Cartridge for Technics SL-1200G or SL-1200GR

sleepwalkder65
It might just need a little TLC (clean/lube the spindle, rewire the tonearm with litz tonearm wire, treat it to a new mid/high compliance cartridge, new interconnects and maybe the KAB fluid damper).

I had it serviced about two years ago, and it still moves like new.  I'll talk to my TT guy about the upgrades you mentioned.  Thanks.   

I am looking for a second TT.  My 1600 was part of my previous main system.  I'm setting up a dedicated listening room so I moved it there anticipating buying the G or GR.

I have two SL1200 mkIIs (one I bought new and one I refurbished with a new arm) plus a 1200GR in heavy rotation for the past six months. It’s a superb table and is more solid in imaging and bass, and quieter, than its predecessors. Cartridges include the Black (highly recommended) and several other Nagoakas, Stantons, Pickerings, Grados and Shures. But my favorite, and I HIGHLY recommend it, is a vintage Pickering XSV3000 (or 4000) and you can still get styli for these. Take a look at Wittsolutions on eBay for a wide selection of excellent vintage cartridges. You’ll save some money and be hard pressed to improve upon those MM designs and builds from the 70s and 80s.

And +1 on the KAB damper for SL1200mkIIs; it won't fit the GR as the arm gimbal bearing supports are considerably wider. Hopefully, KAB will make a new one that does.

The 1600mk2 is a great turntable, and if you are considering moving to a SL-1200xxx you will need to get used to picking up the tonearm at the end of play. That was one of the reasons I wanted a SL-1700mk2, because I’m lazy :-)

Back in the day, I bought the 1600 because it was totally automatic.  I kinda dread having to manually pickup the tone arm, but if I go the 1200 route, I'll have to get accustomed to it :-)

@oldschool1948...……………………………………….

You do realize the SL1200G is a $4000.00 turntable, where the SL1200GR is a $1700.00 Turntable? I have the 1200G and use a ZU Audio mofified Denon DL103MC cartridge. Breathtaking is how I would describe the sound.