• 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

Upgrade to Rega RP-1 or Technics 1200 ?

vinyltim

vinyltim

AK Member
Hi, 1st post here. I've been doing a lot of reading here, and have found this forum to be really informative. I have a question that's been discussed a lot here, but am looking for the latest opinion....

I'm looking to upgrade to a good solid turntable. Of course I want it to sound good, but am looking for reliability and steady speed as much as anything else. As I upgrade the rest of my system (got a 80's Marantz receiver and KLH model 5's) I may consider another TT in the future.

After tons of reading, mostly considering two options: new Rega RP1 or Technics SL-1200MK2.......opinions? Another idea?

Thanks a lot for the help.
 
Register to hide this ad
The Rega P3-24 is closer to the Technics than the RP1.
Given your criteria I'd go for the Technics which has the better build quality, is as rugged as they come and has speed stability few turntables can match.
 
If it were me, I'd go for either the Technics, or a Rega P2- or honestly, the P3- as the P3 will take later upgrades the P2 will not, like the external power supply unit.

The P3 allows you to modify the table to much higher performance- the P2 is somewhat limiting, and the P1 is very limiting in regards to upgrades.

Not saying the P1 is a bad table, but when the time comes and you want to upgrade, it requires selling the table where the P2, and especially the P3, allows you to upgrade the existing table to higher, truly audiophile standards.

Back to the Technics- personally it'd be my choice, but that's not saying the Regas aren't worthy.

But the Technics also allows further upgrading, and aftermarket hot-rodding, parts availability, and superior speed accuracy, as well as convenient things like quick start, immediate platter stop, push-button speed change, and adjustable arm VTA (vertical tracking angle), as well as quick change headshell.

Not all those features are desired by all people, so it's gotta be in relation to what you find important.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm not into tweaking, just want it to work. I was considering the Rega mostly because I used a P2 that was nice, and was wondering if the new RP-1 fixed some the P-1 issues.

I'm guessing the 1200 can easily be upgraded to an excellent cartridge--that's something I may do. I'll start looking at Ebay--around $500, right?
 
I agree that you need to go P3 to compete with a 1200. I also agree that your comments would seem to indicate the 1200 being a good fit (reliability/durability, speed accuracy). I insist on a better deal than that when I want something as common as a 1200, but I'm a cheapskate. P.S. 1200s don't have any "stock" cartridge.
 
Rega P1 or Technics SL1200? No brainer. Get the Technics.

I agree with others that say that to meet or beat the Technics SL 1200 would take at least a P3.
 
A very good cheap solid turntable (used) believe it or not is my Technics SL1700 if you can get a good one, you can pick them up cheaply and they sound great. I had a SL1200Mk2 and there was not much in it.
 
I would avoid buying a turntable on EBay, unless it was within driving distance or it shipped in the original box with original packaging. Too many people dont know how to pack a turntble to survive shipping. It is also a good idea to test the anti skate and pitch control in person to make sure they work. I would suggest Craigslist and I would try to buy one that was not owned by a wannabe scratch DJ, unless they bought it and gave up on scratching after a few weeks. DJs usually have two of them for sale, where as regular record listener usually only have one for sale. I just bought two used 1200s this week dirt cheap from two different individuals.
 
Welcome to AK Vinyltim, FWIW even though I spend most of my listening time with a Rega P2 over a Technics SL-1210MkII, I have to admit the Technics has a well earned reputation for excelling at "reliability and steady speed". Also the RP1 has been compared favorably with the P2 so based on that and my experience with the Technics and Rega I'd say either choice will yield a fine sounding table.
 
vinyltim said:
Thanks a lot for the info. Got a good lead on a 1200. Any cartridge ideas?
Click to expand...
Search and ye shall find several very long threads of cart suggestions for that TT. You might as well wait and see if you end up with a cart on the table you get though. If you're lucky, you'll get something that you can buy a very nice stylus for.
 
HypnoToad said:
A very good cheap solid turntable (used) believe it or not is my Technics SL1700 if you can get a good one, you can pick them up cheaply and they sound great. I had a SL1200Mk2 and there was not much in it.
Click to expand...

The first vote against the SL1200 I read here, cool! (I'm serious) Please elaborate.

I feel in case of RP-1 Vs SL1200 it's a no-brainer.
SL1200. You can easily mod it to achieve something great by adding a KAB arm dampener. http://www.kabusa.com/TD1200.HTM
If you've done that you can go on and mod the hell out of it. It'll last you a lifetime.
 
Found a SL-1200MK2 with Shure M97XE cart locally. Working well so far. I need to make sure everything is aligned correctly along with tracking weight etc., but it sounds good as it is, so it's probably close to where it needs to be. Thanks for the help.
 
Cool Tim!
When the stylus wears out or if you want to uprgade it have a look at the Jico SAS stylus.
Enjoy the SL. :music:
 
voltcontrol said:
The first vote against the SL1200 I read here, cool! (I'm serious) Please elaborate.

I feel in case of RP-1 Vs SL1200 it's a no-brainer.
SL1200. You can easily mod it to achieve something great by adding a KAB arm dampener. http://www.kabusa.com/TD1200.HTM
If you've done that you can go on and mod the hell out of it. It'll last you a lifetime.
Click to expand...

Not a vote against the SL1200 just another alternative where the OP could save some money and get something nearly as good. I like my SL1700 because is sounds good, is semi auto (good to have if you often fall asleep like I do) and has sprung suspension. The wiring in the arm is supposed to be good also.
 
vinyltim said:
Found a SL-1200MK2 with Shure M97XE cart locally. Working well so far. I need to make sure everything is aligned correctly along with tracking weight etc., but it sounds good as it is, so it's probably close to where it needs to be. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

An excellent start!
 
I would also recommend the Technics. A far better unit. If you did mods, the 1st one you should do is also the most effective in giving this table an entirely different league in quality: replace the tonearm using a Rega RB300 or preferably a nice Jelco. Don't bother with the KAB arm damping mod; that actually has no significant effect on the arm's internal resonances/joint flexing. the damping mod damps the tracking effect of the arm.
 
Listened to a few records last night, sounds good. The cart came with the wrong screws so it won't install 100% flush with headshell. I did get it back to the recommended 52mm spot and it seems to be working ok (but very very slightly crooked). I'll probably get a new cart and just start fresh. Maybe some other upgrades down the road. I'll continue to look for good deals on 1200/1700 locally, maybe I'll stumble on another.
 
Last edited:
here's a dumb question---would a new cartridge come with the mounting screws and nuts, or does that stuff come with the headshell (see issue in above post)?
 
I know that Stanton headshells at Amazon.com come with mounting hardware. A new Shure M97xE comes with mounting hardware, but I can't guarantee all new cartridges include mounting hardware. You can always Google 'phono cartridge mounting hardware' and look through the responses. Or...

http://www.turntablebasics.com/hardware.html

...has mounting hardware kits with screws, nuts, and washers in a number of sizes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom