[chgolatin2]

I came across the vintage Technics SL1600MK2, I've been doing a search for quite some time for a turntable that will give me an auto return, auto play/repeat function, etc.  Well, I think that I found a winner.  Just arrived a few days ago, was able to set it up yesterday and now I am on the vinyl bliss journey.  This table sounds way better than my 1200MK2, way better, in fact my 1200 is gonna be in storage for now on...  I'm using a Stanton 500 cart on it as a temporary cart, any good affordable carts out their for this TT?  Also, I need a new cover as well, but other than this TT shines bright! 

Thanks guys~ 

[jsaliga]

It would help to know what your budget is for a cartridge.  I am using a Audio Technica AT-OC9/III with my Pioneer PLX-1000 (a SL-12xx clone).  It is a moving coil with a solid boron cantilever and for $499 I don't think there is another cartridge in this price class that comes close to its performance.

--Jerome

[Art_Chicago]

I am using Audio Technica AT-OC9/II, not III, and for 350 it is a great cart.

Surprised to see that 1600 is WAY better than 1200.  Do you mind to describe the differences and also link the specs?

[Wayner]

Probably the same arm and motor.

[undertow]

I guess I can agree being a little confused with the overall statement myself. Not sure why there would be much difference at all from a 1200 to 1600, however it does eliminate the pitch control, and I have seen some arguments that the 1200 pitch control in the path can effect overall performance.

That being said looks like you have a 1200 dust cover already. You can't transfer the hinges, and cover onto the 1600? I assume they should be the same size as well.

[Wayner]

I believe the 1600 has a pitch control......

[Norman Tracy]

From the pics it appears the 1200 has a pitch control using the long linear pot and the 1600 uses an electronic system with up/down buttons. I am guessing but to me that implies differences in the circuit that at our level of obsession can count. Also the plinths are different, another known contributor to fidelity changes.

The good news is chgolatin2 is a happy camper with us in the Fellowship Of The Direct-Drive. The bad news is I am green with envy towards chgolatin2's elegantly simple Tubes + JBL system.

[Art_Chicago]

From the pics it appears the 1200 has a pitch control using the long linear pot and the 1600 uses an electronic system with up/down buttons. I am guessing but to me that implies differences in the circuit that at our level of obsession can count. Also the plinths are different, another known contributor to fidelity changes.

The good news is chgolatin2 is a happy camper with us in the Fellowship Of The Direct-Drive. The bad news is I am green with envy towards chgolatin2's elegantly simple Tubes + JBL system.

The Fellowship of the Direct-Drive?! 

 

[chgolatin2]

I guess I can agree being a little confused with the overall statement myself. Not sure why there would be much difference at all from a 1200 to 1600, however it does eliminate the pitch control, and I have seen some arguments that the 1200 pitch control in the path can effect overall performance.

That being said looks like you have a 1200 dust cover already. You can't transfer the hinges, and cover onto the 1600? I assume they should be the same size as well.

Please visit vinyl engine and check the specs out yourself, compare the SL1600MK2 to the SL1200MK2.... 

[Russtafarian]

If your phono pre can handle a MC, get the Zu 103.  This cartridge is voiced for someone who likes to rock out to vinyl.  It's one of my best hi-fi purchases ever. I regret not getting one years ago.

[Art_Chicago]

Please visit vinyl engine and check the specs out yourself, compare the SL1600MK2 to the SL1200MK2.... 

well I just did.  1200 MKII has exactly the same specs, and it is heavier.

[Letitroll98]

The SL1600 is a great alternative to the SL1200 with the same arm and motor.  However there's no inherent reason why it should sound way better.  I'm thinking a better/different alignment of the cartridge would be the more likely reason for the improvement.  Nevertheless, a good find with prices on the SL1600 being much lower than the SL1200 line.  Enjoy.

The Denon DL 110 would be a good match, high output MC so you can plug it right into the MM input on your phono pre.  Ortofon Blue, Shure M97, Audio Technics ML440, maybe a Goldring or Nagaoka, would all be sound recommendations.

[trackball02]

I really like my 1600 MK 2 as well. I wonder if the sound difference is from the adjustable suspended subchasis? Mine has a slight bounce when pressing the platter on my 1600 MK2.

There is a theoretical advantage, if you have acoustic feedback in your system.

Enjoy your awesome TT!

[wushuliu]

I am using Audio Technica AT-OC9/II, not III, and for 350 it is a great cart.

Surprised to see that 1600 is WAY better than 1200.  Do you mind to describe the differences and also link the specs?

It is much better than the 1200 IMO. I would easily take many other Technics models over the 1200. From my experience the suspended Technics models are the best sounding.

[neobop]

I came across the vintage Technics SL1600MK2, I've been doing a search for quite some time for a turntable that will give me an auto return, auto play/repeat function, etc.  Well, I think that I found a winner.  Just arrived a few days ago, was able to set it up yesterday and now I am on the vinyl bliss journey.  This table sounds way better than my 1200MK2, way better, in fact my 1200 is gonna be in storage for now on...  I'm using a Stanton 500 cart on it as a temporary cart, any good affordable carts out their for this TT?  Also, I need a new cover as well, but other than this TT shines bright! 

Congratulations, glad you found a nice automatic.   If your 1200 cover doesn't fit, there's a guy in Florida who sells replacement covers on epay.  They're around $100 depending on size and they're very nice.  He usually doesn't have hinges though.  I'm sure you can find him if you search.

I forget what phono stage you have, and do you have a preference for a type of sound, like mellow,  big bass,  bright, or detailed?   Price range for a new cart?   Finding that table is great.  You seem like a happy camper.
neo