Anyone have a fully upgraded KAB 1200?


I'm very close to having a fully upgraded KAB Technics 1200 with only needing some of the power supply upgrades.  Basically, i'd need the outboard PS and the strobe disable to call it complete (I did the DC voltage regulator (DC-1200) a while back to prepare for the outboard power supply).

Can anyone can comment on whether or not it was worth it?  I'm very happy with the 1200, and this last bit will call it "complete".  Reading through forums, I realize that the sonic improvements are not as great as say a tonearm rewire, mat, or tonearm silicon mod.  However, it's more of a "why not" type of thing and also as a sense of completion to it.

Cost would be ~$200.  Thoughts?  
martinman
OP here -- I've done all the upgrades advised in the thread.  Only thing left is the power supply.  The best thing IMO about the 1200 is its DIY upgrade path.  I've done all the mods myself - tone arm rewire, lidz rca, wax spindle base, new spindle, tone arm dampening, etc.  Tone re-wire w/ lidz rca was a PITA, but probably the best bang for buck.  

For me, it's a hard sell to put a $300 mat or $150 feet on a $400 deck.  I'm quite happy with it as is and am mainly interested in calling my 1200 upgrade project complete with these final mods.  
I think the best upgrade for old SL1200/1210 mk2 - mk6 is to sell it and to buy SP-10 mk2 with EPA-100 instead :) Took me a while to figure out, when I bought my SP-10 mk2 with EPA-100 my pair of SL1210mk2 was fully upgraded (kab fluid damper, complete rewire with cardas and zu, isonoe footers etc). 

SP-10mk2 in a custom plinth with EPA-100 tonearm is another level!
Not fully.

 I purchased the rca cables to swap for the stock ones. No one can do this work, remove old ones, solder on new better quality ones,

 I won’t attempt it, consider me Tim Taylor (toolman)
   I would destroy something.

 Taking off the plastic base, and getting it all back together like new, wish I knew someone who could do this. Someone who has experience.
I purchased the rca cables to swap for the stock ones. No one can do this work, remove old ones, solder on new better quality ones, I won’t attempt it, consider me Tim Taylor (toolman) I would destroy something.

There is a step by step tutorial on youtube how to disassemble Technics turntables for rewire.  


The KAB PSU mods are an easy recommendation as are the Isonoe Sorbothane Boots from KAB. I’ve used the older switched mode PS units sporting the green light box to wonderful results.

For the platter bearing, EAR Isodamp SD-125PSA (same stuff used by SME) works well applied to the underside of the bearing thrust plate along with a few other tricks well documented in various threads.

An SL1200 can also work exceptionally well using aftermarket tonearms, especially considering use of most modern MC cartridges. Sound Supports in the UK has very affordable options for accurately mounting tonearms including the NLA Jelco original TK850S which I’ve used multiple times. Mogami W2549 based Straight DIN to RCA cables are also a great way to "cheat", especially wired with a optional external drain wire for NOT connecting the shielding to ground if your environment allows.

Record mats can also have a dramatic affect, just like peanut butter ;-) Any suitable machinist should be able to remove the raised edge lip on the platter’s face for complete freedom to experiment - also well documented in various threads. Just pay attention to not overload the original bearing/drive system with too much mass.