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Technics SL1200MK2 Cartridge Discussion

Hi,

I'd like to have a thread on cartridges that work with the Technics SL1200MK series tables.

I want to buy a Technics SL1210MK2 (the new black version from Musicians Friend) and need a cartridge recommendation. I am using a Musical Fidelity A308CR preamp that has MM/MC capability. My amps are Bryston 7B ST's and I have a pair of B&W Signature 800's on the way to replace my N801's. The MF Preamp is rolled off on top and the system is very listenable for long lengths of time. I'd describe it as detailed, but not too bright.

I really want to try the Technics table as it is relaible and inexpensive ($400 shipped or less for a used table if I go the ebay route). Please do not try to talk me into a different table. I had a VPI Scout and Dynavector 20x (High output) that I sold because I just wasn't using it. I'd like to keep this cheap so that I have decent TT available when and if I want to use it.

What can you recommed for a cart? I'd like to keep $160 to $200 as a max and stay lower if possible. Here is what I am considering:

Denon 103 (not the R)
Denon 110
Denon 160

Audio Technica 440 MLa

Shure M97xe

I do not know what carts work well with the Technics tonearm. I know that it is light and some threads recommend a Sumiko headshell for the Denons. What do I need to know here before buying a table and cart.

Thanks.
tigerwoodkhorns
grimace
624 posts
 
I'm currenty running a Shure M97XE on a Thorens TD-160. The pluses are that it is very smooth with no harsh bright spots and listener fatigue. It is very natural sounding and, IMHO it gets timbres impressively right for such an inexpensive cartridge. It also images out very well. On the minus, it is not the last word in detail or soundstage depth. You're not going to "hear the room" with this one. I bought it when I first got my TT about six months ago and I was very impressed with it for the money, but I've since heard others and am currently looking to upgrade. You won't go wrong with this one, it is very satisfying, but you might want more than it can deliver.

Also, as a practical matter, I've noticed that some of the popular audio/music websites have increased the price of the M97xe to $140. Do a search before you buy. I got mine from Keenzo.com for $50.
tigerwoodkhorns OP
130 posts
 
A few questions. What has to be done to run a Denon DL 110, 160 or 103? Is the tonearm up to the task or does the headshell need to be replaced with a Sumiko for the extra weight?

Same for the Sure.

I've seen the Shure 97 for about $60 online. If the Denon's are in a different league they are not that much more.

I saw that the Audio Technica 440 was going for about $85 a few months ago and now they are about $200. What is the deal? Will prices come back down?
stick70
64 posts
 
I'm using a heavily modified technics 1200 TT. Three of the Mods are from KAB. Record clamp, Tone arm Damping and Iso Footers. Headshell is Sumiko with Dynavector 10x5 cart. Also SDS Turntable Mat. Running that thru a Jolida JD9a with NOS Tubes. Speakers are B&W 803's, Theta Enterprise Mono's.

Sound is very detailed and evolving. I'm very pleased with this setup. The Jolida has a ton of Gain so it took me a while to get the loading correct but once dialed in it's really a high end setup even thought many others may disagree. This TT is very flexible if you want to change the tonearm. Origin Live makes a few that work well this TT. The table is built like a tank. Very stable. There’s a lot of info posted @ the Vinyl Engine. Kevin @ KAB is a wealth of knowledge on this table and sells many mods. I think you’ll really fall in love with this table once you get it into your system.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,002 posts
 
Dear TigerwoodKhorns: IMHO you can use almost any MM cartridge from the Sumiko Pearl ( for less than 100.00 dls.) and up, with the advantage that those inexpensive MM cartridges outperforms the Denons.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Skip the Shure it's a dud on the SL1200, My friend bought one with all the hype and then turned around and bought the Audiotechnica ML440a (notice the 'a', better version) which made the sure sound closed in and broken. The shure is really boring and dull on top. Build quality on the shure looks top notch and the aluminum box it came in is premium but they didn't spend the money on the cart. I owned a SL1210 M5G at the time and was looking for cart options and went with the Shelter 501 MkII, but I did try the Shure on my table also.
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