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Technics SL-1200 vs. Scoutmaster

Hi all,

On another post, I solicited input about tonearm upgrade options for my 20 year-old Scoutmaster.  I'm also weighing going in a (completely?) different direction:  A new Technics 1200.  The ones I've heard, I really like, but obviously with different cartridges and, well, everything else.  It's not like one of those car stereo demo boards where you can just start pushing buttons!  So, before I drop a bunch of cash on a new arm, what would I notice going to a 1200?  I've heard they're not quite as inky black quiet as the VPI, and not quite as much low-end.  Any truth to that?  But maybe more speed accuracy with the 1200?  Also, how upgradable are the Technics rigs (arms and otherwise)?  I've always thought of them as the VW Bugs of tables.

 

128x128mezz955
tooblue
1,952 posts
 

I was just getting ready to respond to your other post when I saw this one, so here goes. Sell the Scoutmaster, not because it's a bad table but if you want to change arms it is time to move on. The Scoutmaster is IMO, the sweet spot of the VPI line and I am a VPI guy who loves their unipivot design after living with them for almost 2 decades. I too have been looking into the new Technics 1200 series of tables to replace a Rega RP3 in my headphone system that I have been enjoying music with but have bumped it's potential without crazy upgrades that aren't cost effective. I will be watching the classifieds in hopes of finding a Scoutmaster like yours for sale at a reasonable price, so I do have interior motives with my response. Enjoy the music

viridian's avatar
viridian
5,130 posts
 

OP has a really confusing post. There is no Technics 1200. There is a 1200GR2, and the twice as expensive 1200G. I have not heard the G, but owned the original, made in Japan GR, and I did not care for the sound.

A kind of bigger issue may be ergonomics, where the VPIs are tweaker turntables for those who enjoy adjusting, and Technics are, pretty much, set and forget. The 78 speed, and fine speed control, on the Technics is also fantastic, a great opportunity to embrace the joys of 78s. Much better ergonomics than the VPI, IMHO. After market adaptor plates to change tonearms are made for both 1200 models, but it is a bit of a job to take off the bottom plate and mount them. I believe you would be limited to 9" tonearms with the adaptor plates.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,942 posts
 

So, before I drop a bunch of cash on a new arm, what would I notice going to a 1200?  I've heard they're not quite as inky black quiet as the VPI, and not quite as much low-end.  Any truth to that?

@mezz955 If you're talking about the Technics SL1200G, no;  its one of the better turntables made. Its quieter than the Scoutmaster and has no problems playing bass.

Its weakness is its platter pad which is a bit of junk. So if you really want to hear what this 'table is about the pad needs to be replaced with something competent (the Oracle platter pad is one of the best we've heard).

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