2. analog
  3. 1037847448

Can I mod my Technics 1200?

I have yet to hear what the big deal is re: vinyl. I have a Technics1200, mostly because I one day want to get another, and use my mixer to learn how to mix records.

I have a pretty cheap cartridge... Shure M44G.

When I play records, it doesn't sound that great. Maybe the TT isn't set up right? Maybe I can do some mods? I'd like to make a stab at this...

Is there any way I can get a decent vinyl sound with this TT? If I need a different cartridge, which one? I'm not sure I can get a different arm. What about mods... ? Any suggestions?

This really needs to stay under $500.
128x128dennis_the_menace
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Oh lordy...
Dennis, baby - I'll email you! (Just don't try to play any records in the meantime! :-)
g_m_c
443 posts
 
Zaikesman, i like that phrase,

oh lordy, lordy.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
contact member "psychicanimal" he has a modded 1200 & swears by it; Francisco loves to talk about his mod's so definitely get a hold of him
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
He's seriously delinquent on this thread, ain't he Bob? :-)

I'm in contact with DTM, turns out we live in the same area, so we can be '1200 buddies.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I'm not delinquent, I've been away working out in another state the past 10 days...

What can I say? Go get a cartridge alignment protractor (www.turntablebasics.com), the fluid damper (www.kabusa.com)and a brass cylinder to place next to the tonearm. Don't forget the clamp. I don't know about the Sorbothane mat--could overdampen and soften the bass. For $99 it's a rather expensive experiment for me. I have an old Music Mat but am not using it. Will try it someday...

Cartridges? Get something decent to start with, but not a Grado (they're unshielded). Stanton, Ortofon, Dynavector...

Then change IC's (shame on you Zaikes!).

The 1200 is a killer deck for the money. Deano heard my rig back in April and liked it.
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