Technics SL 1200 GR

@kahlenz Thanks for taking the time to validate my decision to purchase the 1210 GR. It really means a lot to me. also, the recommendations on Carts.. I am still trying to understand what’s required to run LO vs HO MC carts vs MM carts.

My Marantz PM KI Ruby states the following for input sensitivity/Input impedance:

• PHONO (MC): 250 μV / 100 Ω/ohms
• PHONO (MM): 2.3 mV/39 kΩ/kohms

Is this what I should be referring to when deciding whether or not my marantz is good enough to drive for example, the Hana SL? You’ve mentioned minimum of >400 ohms..looks like my amp is nowhere near that mark.. lol and its not even good enough to run the Mofi MM that requires 47 ohms?

Any MM cart, including the Mofi MasterTracker and the AT540 will be fine (not optimal) with 39 kohms loading.  The Hana needs higher resistance to be optimal, but will work (it will be a bit constrained running into 100 ohms).  I would look into something like the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC for a better match and save some $$.  Look into better MC carts when you are ready to upgrade your phono pre (or just get the Hana, which is exceptional for the price, knowing you will eventually want to upgrade your phono pre).

Don't discount MM carts.  I love them!  Even the Ortofon 2M Red at $99 sounds great (they get better as you go up the line, the 2M bronze would be the one I would shoot for with your amp).  The Grado Prestige carts are also cheap and cheerful and sound fantastic (Grado has a cool house sound you may like).  At this price point, MMs are in their wheelhouse, and you can try a bunch of them!  If I am being honest, I like my MasterTracker MM better than the HanaSL for casual listening (the Hana IS more resolving, but only when I am listening carefully and not distracted by anything going on around me).  But when I am partying and drinking beer with friends it is MC all the way!

@prashanth14485

Congratulations on SL1200. If you find Marantz phono inadequate, check out my recommendation on Parasound phono. This phono will drive pretty much any cart out there, I paired it Hana ML. 

https://parasound.com/products/zc-zphonoxrm

Thanks for clarifying @kahlenz.  I'll keep in mind. I'm pretty sure it won't be long before I wanna upgrade the cart. Lol

Thanks @lalitk. I’ll check out the Parasound.

The AT cartridge will arrive today. I bought one that’s already installed to a head shell. Its supposed to be pre-aligned. My stylus gauge and protractor doesn’t arrive until tomorrow. Should I wait to make sure i have the accurate tracking force and alignment or trust the cartridge alignment and Technics tracking force knob?

@prashanth14485

You’re a bad influence bud! I may buy this for shits and giggles :-)

https://youtu.be/V6o2G5N_R8w?si=os0qrP2VDWXIPson