Modding a SL1210 project

02-22-13: Dave_72
go with kab for all Technics parts, stay away from lp gear.

I respect Kevin and all the things he's come up with to improve the SL12x0 series, but I disagree with his opinion about aftermarket headshells. Owning Technics, Stanton, Sumiko, and ZuPreme headshells, I can comfortably say that the ZuPreme is the best I've tried. It shares the same chassis, wiring, and azimuth alignment with the Sumiko, but its finger lift has better structural integrity.

Music sounds better with the ZuPreme and its added weight makes the tonearm compatible with a wider range of cartridges, both in cartridge weight and compliance.

The ZuPreme is the smartest, cheapest, most effective single tweak you can do to a Technics SL12x0 turntable.

@ Nick_sr. Poor customer service. My experience. You might have good luck with them, I dunno. Just a friendly warning.

You can have a bad customer service experience with anybody. The question is whether LPGear is so bad that potential customers need a public warning. I've bought from LPGear a few times including the ZuPreme headshell I mentioned and the Audio Technica AT150MLX that still anchors my system nearly 5 years later. Shipping was prompt and both items arrived in pristine condition.

However, for those who want to avoid LPGear, you can get the very similar Sumiko headshell from a variety of vendors such as Needle Doctor and Music Direct. However, a few years ago the Sumiko cost $40-45 and the ZuPreme was $50. These days, however, the Sumiko has shot up to $90 while LPGear has held the ZuPreme's price to $55, and as I said, it's slightly better than the Sumiko.

It is that bad. Shipping was not prompt in my case, and communication was poor on their end. That's all I'll say.

A good place to buy analog accessories is turntableneedles.com

I would have to agree with Dave 72 about LP Gear, for all his reasons and a few more.