Hello,

In my neverending quest for reasonable vinyl playback I am thinking about splurging on a brand new Technics. I like the black finish since it matches the rest of my setup, and I have heard great things about the Technics. My roommate is trying to get into the DJ thing and he bought a couple of them used for $300 a pop. That seems like the going rate, and since these tables were DJ-ed, they were in pretty poor shape (i.e. one needed a new arm). I saw the 1210 on musicians friend for something like $500. Does anyone else know what the very best source for these tables is?

Best,
Colin

Hello,

Seems like I've seen them for less but a quick search didn't find where I saw them. Sam Ash has them for 479.00 which insn't much cheaper.

I wouldn't totally discount being able to find a nice conditon one on CL. You are very close to SF and I'm sure they come up often. While it's generally true that they can be abused, they do pop up in fine, lightly used condition from time to time. I found one withing days of deciding I wanted one on CL here in Seattle. Paid 200.00 and am happy as a clam. it was used in home so very little wear (looks new)

There is a very helpful post here somewhere that gave a list of things to check for for possible troubles. The deck passed them all.

Maybe I got lucky but it may be worth keeping an eye out while you shop for new.

It's a great table.

Hello,

In my neverending quest for reasonable vinyl playback I am thinking about splurging on a brand new Technics. I like the black finish since it matches the rest of my setup, and I have heard great things about the Technics. My roommate is trying to get into the DJ thing and he bought a couple of them used for $300 a pop. That seems like the going rate, and since these tables were DJ-ed, they were in pretty poor shape (i.e. one needed a new arm). I saw the 1210 on musicians friend for something like $500. Does anyone else know what the very best source for these tables is?

Best,
Colin

Go to www.kabusa.com They specialize in Technics SL-1200 etc.. for HI-FI use instead of DJ use. You can even order them with modifications (78 speed, Tone arm damping etc.) I've done business with them, very fast shipping and great prices. I would never buy a used 1200 because of the abuse that they get from DJ's.

I second the suggestion for kabusa.

Any reason to go MK5 over MK2? Also, why order from Kabusa as compared to Sam Ash or Musician's Friend? I read their little thing about assuring all the perfect specs and etc, but how often does all this rounding/flattening/tightening actually need to be done?

Any reason to go MK5 over MK2? Also, why order from Kabusa as compared to Sam Ash or Musician's Friend? I read their little thing about assuring all the perfect specs and etc, but how often does all this rounding/flattening/tightening actually need to be done?
Call Kevin at kabusa. He's the expert on 1200's, in my opinion. He could tell you why go MK5 over MK2, or not. His fluid damper upgrade for the 1200, in my opinion, is a must have. I should've just bought the entire modded table from Kevin, fluid damper, external power supply, and cardas wired tonearm as a package deal for I think around 1000.00. I have the damper, and I will someday purchase the other 2 upgrades. Cant beat all that new stuff for the price, again, IMO.

Why did you personally choose the MK5 over the MK2?

Why did you personally choose the MK5 over the MK2?

Haha, because an ebay seller had 10 new ones in boxes, they were 410.00 each, no shipping, and he lived 10 miles from me and agreed to let me pick it up myself so UPS wouldn't hammer the crap out it. :D

Other than that, I would've probably bought either one, color doesnt matter to me, I dont think there's much difference like maybe the MK2 has no extra headshell socket in the back, incandescent Stylus Illuminator instead of white LED, I dunno Kevin would know,

I checked out the 1200 line before I bought mine, and for my money, the one to get is the 1210 M5G. It has all the features of the 1200, and a couple of features that add "DJ appeal". However, the key feature(s) that the 1210 M5G has over its sisters in the 1200 line is the tonearm. The cabling in the tonearm is heavier duty, and the output cables are also of better quality than the standard 1200. The tonearm itself is also of higher denisty and has a titanium finish (cosmetics advantage only, I beleive).

The M5G is black, like you like it, and for an additional "cool factor", the strobe is a medium blue color. Very slick.

As far as KABUSA, it really is the place to go for a Technics deck. Kevin will set the deck up for you, install the hinge set (not a standard item on a new deck), and install and align the cartridge for you if you want.

