[WC]

I was opening presents yesterday, and the presents included a spin clean washing machine and some MoFi inserts. My niece was there and I mentioned that I had a bunch of LPs and that I was going to clean them for when I purchased a turntable. She said that she had two turntables that she didn't use any more. My ears perked up when she mentioned that the turntables were Technics 1200 turntables. When I showed some interest in one of them, she said I could have it since it was only taking up space in her parents house. So I now have a Technics 1200Mk2 turntable.

I am guessing that she used it when she used to DJ. It looks in good shape. It is missing a mat, I think since the platter top is vinyl or plastic. The cart is a Stanton 505, which looks to be a good scratching stylus. Not sure how good it will sound. So any suggestions on a mat or a decent stylus to put on the turntable?

[cindy_leigh]

You can probably find a rubber mat at kabusa.com.  Depending on your budget, you might want to look at the Audio Technica AT95E, AT120E/T, and AT440MLa.  Those are pretty popular with the 1200.  You could also consider the Nagaoka MP-110 for a bit warmer tone, if that interests you.  You could probably track down an elliptical stylus for that Stanton cartridge and do fine.  Lpgear.com could probably help you out on that one.

[MaxCast]

wow that is very cool, WC.
I just picked up a used 1200 and it came with a AT440.  It sounds great.
Cindy gives you good advise.  I find the 440 a little bit hot.  just a little.  So depending one your speakers and preamp you might want to keep that in mind.

[Letitroll98]

You say she had two...........

[TONEPUB]

Always great to find another turntable...

[WC]

You say she had two...........

That was what she said. I didn't want to appear greedy....

[MaxCast]

slip her some cash and resell the other to fund a new needle??

[TheChairGuy]

slip her some cash and resell the other to fund a new needle??

You 'evil' mercantilist, you 

[Letitroll98]

I was thinking more in the line of a donation to the Let it Roll Little Feat Fans Charity for Struggling Audiophiles.  It's tax deductible, maybe.

[ArthurDent]

Nice WC. That appears to be a pretty universally well respected unit. I'd check with Letitroll98's accountant before making any contributions though.    Mat-wise you might also check out Herbie's Audio Lab. Nice folks and a site sponsor to boot. Enjoy, I know I have since pulling my unit out of storage. 

[mix4fix]

Give me a deal on it and I'll take it. Got any music to go with it?

[WC]

Well I received the mat and the 45 adaptor in the mail a couple of weeks back. So I am not in dire need of a mat. I currently don't have a place to put the turntable until I build my equipment rack, so I haven't yet played with it. Last weekend I cut the boards for the equipment rack, so I am getting closer. I have a Yamaha integrated amp with a MM/MC phono preamp in it, which should do me for a while. How does a Denon MC cart work with the SL-1200?