• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My MKE SL-1200 MK2 Project

Looking good.

The out-gassing is from adhesive that got into the poors.

Too bad, but maybe you could mount a small round mirror like the high end tables have, to check stylus cleanliness and condition w/o getting down on your hands and knees?

Or how about some nice pin-striping?
 
I love this project,keep it going!
I'm pretty sure that at the end of this path you'll find that the 25$ they asking you to repaint it again are only a little detail!
 
The powder coating cost $40 because I had them mask off all the screw holes, so that added to the cost in labor and some materials (the little tape dots aren't just regular painters tape!)

I think as far as bang-for-buck, going down to the local glass place and having them cut me a little mirror and affixing it is going to cost peanuts and add some functionality. I'm thinking a "L" shaped mirror that covers the crummy spot where the sticker was and then up the side of the pitch slider so it's actually under the head shell area more.
 
So what are opinions between (choosing one or the other)

The KAB external PSU/Strobe disable upgrade
or
TT Weights copper platter mat

Both are similarly priced. Which one gives a more tangible audible improvement?
 
Also, I'm wondering about the idea of simply completely bypassing/removing the pitch shift as well as the strobe light. I am really confident in the overall speed stability of this thing and I'm thinking I could just as easily do without these!

Is that an easy thing to do? Advisable? How would one do this?

Do any of you 1200 users EVER adjust the speed?
 
levlhed said:
Also, I'm wondering about the idea of simply completely bypassing/removing the pitch shift as well as the strobe light. I am really confident in the overall speed stability of this thing and I'm thinking I could just as easily do without these!

Is that an easy thing to do? Advisable? How would one do this?

Do any of you 1200 users EVER adjust the speed?
Click to expand...

I never adjust the speed, so the slider is redundant. My M3D has the defeat button, which bypasses the slider. This basically does what you're proposing to do, right?

I say go for the gusto regarding all the mods, strobe disabler etc.

BTW, I really like the 5mm Herbies mat on my deck. Just another option that's all.

jeff
 
Yeah, I want to completely bypass/defeat the pitch-adjustment mechanism and the strobe light. I mean literally remove them from the system entirely if it's possible. If I removed the strobe light then I wouldn't need the strobe disable.

I'm looking at one of those heavy copper platter mats and an improved bearing. I'm planning to just have Jim @ Applied Fidelity mod the new one I am getting from KAB. I'd love to do the crazy Mike New one, but yikes...that's a bit pricey.
I've been looking into the external power supplies, but I don't know if I can be patient enough given that Kevin is out of stock and the only other one I can find is the TimeStep out of UK which is going to be considerably more cost prohibitive due to the exchange rate. and who knows how long delivery is even if they have them in stock?
 
levlhed said:
Also, I'm wondering about the idea of simply completely bypassing/removing the pitch shift as well as the strobe light. I am really confident in the overall speed stability of this thing and I'm thinking I could just as easily do without these!

Is that an easy thing to do? Advisable? How would one do this?

Do any of you 1200 users EVER adjust the speed?
Click to expand...

I do use pitch adjust on my SL-1200. Often enough that I consider it an essential feature.

It's useful for bootlegs which may have 'speed issues.'

I also have the KAB 78 rpm modification on my Technics. When I spin 78s, I'll often need to adjust pitch for older acoustic discs.

My niece's kids are often over visiting. They love to hang out in the mancave, where I'll play records and they'll dance. When I play with the pitch, they go wild, they absolutely love it.
 
Regarding the pitch control- you can remove and bypass it- unplug the connection of the pitch control wires/plugs and join the 2 center pins of the socket together.

As for the copper mat- it adds about 4lbs to the rotational mass of the platter. Some claim this overworks the motor. I doubt it, and just ordered one myself, but read on.


Isnoe footers- despite the 1200's ability to reject spurious vibration, these clever isolation feet are loved by their owners. Pricey, but not one negative word yet about 'em. I ordered a set of these too.

New bearing- the beefy bearing has run into issues- the current version has been suspended due to the sealed bearing design not allowing full service. A new one should be available later.

However, the two modified bearings from both the UK and from the states is a nicer, lower price, and very robust. I have no qualms about purchasing either, and will pick one up soon.

Power supplies- I think either is up to the job, with the KAB unit a good design, but the Timestep a bit nicer. The Timestep supposedly negates the need for bypassing the strobe. One of these will be added too. Hopefully shortly, and I'm leaning towards the Timestep.

What are the best mods? I dunno. But each one adds to the abilities of the table, and all together, have the potential of elevating the table to quite lofty standards.

My thoughts? Add the bearing, then the power supply, before adding the extra weight to the platter.
 
I'm going with the Applied Fidelity bearing since he is USA based and seems like a reasonable fellow.
Isonoe feet are underway too.
I do wish to get an external PSU while I'm at it. I guess KAB will have them end of next week. That UK guy hasn't replied to my inquiry. I read some posts by him over @ VE and I have to say I don't really feel like dealing with him anyway!

I found a place that will custom laser etch a mirror for me, I'm designing the text/graphic I want and then waiting for a quote.

What font do you think the original text is? I could try to match it, but I don't have to!
 
I messed around a bit with mocking up the mirror, this is what I came up with.

IMG_1695.JPG
 
Instead of covering the pitch slider, you could shape it like an upside down "T".

Maybe put the headphone guy drawing at the top then center the writing at the bottom.
 
Mirror is cut and off to the laser-etching dude (I actually found a local guy to do it).

The last integral part I am still missing is the external PSU. I haven't been able to find one that is currently available to even order.
I started looking into DIY, but I'm not finding info that is easy enough for me to follow. I will have to try and research that some more this weekend and see if I can wrap my (hed) around it enough to give it a go. I read of a guy building a 21v power supply that bypasses the strobe and pop-up light. I actually like the idea of that, I don't think I even want those lights anyway. Unfortunately the info available isn't really in terms that I can digest.

But as I look at the pile of parts I feel the inner conflict of just skipping the PSU (for now?) and start putting the thing together. I hadn't really expected it to take this long to even get this far, I was pretty sure I was going to be listening to my creation by this weekend! On the other hand, I'd really like to just "do it right the first time" and get the PSU installed straight away, not having to take things apart once a PSU becomes available....
 
Mirror is done! Sourced entirely local, total cost a whopping $25.

It is hard to get a good picture of a mirror.....

IMG_1701.JPG

IMG_1699.JPG



Still waiting for external PSU and copper mat.
Exploring "under platter" LED, but leaning against it.
 
levlhed said:
Mirror is done! Sourced entirely local, total cost a whopping $25.

It is hard to get a good picture of a mirror.....

IMG_1701.JPG

IMG_1699.JPG



Still waiting for external PSU and copper mat.
Exploring "under platter" LED, but leaning against it.
Click to expand...

Please don't put LED's under the platter it looks great as is.......
 
:thmbsp:
Very very very nice!!! Good work!! I really like the mirror idea!!! Keep it up, dude :thmbsp:

I'm definitely keeping an eye on this thread..:lurk:
 
I agree, it does look fine w/out the LEDs. If they made a kit that was really subtle I'd be more inclined, but they are these "super bright burn your eyes out look at me look at me" things. I think that'd just be distracting. I'm going to pass unless I come across something really classy.

And I have to point out the mirror was BrocLuno's idea and I'm really glad he suggested it! I think it turned out pretty sweet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom