Is the Technics SL-1200mkII a good TT to enter the world of vinyl?

audiogoober · « **on:** 18 Jan 2013, 01:42 pm »

I'm considering jumping into the vinyl arena and need some recommendations on a decent entry level TT, tonearm, etc. I'd like to keep the cost around $500 or below.

I have access to a mint Technics SL-1200mkII (photo below) and am thinking about grabbing it...the motor is strong, pitch is dead center, tone arm is smooth, comes complete and ready to play for under $300. Would this or possibly a Rega P2 be a good start??

Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

orthobiz · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 01:44 pm »

Go ahead and get the Technics. At that price you could likely sell it later. Beware of tables that may have been abused in a DJ capacity.

Paul

audiogoober · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 02:08 pm »

Thanks Paul!

Is there any other way to see if a TT has been used in a DJ capacity other than asking the previous owner and trusting them? Are there any physical signs to look for/stay away from?

Art_Chicago · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 03:04 pm »

no scratches on the pitch control-- might be just mint!
I also entered "the vinyl world" with 1200 mkII last year and have been happy with it. You do need a decent cartridge, though. I'd check the cartridge database on on this circle.

MaxCast · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 04:17 pm »

I would start with the 1200. I bought one a few months back with an AT440 cart. From a newbie's perspective I really like it.
What cartridge does the one you're looking at have?

audiogoober · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 04:27 pm »

I have no clue about cartridges but here it is....thanks for all the help everyone!

simoon · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 04:28 pm »

The Technics SL-1200 is a good place to start in the world of vinyl.

Not only is a good sounding table, stock. There are modifications that can be done to it that will improve its performance a couple of levels.

KABUSA sells parts and mods.

tomytoons · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 04:47 pm »

For $300 and it looks to be in super condition, I'd grab that!

Russtafarian · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 05:42 pm »

That's a no-brainer. Do it.

Once you get a good cartridge in it, consider getting the Funk Firm Acromat made specifically for the SL1200. The SQ of my SL1200 jumped significantly when I added the mat. And that's just the tip of the iceberg if you're open to upgrading and modding the TT.

Russ

WireNut · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 05:50 pm »

I just bought a Technics SL-D3 with cart on Craigslist for $50.00 and I'm loving it.
Make sure the Anti-Skate control is working properly. My old one was not working.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id7xXUs-cho&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIBtZR941Yw

Wayner · « **Reply #10 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 07:37 pm »

Excellent TTs. Most of the critics have it wrong. The SL1200MKII was not a disc-table that found its way into the audiophiles home, It was the audiophile's TT that found it's way into night clubs.

Why? built like an army tank, easy to set-up, easy to maintain (no belt), has VTA adjustment on the fly, very well calibrated anti-skate, speed control and interchangeable head-shells. Plus it weights about 25 pounds, so it's pretty immune to feedback. Very quality arm to boot.

What else would you want? Also can be used with a Grado Prestige series of cartridges, and an AT440MLa is an excellent fit.

Big group of SL1200 guys over at the Audiokarma.

Wayner

rollo · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 07:48 pm »

A great first TT that has upgrade possibilities. The Stanton is a MM and pretty good. Rega as well is a VG starting point. The Sl-1200 is a solid no nonsense TT that wil give you a good glimpse of vinyl. With a Vista SS phonostage your in like Flynn. Enjoy !!

charles

roscoeiii · « **Reply #12 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 07:56 pm »

I concur. Grab this table if you are looking to keep everything under $500.

audiogoober · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 08:28 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 18 Jan 2013, 07:48 pm

A great first TT that has upgrade possibilities. The Stanton is a MM and pretty good. Rega as well is a VG starting point. The Sl-1200 is a solid no nonsense TT that wil give you a good glimpse of vinyl. With a Vista SS phonostage your in like Flynn. Enjoy !!

charles

Thanks! Do you know where I can purchase the vista phonostage?

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 08:37 pm »

The first clue that it has been used by a DJ is the Stanton Cartridge 680. I'd still buy it. They hold thier value and are built like a truck.

Can you see it before you buy it? Have a listen before you buy.

jarcher · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 08:41 pm »

For under $300, I think it's hard to go wrong (assuming it's not damaged).

Not sure that Stanton cartridge will be the last word in HiFi - think it's made for more pro / DJ use.

Alternatively, I personally think that the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon w/ the included Ortofon 2M Red @ $400 is the best deal in an entry level new turntable. A lot of folks in the hifi press agree. The Ortofon 2M Red seems to be the cartridge to beat at or below $100, in case you do get the SL-1200 & looking for a low cost cartridge to start with.

Best of luck & welcome to the vinyl world!

audiogoober · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 08:45 pm »

Yes, I will definitely listen to it first. Any other recommendations on phonostages? Do I absolutely need one? The rest of my system consists of the following:

Pass Labs XA-160.5 monoblocks
First Sound Paramount Plus mkIII tube preamp (single ended only)
AMR DP-777 DAC modified by Avatar Acoustics
Bolder modified Squeezebox Touch with Bolder deluxe power supply
Daedalus Ulysses AP speakers
Dynamic Design cables

Airborn · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 08:58 pm »

Yes, you should get the Technics at that price. Then you should dump the Stanton and add one of these carts:
Denon dl-110

AT 440 MLa

You will need a phonostage. Vista is good; so is a Cambridge Audio 640P. Make sure to play clean records, it makes a huge difference. Good luck!

audiogoober · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 09:19 pm »

The more I read about MM and MC phonostages....the more confusing it is. I see this stands for "Moving Magnet" and "Moving Coil"

The Vista is available in either MC or MM versions. Does this mean I will need a MC cartridge if I choose the MC version phonostage? Which is better?

Thanks!

roscoeiii · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Jan 2013, 09:26 pm »

Others will no doubt provide longer, more educated answers. But in a nutshell:

There are 2 types of MC carts: high output (HOMC) and low output (LOMC).

When you see a phono stage listed as being MC, that refers to it having enough gain for a LOMC.

For HOMCs, you would use the MM settings on a phono stage, as their output is similar to MM carts (and Moving Iron (MI), which Grado and SoundSmith make).

The advantage of HOMC is that they don't need an MC phono stage. But if you have a decent MC phonostage, LOMCs are generally considered to sound better than HOMCs.