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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
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Or go one step further with the AT150MLX. It takes the qualities of the AT440mla and kicks it up a notch. It should as it's more expensive. One of the best MM carts on the market, imo.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
04-27-14: Dave_72
Or go one step further with the AT150MLX. It takes the qualities of the AT440mla and kicks it up a notch. It should as it's more expensive. One of the best MM carts on the market, imo.
I have a Technics SL1210 M5G. I started with a Shure M97xE, moved quickly to a Denon DL-160, but a year later (about the time this thread stated 6 years ago) moved up to the AT150MLX. I've been using it ever since. About a year ago the stylus was wearing down. I considered some other cartridges, but for $225 I just replaced the stylus and it's been chugging along ever since.

It *is* a good match for the Technics DD's. You can improve this match with an LPGear ZuPreme headshell and by wrapping the tonearm in Teflon pipe thread tape. The tape quells the undamped armtube's upper midrange resonance. Once I did the wrap, the AT150MLX really started singing and became more adept at all styles of music.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
For my Technics SL1200Mk2 my favorite non MM cart but it is close as it is a High-Output Moving Coil Cart is the Denon Dl-110 on a SH-4 headshell with Nerve Audio Litz headshell wires.

My phono preamps that I've used with this are the Bugle2 Phono from Hagerman Tech or the Emotiva XPS-1.

I may try the Denon DL-160 if I can find out at a good price.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Glad you agree Johnnyb53. It's really a good cartridge, and at the street price, (i buy via turntableneedles.com for new styli at $189.00 a pop.) it's a no brainer. It does take a while before the stylus to wear down. This is a well built unit, and the cartridge itself is a nice chunk of metal.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
05-02-14: Dave_72
... It's really a good cartridge, and at the street price, (i buy via turntableneedles.com for new styli at $189.00 a pop.) it's a no brainer. It does take a while before the stylus to wear down.
According to my local turntable/cart dealer, the MicroLine stylus is particularly resistant to wear, good for 3-5 times the wear of other shapes. I got 5-1/2 years out of my first AT150MLX stylus before needing to replace it. And even then, it didn't sound damaged; it was just getting dull-sounding and not responding to cleaning.

If you figure in the cost per playing hour, the AT150MLX is an even better bargain because you might get 5 years out of one stylus instead of 1-3.
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