I've used Technics 1210s for many years, but I'm getting sick of how ugly they are. I don't need two - I never use them both at home.

So, let's say I was to sell them, and spend the cash on something vintage. What would be as reliable, and have the same sound quality as the 1210s?

I generally use one to record to my computer for editing, so this is the most important consideration...

What are you looking to spend? Are you looking for something with a wooden plinth? Upgradable?

Vintage as reliable? The technics is one of the most reliable tables ever made.

Maybe consider an SL-1100 with wood arm base.

Or anything manual with as few moving parts as as possible and well built- maybe Thorens or Dual?

Wow. I've never considered them ugly at all. I would think that it being the most popular turntable series ever made, that some 'dress up' options would be available out there... If not, consider de-uglifying it. Maybe have a custom wood plinth built for it. I've seen one on a website where someone had painted the plinth with a granite look alike paint, and it turned out very nicely.

The 1210 is such a solid performer...if aesthetics are the problem, I would think it could be solved much more easily with a little creativity. Finding something that looks better and performs equally or better is a very tall order.

:yes:Wow. I've never considered them ugly at all. I would think that it being the most popular turntable series ever made, that some 'dress up' options would be available out there...

:yes::thmbsp:

What are you looking to spend? Are you looking for something with a wooden plinth? Upgradable?

I'll spend whatever I can get for a pair of 1210s - let's just say £300 for argument's sake. Wooden plinth yes, upgradeable, not so much of an issue. I'd like it to be as good as the 1210s to begin with.

What would be as reliable, and have the same sound quality as the 1210s?Does as reliable and sound better work?

Pioneer PL-610/630 or PLC-590. :yes:

Wow. I've never considered them ugly at all. I would think that it being the most popular turntable series ever made...

I know they're popular, and don't get me wrong - I love them. Always have. But I just don't think they look good. Especially on my vintage desk, surrounded by vintage furniture! If I knew I was buying something that did the same job but also looked good, I'd be happy. I don't use them for DJing any more, so the pitch is of no use, the torque isn't as important etc etc...

Does as reliable and sound better work?

Pioneer PL-610/630 or PLC-590. :yes:

As reliable and better sounding is good, but those pioneers don't look any better!

Does as reliable and sound better work?

Pioneer PL-610/630 or PLC-590. :yes:

And talking of Pioneer - I have a PL-112D in the garage. Would it make more sense to put a bit of work into that rather than buying yet another TT? How's the sound quality from these things? And, if that was a route I could go down - what sort of things should I be looking at doing to it? (bearing in mind I'm a total novice).

As reliable and better sounding is good, but those pioneers don't look any better!Ah but the meters look cool! If you have never seen one they look much better in person. I like polished aluminum and there's plenty on my 630. Search PL-630 and you will find my thread on adding a wood fascia to mine. I'm in the process of making a different fascia that slides over and completely covers the composite material and hope to be finished in a week or so. I'll start a new thread when I'm finished.

Ah but the meters look cool! If you have never seen one they look much better in person. I like polished aluminum and there's plenty on my 630. Search PL-630 and you will find my thread on adding a wood fascia to mine. I'm in the process of making a different fascia that slides over and completely covers the composite material and hope to be finished in a week or so. I'll start a new thread when I'm finished.

You did a good job!

But seriously, you don't want to see what a mess I can make of a bit of wood when armed with a saw. DIY is not an option!

I've used Technics 1210s for many years, but I'm getting sick of how ugly they are.

I count myself among the group who wishes a Technics 12xx had been chosen at buying time instead of an AT-PL120 settled on. It would be nice to have a new primary turntable that wasn't so eager to muddy the performance of a Grado cartridge with audible hum.

Go to KABUSA! See their wood cabinet options. Get one from them or get one made for your 1210. Beauty and that famous Technics reliability and easily had parts if you ever need them. Why not keep what you have and add a wood outside cabinet?

Does as reliable and sound better work?

Pioneer PL-610/630 or PLC-590. :yes:

+1 The PLC-590 looks much better, and sounds better, too. But it is also much rarer and more expensive. Since the tonearm was an option, you can't be sure of what arm you'll get on one if you find one (if it even has an arm). That's both a blessing and a curse, though. You may get lucky and get a great arm on yours. [I got an SME 3009 on mine, which I'm happy with. Another AKer has an Infinity Black Widow on his.]

As reliable and better sounding is good, but those pioneers don't look any better!

I beg to differ. While looks are subjective, I've lived with both of these TTs up close and personal, and I don't think there is any comparison. Don't be fooled by online pictures. In real life, the PLC-590 just invites you to gaze at it for prolonged periods; it is a really BEAUTIFUL table. The Technics is nice-looking, but just doesn't have that effect on viewers.

HOWEVER, the PLC-590 these days typically sells for around three times the price of the Technics, or even more (depending on tonearm). It's hardly a fair comparison.

Two more that are very good and will probably cost more (but not quite as much more as the PLC-590) are the Sansui SR-929 and the SR-838. Very good looking-tables (esp. the 929, with it's glossy, almost futuristic sci fi" look) that also sound great. :music:

A third option, IF you have DIY inclinations, would be something like a re-plinthed Lenco. But since we've already been told that woodworking is out, that might not be a good choice.

An Empire (298) might come within budget, if you can find one and want an attractive vintage look with a different flavor.

And talking of Pioneer - I have a PL-112D in the garage. Would it make more sense to put a bit of work into that rather than buying yet another TT? How's the sound quality from these things? And, if that was a route I could go down - what sort of things should I be looking at doing to it? (bearing in mind I'm a total novice).

The PL-112D was a base model belt drive. Good model, but the specs won't be near the Technics. If by you're looking for something like woodgrain, the TOTL models of that same series, the PL-550 and 570 are quartz DD and excellent. They look pretty, but the woodgrain is fake.

I agree with Kent. Keep the Technics and make esthetic adaptations.

And talking of Pioneer - I have a PL-112D in the garage. Would it make more sense to put a bit of work into that rather than buying yet another TT? How's the sound quality from these things? And, if that was a route I could go down - what sort of things should I be looking at doing to it? (bearing in mind I'm a total novice).

Nope.

Why don't you contact someone handy with woodworking (if you are not) and talk to them about veneers? You ought to be able to have the plinth for your Technics tables done in wood veneers to match whatever furniture look that you're going after.

The Pioneer PL-112D is a very basic belt driven turntable. It's not a bad unit at all, but in no way will it equal your Technics tables. It's not in the ballpark...it's not even in the parking lot eating a hot dog.

Pioneer PL-41.

......the pitch is of no use, the torque isn't as important etc etc...

That opens up other options then- tables that are possibly as good sounding, but maybe not as beefy or stoutly built?

...I just don't think they look good. Especially on my vintage desk, surrounded by vintage furniture!.....

I'd suggest bringing it to an auto body shop for a piano black gloss finish, or maybe a nice amber gold paint?

...Why don't you contact someone handy with woodworking (if you are not) and talk to them about veneers? You ought to be able to have the plinth for your Technics tables done in wood veneers to match whatever furniture look that you're going after.....

Indeedy! A woodworker could easily veneer it for you.


You say you have two of them- sell one to fund a new re-veneering or paint job.



Go to KABUSA! See their wood cabinet options. Get one from them or get one made for your 1210. Beauty and that famous Technics reliability and easily had parts if you ever need them. Why not keep what you have and add a wood outside cabinet?

Indeedy ageen! How about bring it to an automotive painter, have them paint it gloss black, and then add the wooden cabinet for some serious style!

My Pioneer PL-570 performs and sounds a lot like my Girlfriend's Technics 1210 (I think its a 1210...its black). The Technics has a very SOLID feel to it and I think could take a bit more abuse than the 570, but I lucked into one in very good condition. I've recently put a Denon DL-103 MC cartridge on it, and that combo really sounds fantastic, I prefer the sound of that to my Systemdek with an AT-150mlx (which sounds great, too...just different). The 570 has more automatic features, which could possibly lead to problems if the unit you find hasn't been well taken care of.

I know they're popular, and don't get me wrong - I love them. Always have. But I just don't think they look good. Especially on my vintage desk, surrounded by vintage furniture! If I knew I was buying something that did the same job but also looked good, I'd be happy. I don't use them for DJing any more, so the pitch is of no use, the torque isn't as important etc etc...

Also...I totally agree with you on the look, if you have vintage furniture. My apartment is all mid-century vintage and nothing looks better than my Lenco L-70 with it. But without a different plinth it's not going to sound like a 1200.

The AR "The turntable" I think it's called, is very nice looking (the one with the rounded edge wood veneer plinth). A Systemdek IIX, all wood plinth, looks good with vintage furniture, also.

Member Scottrt (located in CA) repaints the plinths on the Technics and his work is magnificent. Private messaging on AK is currently down, but he frequents the vinyl section at the audioasylum.org board and I'm sure you could contact him there. As has been suggested, you could sell one tt to pay for the modification of the other.

Member Scottrt (located in CA) repaints the plinths on the Technics and his work is magnificent. Private messaging on AK is currently down, but he frequents the vinyl section at the audioasylum.org board and I'm sure you could contact him there. As has been suggested, you could sell one tt to pay for the modification of the other.

This is good to know- I'd like to see his work.

I used to work as an airbrush artist for a rock and roll guitar customizer and still have some of my old kit, including a touch-up gun, ideal for spraying plinths (and motorcycle tanks as I also used to do MC restoration).


The technics TT is a pretty straightforward TT to repair and work on, and with parts availability from Technics and KAB and others supported, it's a treat to work on.

...In real life, the PLC-590 just invites you to gaze at it for prolonged periods; it is a really BEAUTIFUL table.

Two more that are very good and will probably cost more (but not quite as much more as the PLC-590) are the Sansui SR-929 and the SR-838. Very good looking-tables (esp. the 929, with it's glossy, almost futuristic sci fi" look) that also sound great. :music:



I agree. :D

http://onepixeldesign.com/stereo/PLC590.jpg

http://onepixeldesign.com/Sansui/SR-838.jpg

Why not pick up a thorens 125 with an SME arm or say a TD150

Member Scottrt (located in CA) repaints the plinths on the Technics and his work is magnificent. Private messaging on AK is currently down, but he frequents the vinyl section at the audioasylum.org board and I'm sure you could contact him there. As has been suggested, you could sell one tt to pay for the modification of the other.

Howard I don't think that is an option for him since from what he said in one of his post I think he lives in the UK.

This is good to know- I'd like to see his work.The SL-1600/1700/1800 MK2's are ideal for this as the plastic plate with the control labels is removable which makes the plinth easy to paint and reassemble yet maintaining a professional look. I'm not sure how that applies to a 1200. Scott used a spray can to paint the ones I saw and then he bakes them in his kitchen oven. I was amazed how nice they looked. It would be easy enough for a moderately skilled DIY'er. :yes:

See Stanton's avatar of his 1600 MK2.

The SL-1600/1700/1800 MK2's are ideal for this as the plastic plate with the control labels is removable which makes the plinth easy to paint and reassemble yet maintaining a professional look. I'm not sure how that applies to a 1200. Scott used a spray can to paint the ones I saw and then he bakes them in his kitchen oven. I was amazed how nice they looked. It would be easy enough for a moderately skilled DIY'er. :yes:

See Stanton's avatar of his 1600 MK2.

I own an SL-1700 MK II variant, the SL-1710, in charcoal grey. To me, looks worlds better than the silver SL-1700 MK II.

So, these customized or in different colors can really be eye catching.


Did Scott do his in red? Someone here used engine paint on an original SL-1x00 model and it looked stunning.

I hope the automotive finish paint on the pair I plan on spraying comes out as good as I hope.

[smip] In real life, the PLC-590 just invites you to gaze at it for prolonged periods; it is a really BEAUTIFUL table.

Two more that are very good and will probably cost more (but not quite as much more as the PLC-590) are the Sansui SR-929 and the SR-838. Very good looking-tables (esp. the 929, with it's glossy, almost futuristic sci fi" look) that also sound great. :music:


An Empire (298) might come within budget, if you can find one and want an attractive vintage look with a different flavor.

I think the Pioneer looks great!

I'm currently waiting for delivery of an Empire 208 that I bought from specialidiot. It is somewhere between Kansas City and the west coast as I type. I've had all kinds of ideas running around in my head for the rebuild. :scratch2:

Did Scott do his in red? Someone here used engine paint on an original SL-1x00 model and it looked stunning.I remember seeing someone post a red one but not sure if that was his work or not. If I still have your email address I'll send you some photos of one he did to match a Lexus color. I just switched from a PC to a Mac and lost some data in the process. If you have mine drop me a line and I'll respond.

http://onepixeldesign.com/stereo/PLC590.jpg



Now, that is a thing of beauty!

OK, the more I think about this, and the more I research options, the more I'm falling back in love with my SL. Customising is probably the way forward. So, if I'm going to build, or have someone build, a plinth... give me some direction - I don't want it just to look like a technics in a box. Could I take the feet off for example? I know they are part of the suspension on these. If I was to have it sprayed - how easy is it for me just to take off the top plate? Is there a dust cover I could replace the standard one with... etc etc..

