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Technics SL 1200 GR

Hi everyone,

I know that a lot of you might think I am crazy but it is what it is.  I heard a Rega Planar 6 play a few days ago and was totally mesmerized with the sound. This will be my first TT and I am the type that prefers to buy the best I can instead of starting small, selling and upgrading. I have to admit, I do enjoy fiddling with upgrades but the idea is to get a future proof turntable and upgrade stuff like cartridges, etc along the way.  

Before you recommend that I get the P6, its simply out of my budget. I could consider the P3 if you believe its better than the SL 1210 GR (not the latest model 2 but the original one). 

Anyway, here are some questions I was hoping you'd be able to help me with:

  • What will a good starter Cartridge?
  • Should I go for MM or MC? Is one more complicated to install than the other? prefer something simple as its my first time.  Also, I read stuff like LO and HO.. For what ts worth, I will be using my Marantz PM Ki Ruby's built in phono (I believe it can handle both MM and MC, I could be wrong).
  • Anything else I should keep in mind?  Basic products for maintenance? 

Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate it!

prashanth14485
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,600 posts
 

@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

 

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

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?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,600 posts
 

@prashanth14485

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

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

 

prashanth14485 OP
34 posts
 

@lalitk haha.. I just set it up and played Dire Straits Brothers in Arms original master recording. Boy, I'm simply blown away.  So happy with the sound. Such a good recording. Thanks everyone for all the inputs.. my vinyl journey has just begun.. can't wait to try diff carts and see how much better they can sound.. cheers!

westcoastaudiophile
336 posts
 

@prashanth14485 SL1200GR is like BMW with small motor.. go to SL1200G and enjoy the music! there are plenty of good carts to comply with SL1200G ARM. 

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