I would recommend one of KAB's unique line of cartridges for the 1200 too. I've got the Ortofon Pro 30 integrated cartridge, and it is a sweet sounding (though not inexpensive) cartridge for the 1200. There is a review or two on the internet on the 1200 / Ortofon Pro combo.

Let us know what you decide to do so we can follow your "journey".

You can buy a new SL1210 MKII (black version of the 1200) from Musicians Friend for $399. I will PM you a link since I am not allowed to post it here.

I checked out the 1200 line before I bought mine, and for my money, the one to get is the 1210 M5G. It has all the features of the 1200, and a couple of features that add "DJ appeal". However, the key feature(s) that the 1210 M5G has over its sisters in the 1200 line is the tonearm. The cabling in the tonearm is heavier duty, and the output cables are also of better quality than the standard 1200. The tonearm itself is also of higher denisty and has a titanium finish (cosmetics advantage only, I beleive).

The M5G is black, like you like it, and for an additional "cool factor", the strobe is a medium blue color. Very slick.

As far as KABUSA, it really is the place to go for a Technics deck. Kevin will set the deck up for you, install the hinge set (not a standard item on a new deck), and install and align the cartridge for you if you want.

I would recommend one of KAB's unique line of cartridges for the 1200 too. I've got the Ortofon Pro 30 integrated cartridge, and it is a sweet sounding (though not inexpensive) cartridge for the 1200. There is a review or two on the internet on the 1200 / Ortofon Pro combo.

Let us know what you decide to do so we can follow your "journey".

Interesting, so how about if I were to buy the 1200MK2 and then later on buy the fluid damper, how would that compare to the 1200MK5?

I am not trying to incite cable wars at all; how much difference does the tonearm wire make? I can imagine it might be more critical due to the very low voltages it has to carry, particularly with a low output MC cartridge. I will for now continue to use my Shure M97xE cart with it, it seems to be pretty good for what I paid (and can afford).

I think I may wait a couple of weeks to make sure I really want to upgrade my table, as well as sell off some things to make up for the cost. I don't really want to spend my savings on this stuff, but man is it tempting!

The 1200mkII is the one I'd go for as you can still get them sealed and for a great price. Tonearm cabling is not important- the stock cabling in the 1200 is fine- if it wasn't, millions would have died by now. It's capacitance is low, the shielding is great and it doesn't break- what more do you need? The blue strobe is cool though, on the Mk5 but I am a bit 'over' blue leds now. Red is nicer on the eyes anyway. My 1600mkII has it all and a floating suspended chassis, fully auto or manual and a separate arm motor. Find one of those and you have the best of manual and auto- same motor- better isolation.

Tonearm cabling is not important- the stock cabling in the 1200 is fine- if it wasn't, millions would have died by now.

I don't know if the tonearm cabling from one Technics to another makes a difference of not as I haven't tried them but tonearm cabling can be important. For some arms such as the Rega RB300, it is one of THE major upgrades to the arm which is probably one of the most purchased and then upgraded arms around.

If I were looking to buy a technics TT (excellent TTs for the price), I would talk with a recognized expert such as Kevin at kabusa. You almost always learn something talking to a guy like that.

Tonearm cabling is not important- the stock cabling in the 1200 is fine- if it wasn't, millions would have died by now.

This is a "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" proposition. I think if you're looking to wring the last ounce of performance out of your turntable, updating the tonearm cable in the Technics tonearm is a logical step. The next question is: if you make the upgrade, can your system actually "resolve" the auidble difference that such a change can make.

Kevin at KABUSA performs cable upgrades on Technics 1200 arms using Cardas wire if I recall correctly. He is of the opinion that in a high resolution system, upgraded cables make a difference.

In my system's current form, I'm not confident that I would be able to resolve such an upgrade. However, I have an upgrade path in mind, and it will take me some time to achieve it. The Technics will be a key part of that upgraded system, so with the 1210 M5G, upgrading the cabling is one piece I won't have to be concerned about later.

Very cool. I am pretty sure my system cannot resolve that sort of change. Honestly, I have yet to hear an incredible system because I have never met any audiophiles. I don't think mine is bad, but I am sure that a lot of the stereos out there put it to shame! I guess for me I don't have a clear upgrade path since I am a college student, but maybe in a couple years when I am actually working and loans are paid off I will start looking at some nicer gear.

Speaking of the tonearm cable, my roommate is an aspiring DJ and managed to rip his off when he took apart his table. He ended up buying a new arm, and since he doesn't know how to do the DIY thing, I ended up doing the repair for him (while he was there of course). That cable is tiiiiiny, and it looks like it is just 4 little tinier wires stranded together. Talk about a quick soldering job!

Howdy Rev,

I'd like commenting some, and hope you don't mind, as making better sense of it all will help you make the wisest decision for yourself.

If you go to the KAB website, (if you haven't already) and read about what modifications are done to these Turntables, it will help you understand better what shortcomings there are with the 1200 series, and what KAB does to alleaviate, or lessen them.

Even a $5,000 Turntable is a compromise, and is built to a price point believe it or not.

His (Kevin's) mods essentially adress weak areas, with better Tonearm wiring to increase performance, a means to shut the Strobe Lamp off, to lower the noise floor, damping to the Tonearm to increase isolation, separate exteral power supply which no doubt is quieter, more stable, and there's a few others which I won't mention but help increase performance, and lower background noise floor.

This is not to say that with a bone stock 1200 MkII, that you would not hear a drastic improvement in sonics with just the upgrade of a better Cartridge than the Shure M-97, as you would most definitely.

The stock 1200 is worthy and can take advantage of a better sounding, more expensive Cartridge than the M-97, so don't think that by buying the stock 1200, that your sound will hit a dead end plateau, with no possibility of better performance down the road.

Of all the upgrades that KAB does, the one single mod that I see as being the most important, and see it as being akin to getting Air conditioning in a car, would be the Tonearm internal wiring, and Cable going to pre-amp.

This is real figety, delicate stuff, and best left to someone with good experience in this kind of work.

I believe many of the other mods can be accomplished by the end user without much hair pulling, and the parts can be bought at a later date should you choose. Mark

Mark, thanks for the ideas. I do like my Shure cart, but I haven't really heard what else is out there. I don't have a ton of money, but I wouldn't mind upgrading my cart sometime in the future.

I would go through KAB if for nothing than getting the supermat which he gives you when you buy a unit from him. You need it if you want proper VTA. Also you can get it pre-modded by probably the foremost expert on these units outside Japan.

The external power supply may have some benefit, but there are also disadvantages in taking the PSU out of the turntable in terms of increased impedance in delivery cables, interference and poorer regulation. It can be offset by a tighter supply and perhaps a useful reduction in induced hum or noise into the cartridge. Personally, I wouldn't do it- but if you are tweak mad, go for it. As for tonearm wiring, again up to the idividual, but 12" of expensive tonearm cable could not make a measurable difference unless it was faulty in the first place. We are talking 10mV max and current measured in the nanoamps into a 47k impedance for a MM and an equivalent VI for a MC. All that is important here is reasonable shielding and a light weight cable. I am happy to rewire one of my 1200mkII's with some esoteric arm wiring and compare it to my other stock unit in real time with identical cartridges and two new identical records if anyone wants to buy me the arm cable. You cannot assess 'improvements' without some form of control- even just an unmodified stock unit. Kabusa is a great place for people to buy one of the world's best turntables with all sorts of go-faster accessories, but the internet also helps perpetuate a lot of opinion as gospel when it is clearly subjective. I see no stock vs modified results anywhere- do you??

I would go through KAB if for nothing than getting the supermat which he gives you when you buy a unit from him. You need it if you want proper VTA. Also you can get it pre-modded by probably the foremost expert on these units outside Japan.

For only $400 and free shipping I can buy from Musician's Friend, and then take $20 to get the supermat at my convenience instead of $475 for the whole deal, so I am still not seeing it, maybe I should send him an e-mail and ask him about it. Anyway, isn't this a picture of the supermat?

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/7/8/4/291784.jpg

It might be, but I'm confident that the supermat does not come stock with the 1200 or 1210.

That's a supermat in that picture. Is that from Musician's friend?

That's not a supermat, it's the standard Technics mat. It came with the 1200mkII. Whether it STILL does is another question. You can just buy one as a spare part anyway- about $20...

I would go through KAB if for nothing than getting the supermat which he gives you when you buy a unit from him. You need it if you want proper VTA. Also you can get it pre-modded by probably the foremost expert on these units outside Japan.

The 'table has adjustable VTA. Why is a supermat needed?:scratch2:

Jeff

Because some carts ride so low that a thinner mat doesn't allow for enough adjustment.

The external power supply may have some benefit, but there are also disadvantages in taking the PSU out of the turntable in terms of increased impedance in delivery cables, interference and poorer regulation. It can be offset by a tighter supply and perhaps a useful reduction in induced hum or noise into the cartridge. Personally, I wouldn't do it- but if you are tweak mad, go for it. As for tonearm wiring, again up to the idividual, but 12" of expensive tonearm cable could not make a measurable difference unless it was faulty in the first place. We are talking 10mV max and current measured in the nanoamps into a 47k impedance for a MM and an equivalent VI for a MC. All that is important here is reasonable shielding and a light weight cable. I am happy to rewire one of my 1200mkII's with some esoteric arm wiring and compare it to my other stock unit in real time with identical cartridges and two new identical records if anyone wants to buy me the arm cable. You cannot assess 'improvements' without some form of control- even just an unmodified stock unit. Kabusa is a great place for people to buy one of the world's best turntables with all sorts of go-faster accessories, but the internet also helps perpetuate a lot of opinion as gospel when it is clearly subjective. I see no stock vs modified results anywhere- do you??

John, Perhaps you see no written evaluations of the upgraded results with a Technics 1200, but the improvements of better internal Tonearm Wiring, better Headshell Leads, and Better Tonearm Cabling (To Pre-Amp) can all be real improvements, and are not "snake oil" tweaks by any means.

As I said, this would be one mod-improvement I myself would seriously consider if I was currently in the market for a Technics 1200.

I've personally have heard improvements in this regard from Turntables I own-have owned, and the rest of the Audiophile community pretty much does concur

And no my friend, I cannot afford to send you off some Cardas, or Van Den Hul Pure Silver Wiring which is stated to be the very best, for you to test! hee hee I wish I could afford to though!

The analogy of what you claim, of low voltage at these wires, and the non-importance of the highest quality wiring in these areas is not true IMO.

This is actually where the best improvements in an audio system can be made, and the quality of Cabling in this area makes the largest impact to your Analog Sound. Further down the line, (Pre-Amp to Amp, and Speaker Cabling) the differences are not as drastic. but still imporvements in these areas are also real with the quality of cabling.

As I think we'll all agree, capacitance, and signal loss plays an important role with Turntable wiring. It's these reasons we typically don't use 20ft of Cable to connect a Turntable to a Pre-Amp. Although some people do, and then wonder why thier Turntable doesn't sound all that good?

I've never dealt with KAB, but have read much favorable accounts from other "Philes" of good service, and a highly knowledgeable staff that knows these Turntables, and basically thier shortcomings very well. I cannot speak, or make any claims about the extenal power supply they use with the 1200, and whether it's a worthy mod?

We all know, that you're not getting a $4,000 Graham Phantom Tonearm on a Technics 1200. This is one of the known shortcomings with this Table, but none the less, dollar for dollar, the Technics 1200 Series is very hard to beat. The good ole Matsushita Direct Drive Motor on these Tables has been around for ages, and it's a very good one.

Many Audiophiles laugh at the 1200, but yet cannot deny the ease of use, accuracy of pitch, extremely good wow, and flutter specs, and the degree of isolation, in that this turntable can be in a room with sound levels that would wake the dead, and 1/2 the neighborhood too, yet merrily goes along without the least bit of a hiccup.