And yes, I'm in the UK...

Thanks for all the help so far.

If your handy you could repaint it as I have with my Technics tables. My avatar is a SL1600MKII. I have an SL1800MKII that looks just like it except for the arm wrap. Both of mine have upgraded cables and cardas arm wire. If you go to the KAB website you will see wooden plinth and get an idea as to what your tables would look like. At present the table I'm using now is my Black SL1800MKII with a 1210M5G arm with cardas arm wire and Monster cables. I'm using it with a Shure M97HE and a BSR headshell as those shells are very low mass and sound good with this arm.

I like my Sony PS-5550, Avatar Pic. Good Luck in your quest.

Thanks,
John.:music:

If your handy you could repaint it as I have with my Technics tables. My avatar is a SL1600MKII. I have an SL1800MKII that looks just like it except for the arm wrap. Both of mine have upgraded cables and cardas arm wire. If you go to the KAB website you will see wooden plinth and get an idea as to what your tables would look like. At present the table I'm using now is my Black SL1800MKII with a 1210M5G arm with cardas arm wire and Monster cables. I'm using it with a Shure M97HE and a BSR headshell as those shells are very low mass and sound good with this arm.

Painting I can probably manage - what type of paint did you use? I'd be worried to use a brush type paint on it...

Painting I can probably manage - what type of paint did you use? I'd be worried to use a brush type paint on it...

I'm sure its spray paint, though I have not done this myself. My only concern would be lettering that would be covered. But I have to say the ones I have seen painted look great.

Have you considered buying a new cartridge that is maybe several magnitudes better than what you have? It's always an option to gain that interest back in the TT. I agree the 1200 is not the nicest looking table but certainly one of the best there is, from what people say. I would like to purchase one myself because I want a new turntable. New! But I just do not know enough about the SL-1200 yet.

Go slow on your upgrades...Get that cartridge you always wanted $$$$ and then evaluate what you need as it may offer exposure to any weakness in the 1200. Just a thought here not trying to offend anyone.
Ron

I'm sure its spray paint, though I have not done this myself. My only concern would be lettering that would be covered. But I have to say the ones I have seen painted look great.

I've actually already looked into new decals! Can be done quite cheaply. And I've contacted a carpenter. I'm getting quite excited now about doing this actually!

Dare I mention the Realistic Lab400 or 420, both absolutely beautiful tables in their own right with incredible performance and both direct drive. They have vinyl wood veneer and are very heavily built. And the best part is that they can be had for between $20.00 and $100.00 dollars, real sleepers. Mark

Here's a link to Lab400 imageshttp://www.oaktreevintage.com/web_photos/Stereo_Turntables_CD/Realistic__LAB-400_Stereo_Turntable_collage.jpg

I've actually already looked into new decals! Can be done quite cheaply. And I've contacted a carpenter. I'm getting quite excited now about doing this actually!

Outstanding! Now you're on track!

Finding the balance of aesthetics vs. performance is often very hard to do. The end user can do a lot more about aesthetics than about performance. I'm almost as excited to see what you end up with...be sure to take lots of before and after pics!

I'm working on a project with a friend of mine who does custom kitchens. I'm having a custom plinth built for my Pioneer PL-570. Love the table. Hate the peeling vinyl fake woodgrain. Problem solved--a solid Corian plinth!

Painting I can probably manage - what type of paint did you use? I'd be worried to use a brush type paint on it...I'll post this evening an excerpt from Scottrtt on how he paints his plinths.

Outstanding! Now you're on track!

Finding the balance of aesthetics vs. performance is often very hard to do. The end user can do a lot more about aesthetics than about performance. I'm almost as excited to see what you end up with...be sure to take lots of before and after pics!

Will do...

I'll post this evening an excerpt from Scottrtt on how he paints his plinths.

That would be awesome... thanks!

Don't use a brush- unless it's an air brush.

You'll regret it.

I count myself among the group who wishes a Technics 12xx had been chosen at buying time instead of an AT-PL120 settled on. It would be nice to have a new primary turntable that wasn't so eager to muddy the performance of a Grado cartridge with audible hum.

The PL120 is known to have slight Grado hum near the arm rest (Speed/Quartz Lock Light) and near the center of the disk - motor hum - it's in our Grado Hum data. You can mount other mellow cartridges like an older Shure M75 with a JICO stylus and get mellow and resolution. But as has been said many a time, the role of a PL120 is as #2 table for test playing thrift store vinyl, spinning 78's and such. Get a couple of headshells and some other cartridges for the PL120 and get a different high end table as #1.

