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Technics SL-1210GAE Anniversary

Hi ; Do any of you knowledgeable  guys can tell me if the new SL 1210GAE anniversary edition  have performance upgrades over previous models, or it is just a marketing strategy ?   How it compares with a similar priced belt drive TT? .
128x128vinylnostalgic
billstevenson
386 posts
 
In the January 2021 issue of Stereophile, Herb Reichert has an excellent article entitled "Some truly affordable phono cartridges."  It starts with the Audio Technica AT-VM95E.  $49.00.  It concludes with the observation "that the difference between a $100 cartridge and a $10,000 cartridge are not nearly as big as I previously imagined."  He spends a lot of time talking about the importance of the turntable and arm and proper setup.  As the owner of a GAE, I can tell you that your new turntable is excellent.  Set it up carefully and it will reward you.  It is a dream to set it up too.  Don't worry about trying to find "the best cartridge" for it, there is no such thing anyway.

Bill
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jtsnead
217 posts
 
US version of the cartridge 

https://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAJT80BK.html
dover
2,258 posts
 
Chakster, Have you heard the Nagaoka JT1210? If so, what were its shortcomings compared to the cartridges you commonly recommend?  
@lewm 
Chakster is Rauls alter ego - whilst Raul has heard everything, and doesn't know what it sounds like, Chakster knows what everything sounds like, without having heard it.

I get sick and tired of his ludicrous recommendations for obsolete cartridges, which if you can even find one, chances are it will be mechanically suspect or unreliable due to age.

I have several vintage cartridges purchased new, when they were in production, with very few hours on them - they have deteriorated - I can hear it clearly. The only vintage cartridges I use are where the cartridge has been completely rebuilt including generator.

If anyone values their records, buy a new cartridge from current production offerings.


luisma31
516 posts
 
Hi, @dover would you care to please comment on the following


If anyone values their records, 

I thought that suspension problems on NOS carts would compromise the sound but not the record
Thanks

dover
2,258 posts
 
@luisma31i, 
Hi Luis,
any cartridge that is damaged, worn, not set up correctly or mismatched with the tonearm runs the risk of mistracking. Mistracking damages records, at worst you get a noise like a scratch or scuff from the damaged groove. Furthermore, you may not hear mistracking until it gets really bad, but during this time the groove is being damaged until such time as you can hear your cartridge mistracking. The groove damage is permanent it cant be fixed.

This is why I believe it is risky to play vintage cartridges that may not track as well as when they were new. I have around 4000 records, many worth hundreds of dollars, many unobtainable now, therefore why risk damaging them. Buy a new current production cartridge unless the manufacture has a rebuild service where the cartridge is not just retipped, but all operating parameters are checked. NOS is not the same as new current production - suspension materials degrade over time.

Even if you have a modest record collection, add up what you spent - in most instances it is more than what you would spend on a new cartridge.





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