Kevin at KAB states-claims that they do go through every Turntable before it ships, checking everything over, making needed adjustments-tweaks, even on a bone stock model from them.

Ultimately, the buyer has to decide what he/she can afford, and what they desire-need from a Analog front end. Mark

Because some carts ride so low that a thinner mat doesn't allow for enough adjustment.


Oh, ok. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the explanation!:thmbsp:

Jeff

The external power supply may have some benefit, but there are also disadvantages in taking the PSU out of the turntable in terms of increased impedance in delivery cables, interference and poorer regulation. It can be offset by a tighter supply and perhaps a useful reduction in induced hum or noise into the cartridge. Personally, I wouldn't do it- but if you are tweak mad, go for it. As for tonearm wiring, again up to the idividual, but 12" of expensive tonearm cable could not make a measurable difference unless it was faulty in the first place. We are talking 10mV max and current measured in the nanoamps into a 47k impedance for a MM and an equivalent VI for a MC. All that is important here is reasonable shielding and a light weight cable. I am happy to rewire one of my 1200mkII's with some esoteric arm wiring and compare it to my other stock unit in real time with identical cartridges and two new identical records if anyone wants to buy me the arm cable. You cannot assess 'improvements' without some form of control- even just an unmodified stock unit. Kabusa is a great place for people to buy one of the world's best turntables with all sorts of go-faster accessories, but the internet also helps perpetuate a lot of opinion as gospel when it is clearly subjective. I see no stock vs modified results anywhere- do you??

Call him.

I would leave this up to someone who I think knows more, Kevin at KAB. I cant quote him word for word nor can I remember all the things he said exactly, but I will say that he told me the top 3 mods are, in this order, fluid damper, tonearm rewire, and external power supply in terms of most noticeable upgrades. (although he admits some customers have said they dont notice much difference in the power supply upgrade--least he's honest). The strobe light disabler and record clamp, etc., are not as noticeable.

I'll bet he would have something to say about "increased impedance in delivery cables, interference and poorer regulation" as far as the external power supply.

I would think that he would not go through the trouble of a cardas rewire if it were not as good as the MG5 arm, (he could just use that on his modded tables), and according to him, that cardas rewire is even better than the MG5 wiring, and since I have personally tried the fluid damper with great results, (and I really dont have a high end system to realize the best possible results), I will say that he has been absolutely correct in his assessment and implementation of this product.

And I have no doubt that a cardas rewire, while maybe not as noticeable as the fluid damper, will give me another level that is not subtle.

I keep saying and others have said, call him. It's too hard to make correct assumptions, and why try when you have a 1200 resource like him.

Sorry I'm not slamming you but there's a lot on this thread that I have heard different from who I believe to have more knowledge about it.

Mark, thanks for the ideas. I do like my Shure cart, but I haven't really heard what else is out there. I don't have a ton of money, but I wouldn't mind upgrading my cart sometime in the future.

Reverend, As my earlier post to you and others suggests, you don't have to buy a fully modded 1200 to reap the benefits of better sound from your analog rig from what you now are experiencing.

Should the funds one day allow, a good Moving Magnet Cartridge in the $200-$300 price range will run circles around the Shure M-97. The importance of proper set-up as I've said earlier is of the utmost importance for best sound, regardless of what the price of a Cartridge-Turntable combination is.

The truth is, many "average" systems cannot fully benefit from all the extra improvements, and a whole yearly salary placed into a Analog front end.

One would be totally insane to place a $10,000 VPI HRX, or a $20,000 Clearaudio Master Reference Turntable, with let's say, a $4500 Lyra Titan Cartridge, and a $10,000 Manley Steelhead Phono Stage in front of a $25 gararge Sale find Sansui Seven Reciever, and a pair of 'White Van Speakers". lol
(I know this is a silly example, but.....)

The rest of the system will not be resolving enough to take advantage of these very high quality front end components. Now, if you were using a Krell 700cx Amp, running into a $85,000 pair of Wilson Audio MAXX Speakers, then I would say "go for it"! ;-)

There has to be a balance, and a assumed-predetermined "end goal" for each, and every Stereophile.

