this service as well, and you wouldn't have to wait three months like I did. Andy's in Bellevue WA, and I've heard he doesn't dally in his work.

I very glad I had the conversion done, you most likely would too.

Regards,
Dan