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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
sharpe
9 posts
 
I agree with you 100% about the screw down clamp on the VPI. It is sort of a pain without very much gain.
Changing records is a breeze with the Technics 1210. I find myself listening to more records during a session. I have now put my Shure V15IV on the 1210 and like the sound very much. It also looks cool with the silver and black body matching the silver and black table.
tigerwoodkhorns OP
130 posts
 
Sharpe,

Maybe that is the bottom line. The Technics is so easy to use and so easy to change records that I don't mind going through several records at a time. The VPI took too much effort to use with the wobbly arm, wierd rubber belt and clamp.

As far as a rolled off top end, that is what I expect from vinyl, so it is not a problem. It sounds analog (like the VPI which had no dust cover)
sharpe
9 posts
 
Edo musica:
I was using the standard black official Technics head shell before I switched the cart out to my VPI HW19III with a AudioQuest PT5 arm with Cardas headshell wire. I must say it looks like a good match with the integrated head shell on the PT5. One big lesson I only recently learned was that my trusty Geo Disc cartridge alignment tool should not be used with S shaped tonearms like on the Technics 1200 series.
jsmoller
45 posts
 
I use the supplied Technics overhang tool with my 1210M5G which gets me into the ballpark quickly. It is surprisingly accurate. Then I use the protractor for the 1200 series tables that I downloaded and laminated from vinylengine.com for fine tuning. It seems to work well, at least for me.
solman989
44 posts
 
I tried the overhang tool that came with the 1210M5G. IIRC it does not put the cart anywhere near the ballpark of the vinylengine protractor. The Technics tool seems to follow the Stevenson or similar alignment method with shorter overhang. I now use the Baerwald arc protractor from vinylengine to set overhang/alignment which requires the cart to be moved further out in the headshell to trace the arc.
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