The very best plan for all of us end users, is do your homework, sleep on things for a bit, meaning don't implusively buy if you can help it, and this will hopefully help you make the best-wisest decisions.
Again, best of luck in your endeavors. Mark

Well I would definitely consider the fluid damper at some point in my life if I do end up buying the 1200. It seems to be fairly inexpensive, and even if it isn't totally incredible blow-your-face-off, it is still pretty cool. Other possible weak points in my vinyl reproduction could be my cartridge and my NAD 7000 phono amp. It will definitely be nice to have a table that keeps speed correctly and is possible to align easily.

markd51 is correct as usual,

I would add though, that if you get a 1200, I know you dont have the cash, but I am kicking myself cause I should've went with a kab 1200 with his top 3 mods at the very least---coulda shoulda

"That's not a supermat, it's the standard Technics mat. It came with the 1200mkII. Whether it STILL does is another question."

I bought a supermat from KAB for 20.00 and it is identical to the one in the picture. If it's not a super mat what is the differerence? Appears to be the same thickness (from what I can tell from the pic)

I love my 1200MKII, it has that pro/retro look to it. Mine was purchased new in 1990 and I use it for light home use. I added a JA Mitchell record clamp and an Audio Technica AT140ML with silver headshell wires. Sounds great!

Rev, since your money is pretty tight right now, I suggest you go ahead and buy the stock 1200 from Musicians Friend for $399 and install your Shure. You will know that you can improve your table down the road as funds permit. And who knows, you might find it meets your needs in stock form. Its a good solid table, so get it and enjoy it and see where it leads you in the future.

Reverend, As my earlier post to you and others suggests, you don't have to buy a fully modded 1200 to reap the benefits of better sound from your analog rig from what you now are experiencing.

Should the funds one day allow, a good Moving Magnet Cartridge in the $200-$300 price range will run circles around the Shure M-97. The importance of proper set-up as I've said earlier is of the utmost importance for best sound, regardless of what the price of a Cartridge-Turntable combination is.

The truth is, many "average" systems cannot fully benefit from all the extra improvements, and a whole yearly salary placed into a Analog front end.

One would be totally insane to place a $10,000 VPI HRX, or a $20,000 Clearaudio Master Reference Turntable, with let's say, a $4500 Lyra Titan Cartridge, and a $10,000 Manley Steelhead Phono Stage in front of a $25 gararge Sale find Sansui Seven Reciever, and a pair of 'White Van Speakers". lol
(I know this is a silly example, but.....)

The rest of the system will not be resolving enough to take advantage of these very high quality front end components. Now, if you were using a Krell 700cx Amp, running into a $85,000 pair of Wilson Audio MAXX Speakers, then I would say "go for it"! ;-)

There has to be a balance, and a assumed-predetermined "end goal" for each, and every Stereophile.

The very best plan for all of us end users, is do your homework, sleep on things for a bit, meaning don't implusively buy if you can help it, and this will hopefully help you make the best-wisest decisions.
Again, best of luck in your endeavors. Mark

Thanks for the advice. All things considered I definitely plan on waiting until the end of the month at the very least.

I am fully aware of my limitations. My listening room is also my bedroom, it is very small and has glass closets and such that just reflect sound like mad. My speakers are not the best (though I am definitely happy with them for now) and were only $300, and I feel like I did well for the money considering I hadn't found audiokarma when I bought them. I think my other gear is reasonably nice, but definitely not worth a few cars or anything like what you mentioned above. I am pretty sure I will never be able to spend that kind of cash on a stereo, so I am really happy to maximize what I have for now. Since I am in college and will most likely be moving in a couple of years I can't accumulate too much stuff.

In general I am all about the best value at this point, so that is the main reason I am considering a new 1200 since it seems like it will both last a long time as well as hold value well.

I love my 1200MKII, it has that pro/retro look to it. Mine was purchased new in 1990 and I use it for light home use. I added a JA Mitchell record clamp and an Audio Technica AT140ML with silver headshell wires. Sounds great!

And it looks excellent too, very nice. How do you like the AT? I was looking at that shortly after I went shure thinking I should have bought it instead for the better tracking abilities. Oh well!

