2. analog
  3. 1204087493

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
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

03-18-08: Alex333
Hello all,
I have an SL1200 MK5 w a Sumiko headshell, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge ... running off a Bellari vp129 pre.

Has anyone compared the Ortofon 2M vs the Denon DL-110?
Probably not, but the output of the two cartridges is significantly different. The 2M Red measures about 7mV in the test I read, which is a great match to the low (30dB) gain of the Bellari, whereas the DL-110 puts out somewhere between its rated 1.6mV and 2.2mV, and someone here said that's not enough gain for the Denon HOMCs.

High output moving coil carts can be used with some MM preamps, but their avg. output is generally lower than MM pickups. In my rig, the Amber Model 17 preamp is a great match for the DL-160, but that's not always the case.
tjnindc
91 posts
 
Resource for mounting Denon 160 on a Sumiko headshell? I have heard a couple of suggestions for the best place to find a resource for how to most accurately mount the Denon to the Sumiko. BUT, I can't seem to find them.

Any advice? Use the Technics overhang tool? Use the Denon overhang guide? Use the Denon 'leveler'? etc.

I know that I have read some of this here before. Thanks.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
03-21-08: Tjnindc
Resource for mounting Denon 160 on a Sumiko headshell? I have heard a couple of suggestions for the best place to find a resource for how to most accurately mount the Denon to the Sumiko. BUT, I can't seem to find them.

Any advice? Use the Technics overhang tool? Use the Denon overhang guide? Use the Denon 'leveler'? etc.
I can't point you to the other threads; haven't seen them. But I can tell you something based on my own experience.

I used the Technics overhang tool with great success with the stock Technics and a Stanton headshell, but the Sumiko has a second alignment rod on the bottom which, while compatible with universal mount tonearms, won't allow the headshell to slide onto the Technics jig.

Instead, I used the free downloadable protractor available here to good effect. I have no complaints with the sound, and inner groove tracking is exemplary.
cmk
397 posts
 
Has anyone compared the Mapleshade brass footers and the Isonoe footers? Which is better at isolation?
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
When I did my research Mapleshade worked better if you had solid footing for the turntable rack, my friend (who bought mine) put the mapleshade footer (M6 thread) on his and put that on top of a 4" thick Maple board and the results are stunning.
More to discover