I set up a NEW SL1200MK5 that I found on eBay last December and went with a KAB/Ortofon Pro S cartridge and STY40 stylus.
It took only twenty minutes to set up the table and catridge and I was spinning my old vinyl from the 70's. My albums sound great with black background and next to no surface noise. Punchy bass, clear treble, and I can definitely hear the difference in the quality of various recordings.
The Technics is built like a tank and speed control is critical. I spent a lot of time researching this purchase and felt that belt drive is inferior unless you have a lot of extra cash sitting around.
So for about $1000 I am in heaven with a table that will only get better with low cost modifications.
It took only twenty minutes to set up the table and catridge and I was spinning my old vinyl from the 70's. My albums sound great with black background and next to no surface noise. Punchy bass, clear treble, and I can definitely hear the difference in the quality of various recordings.
The Technics is built like a tank and speed control is critical. I spent a lot of time researching this purchase and felt that belt drive is inferior unless you have a lot of extra cash sitting around.
So for about $1000 I am in heaven with a table that will only get better with low cost modifications.