And it looks excellent too, very nice. How do you like the AT? I was looking at that shortly after I went shure thinking I should have bought it instead for the better tracking abilities. Oh well!

The AT 440ML is a great entry level audiophile cartrige IMO. I love the tracking ability and great high end. I would recommend it for the price over a similar priced Shure. I use a 140ML cartridge with the newer replacement 440ML stylus.

Maybe in the near future I will check one of those out, they are the same price as the Shure. I just don't want to side-grade :)

Got to throw my two pennies in.
I just bought an SL 1210mkll from musicians friend . I've had it about two weeks now . $399.SHIPPED. That is a deal. I'm very happy with my purchase. It will probably outlive me and I'm 39 LOL.
BTW, the mat on it looks close to 1/4 inch thick FWIW.
Now just trying to decide between an AT440MLa for $90 or AT120E/T for $60 to replace the Shure M91ed on there now .I figure either one is an upgrade. Good luck Rev.

Russ

Thanks Russ,

I will hopefully be ordering mine in the next week or so unless I change my mind. I don't think I am going to change :) I just want to wait for my next paycheck. Sounds like a good deal. From what I hear it seems like it might be worth it to spend the extra $30 and get the 440. Good luck with your cartridge choice!

Best,
Colin

I'm sitting here listening to Earl Klugh spin on my SL-1210 M5G. This table is a joy to listen to. You've made the right choice, IMHO.

I will post an update when I finally go for it, thanks for all of the direction and advice from everyone.

Alright everyone who is interested, I just ordered it a few minutes ago. I hate spending money so much, I usually feel bad when I do it, so I better be happy with it! I am sure I will be :)

Now I just need to sell some things, like my Yamaha, an Epiphone guitar amp, and some effects pedals and I will be set to go for a while.

Glad to hear it, and welcome to the 1200 Club!

Your current Shure cartridge should mate fine with your Technics 1200 arm until you decide you're ready from something new. Be sure to use the alignment jig that comes with your 1200 to assist with cartridge mounting and alignment.

When you're ready to make a move with the cartridge, I can recommend the cartridges that KAB sells specifically for the 1200. I'm still very pleased with the results I'm getting from the KAB Stanton Audiophile Edition. With this cartridge, Kevin modifies a Stanton Discmaster DJ cartridge with an old stock Stanton hifi cantilever and stylus assembly. The results are very pleasing to my ear.

For budgeting, Kevin sells them for around $170 if I recall correctly. At that price, it is very competitive in performance with similarly priced, and even some more expensive, moving coil cartridges. This is NOT a bright sounding cartridge, however. The detail is all there, but the cartridge produces a more even tonal balance: very much like your Shure in that respect. The Stanton provides ALOT more detail in the midrange, however, than the Shure. It is a very rich sounding cartridge (at the risk of sounding too subjective).

If you like a brighter sounding cartridge, but one that also brings out more low and mid frequency detail - though possibly not as much as the Stanton - take a look at the KAB Ortofon Pro series of cartridges. These are more expensive than the Stanton as well. They are similar in application, however. Kevin takes an Ortofon Concorde DJ cartridge and puts an Ortofon OM series stylus on it. Nothing really new here, as Ortofon was doing this themselves back in the '80's. Kevin, however, is the only individual who sells this combination today that I'm aware of. I've got the Stanton on my Technics and the Ortofon on my Pioneer PL-600. They both have alot to offer for the dollar.

Cool, thanks for the tip. I was considering a Denon 103, but not for a while. I will look into the Stanton. I have heard that those Ortofons are lacking in bass but have a great midrange, but since my speakers are not the bassiest either it probably would not match well with my system.

I have heard that those Ortofons are lacking in bass but have a great midrange...

I thought so too, but then I started to mess with the VTA. The Ortofon's seem to be a bit picky about VTA, at least on my TT's. Once I got everything set right, the Ortofon's bass is now quite satisfactory. If anything, the prominent feature with the Ortofons are the highs, in my experience anyway.

The Denon would be an excellent match as well. So many choices!