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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
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
08-12-08: Tjnindc
Does anyone know if you can retip a dl 160? My twin two years olds got to it one day before I pulled the cartridge off...
Maybe it's time to upgrade to an Audio Technics AT150MLX. It's about $70 more than a DL-160, has higher output, is better in every way, is a great match for the Technics arm (especially with a Sumiko or LP Gear headshell), and has a replaceable stylus that costs the same as a DL-160.

The AT150MLX has a retail price of $499 and sounds like every penny of it, but for some reason, you can get it from J&R Music World with free shipping for $249, or from lpgear and other vendors for $259. It's a stone cold bargain.

You might also want to consider an Ortofon 2M Blue.

I guess a new part of your shutdown routine will be snapping the stylus protector into place, removing the headshell with cartridge, and placing it far away from 2-year-old fingers.
tjnindc
91 posts
 
HAHAHA. I even got a case when I ordered the 160 so that I could keep it and my Goldring stored safely. sigh. Those two years olds are just a bit quicker than us 40 year olds on occasion.

I was just looking at those two cartridges. My gut says to go for the AT150MLX especially since it has that stylus protector built in. I need a second Sumiko headshell to mount the Goldring on, too. Time for an order...

And time to make the new routine, routine. Removing headshell now.
tjnindc
91 posts
 
Case Question: One more thing, has anyone found a cartridge case that accommodates the Sumiko headshell?
perfectionist
197 posts
 
I just recently replaced my AT440MLa with the 150MLX on my main rig, and moved the 440MMLa into my garage rig. Both TT's are SL12xx's. I was really digging the 440 after many hours of play; a fine little cart at $100, especially compared to my Shure M97xE. Anyway, at $250 shipped from J&R, I figured what the hell. And I was getting tired of swapping the 440 between rigs. Out of the box, I'm quite impressed with the 150. As it racks up hours, I'm loving it more and more. It is a better cart than the 440, no doubt, but it is not fully broken in. And I'm a firm believer in break-in. I should mention that I have zero desire to go to an MC cart. I'm trying to have fun with, and enjoy my vinyl, not make a science project out of it. And enjoying it I am! I will interject here more after I rack up some more hours on the 150...
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
These are the carts I am enjoying great success with on a 1200mkII:

- Ortofon 2M Red on Ortofon SH-4 shell
- Ortofon 2M Black on Ortofon on SH-4 shell
- Shure V15 IV (Ed Suanders stylus) on SH-4 shell
- Stanton 500E (Saunders stylus) on Stanton shell
- Stanton 881S (Saunders stylus) on Stanton shell
- Grado Reference Sonata on SH-4 shell
- Grado M+ mono on Technics shell with 4 g weight

My favorites are V15IV, 881S and Sonata.

All feeding a Manley Steelhead at 47K Ohm @ 170 pf accounting for the 100 pf in the 1200 mkII phono cable for a total of 270 pf.
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