Regarding the OP's opinion about looks and the industrial nature of the Technics series - get it to a local cabinet shop and have them add real wood laminate to the base? Or, pull the deck and have them build a new plinth/base from your favorite wood, or buy a nice old table top player that may not work and gut it out and fit the SL deck inside?

Sure you can get a nice older table with wood grain, but most will still look out of place on true vintage or antique furniture. To get the parlor feel, you'll need a Victrola cabinet. A 1200 series deck can be fit into the Vicky cab and that'll do the living room fine :)

Painting I can probably manage - what type of paint did you use? I'd be worried to use a brush type paint on it...

For my Black one I used Krylon satin base finish. Gave it 4 coats sanding between coats. Learned a lot about painting from that one. #1 rule is don't get impaitent let the paint cure before sanding between coats.
On my second 1800MKII It started out to be a Darker silver and it is a very long story but at the end I had to change the color so it's now burgundy which I'm getting use to. I may repaint it this summer once we get hot weather here in Ohio. I used Rustolum on that one. Just take your time and make sure you follow the directions on the can as i didn't which is part of the reason the other one isn't dark silver anymore.

This is from Scottrtt regarding his suggestion on how to paint my 1700 MK2:

"One neat thing about the Technics is you can completely disassemble it leaving only the alum plinth. Since it has NO lettering screened on it its a great table for repainting. I use the Dupli-color spray primer,primer-sealer,color of choice. then clear coat....all Dupli-color stuff. I wet sand with 1000 grit between coats, but use 2000 grit for the final sanding, followed by polishing with Meguairs "Cleaner Wax", which has just enough fine abrasive to bring out the shine real nice. I use a 3 inch wool buffing attachment in a electric drill."

And as I mentioned before he said he bakes the paint dry in his kitchen oven.

The wood plinths KAB sells look nice but are expensive and can be made much cheaper. Still a nice option if you want to spend the money.

This is from Scottrtt regarding his suggestion on how to paint my 1700 MK2:

"One neat thing about the Technics is you can completely disassemble it leaving only the alum plinth. Since it has NO lettering screened on it its a great table for repainting. I use the Dupli-color spray primer,primer-sealer,color of choice. then clear coat....all Dupli-color stuff. I wet sand with 1000 grit between coats, but use 2000 grit for the final sanding, followed by polishing with Meguairs "Cleaner Wax", which has just enough fine abrasive to bring out the shine real nice. I use a 3 inch wool buffing attachment in a electric drill."

And as I mentioned before he said he bakes the paint dry in his kitchen oven.

The wood plinths KAB sells look nice but are expensive and can be made much cheaper. Still a nice option if you want to spend the money.


That's pretty much how I did mine. Except on the Burgandy plinth final coat was a satin polyurathane coat. Looks more like the factory finish.

Those plinths do look good, but are way over budget. I can show them to the carpenter when the time comes though. Has anyone seen how they work? It's hard to see from the photos - are they just a really snug fit? Or is there some way they have to be attached?

I believe the 1200's just drop into the fascia frame that KAB sells. What I did and am doing for my Pioneer PL-630 (http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=203521&highlight=beautification) is very inexpensive to do, about $20 all in. For the Technics I think a paint job is the way to go. My Pioneer is mostly brushed aluminum with a composite material on the sides. I don't like the look of the composite material and am trying to cover it up. My 630 is in mint cosmetic condition and I don't want to paint it so I'm going the fascia route.

I believe the 1200's just drop into the fascia frame that KAB sells...

What I meant was, what holds it in place? Is it just so tight fitting that it doesn't need attached? Because, looking at the photos, it doesn't touch the ground, the technics feet are visible below it.

What I meant was, what holds it in place? Is it just so tight fitting that it doesn't need attached? Because, looking at the photos, it doesn't touch the ground, the technics feet are visible below it.

Most drop in place- like if you put a "box" within a box.

If someone builds one for you, have it so the feet touch the bottom, the box is snug but not tight as to scratch the deck, and add either spikes, or rubber domes/footers to the wood case- better if you incorporate adjustable feet in my opinion.

Easy enough to find at a hardware store- the adjustable type, that is.

Or go high-end custom.


You can sit it in the box without the feet on the 1200, if you choose- no biggie there.