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

I've been using a Technics SL-1600MK2 since about 1982.  I'm currently using an Ortofon Blue cartridge.  I have a NAD M12 pre, M22 v2 PA, and Tannoy 8 dcti speakers.

I plan to upgrade to a 1200G or 1200GR and wanted some cartridge recommendations from current owners.  I've considered the Ortofon Black for either, but I'm not sure if that would be overkill for the 1200GR. The Blue sounds pretty good with my current setup, so how much improvement could I expect if I went with the Black.  
128x128oldschool1948
last_lemming
639 posts
 
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


Sorry this is incorrect. KAB has a damper for the G/GR. I have it on my GR.

Alsowhile the G is better than the GR, from all reports it is barely better. My GR competes with my Prime (with speed controller). The prime is a better table all around but the GR is 90% of it.

i use a Denon 103r with ebony body on the GR and a Soundsmith Carmen Mkii on the Prime. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,466 posts
 
I sold my VPI Prime after getting the SL1200G.  I find the Technics superior.  For the first time, my analog rig bests my digital equipment.  Another plus is no acoustic feedback which I did get with the Prime and the Scout before it.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I am currently using a Lyra Delos with an Arche headshell on a 1200G. Sounds great. Other cartridges that I heard that are really good on this table are the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and Winfield. Very organic sounding on this table are the ortofons. I am going to get one down the road.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
last_lemming: Thanks for that! Ordered!

Cheers!
Steve
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,942 posts
 
The SL-1200G /GR are very nice turntables, but I feel they aren’t -that- much of a step up from the SL-1600mk2
The plinth and platter of the SL1200G are much better damped (the SL1600 has no damping in the platter at all) and the plinth of the SL1200G is also more rigid. This makes for a more neutral 'table, and its also more speed stable. The better your system, the more you hear these differences, especially with the volume up.
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