Technics SL-1600MK2 w/Ortofon 2M black opinions

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windplr

New Member
I have the bug to upgrade my Grado green to something that would hopefully take my listening to another level. The reviews I've read about the Orotfon 2m black are impressive. But am I going to be limited by the TT itself? I do like everything about the 1600MK2, but it seems like putting a $500+ plus cartridge on a $100 TT may not be the best bang for the buck. I'd be interested in hearing what other owners of 1600/1700/1800MK2 think.
 
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I'd probably go to a Denon DL-110. I have an SL-1600 MkII but the Denon went into a Sony PS-X60 instead, I haven't tried it in the 1600 as the arm spec's a different overhang for the headshell so it's not a straight swap.
 
Well, considering the parts commonality an SL-1600 Mk2 has with an SL-1200 Mk 2 (or is that Mk II these days?), I'd say it's most certainly not putting a $500+ cart on a $100 turntable. From what I've read around here, that table, with that arm, is worth putting a fairly pricey cart on. There are plenty of threads here with discussions of what cart to put on somebody's Technics SL-1200 through 1800.
 
Thanks for the responses. I ended up buying a Denon DL-110 and a DL-160. Both together were a lot less than a Orotofon 2M Black. I've read a lot of good things about both these carts, just waiting for them to show up.
 
Very timely post! I've been toying with the idea of a Denon for my 1600 MK2 as well but haven't pulled the trigger. Let us know how you like the Denons. I'm thinkin' of the 160....... I have an AT on there now and man it sounds good. These Technics SL's are often underestimated and will surprise you!!
 
I Have an AudioTechnica at440 mla on my sl1200 mkII, and I really like it. What really strikes me is the accuracy with which it reproduces a bass drum in any song. it gives the bass drum the exact right amount of punch, imho, so that it doesn't sound too fake and boomy!!
 
I've used an Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II on my SL-1210Mk2, and the SL-1610Mk2 I bought a while ago, actually came with an AT-OC9 :yes: I don't think neither was overkill.

But get yourself a fluid damper from KAB first. It fits the SL-1600Mk2.
 
The SL-1600mk2 is a very capable table, I wouldn't worry about putting too much cartridge on it. I compared my Benz Micro Ace L vs. my Clearaudio Melody on my SL-1600mk2, and the difference was easy to hear.
 
I run a DL-160 on a Technics SL-1600mk2, and I have to say to my ears it is a fantastic match. I actually bought the DL-160 because so many non-DJ owning SL-1200mk2 owners loved it. I consider it worth every penny.

Incidentally, I think the days when the sl-1600/1700/1800mk2 are undervalued and under the radar may have passed. (It used to be everyone was busy buying the beaten up sl-1200mk2s while the others were much cheaper.) I occasionally follow ebay and craigslist to see if I can find a rough sl-1600mk2 as a donor just in case I need parts down the road, etc.. I see that one recently sold for $450, not including shipping. I'm not saying this is typical, and it did appear to be in very good shape, but, still, the word seems to be out and there are at least a few collectors out there willing to pay a great deal. Maybe because of the buzz from sites like this.

-T
 
Tiamat said:
I run a DL-160 on a Technics SL-1600mk2, and I have to say to my ears it is a fantastic match. I actually bought the DL-160 because so many non-DJ owning SL-1200mk2 owners loved it. I consider it worth every penny.

Incidentally, I think the days when the sl-1600/1700/1800mk2 are undervalued and under the radar may have passed. (It used to be everyone was busy buying the beaten up sl-1200mk2s while the others were much cheaper.) I occasionally follow ebay and craigslist to see if I can find a rough sl-1600mk2 as a donor just in case I need parts down the road, etc.. I see that one recently sold for $450, not including shipping. I'm not saying this is typical, and it did appear to be in very good shape, but, still, the word seems to be out and there are at least a few collectors out there willing to pay a great deal. Maybe because of the buzz from sites like this.

-T
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I guess I got lucky with my SL-1600MK2. Paid $100 for it off of that auction site (you know the one). The seller said that it would not pick up and return at the end of the record, and that the table continued to rotate when the the arm went back to the rest. Well it was only out of adjustment. I've replaced the interconnects, and put a new o-ring on the cueing motor. Works great and I love this table. Got all the info from this great forum!
 
virak said:
I've used an Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II on my SL-1210Mk2, and the SL-1610Mk2 I bought a while ago, actually came with an AT-OC9 :yes: I don't think neither was overkill.

But get yourself a fluid damper from KAB first. It fits the SL-1600Mk2.
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Can you tell what is the difference between the 1600MK2 and the 1610? Also, what is the benefit of a fluid damper? Sorry for my ignorance on the subject, just trying to learn all I can.
 
windplr said:
I guess I got lucky with my SL-1600MK2. Paid $100 for it off of that auction site (you know the one). The seller said that it would not pick up and return at the end of the record, and that the table continued to rotate when the the arm went back to the rest. Well it was only out of adjustment. I've replaced the interconnects, and put a new o-ring on the cueing motor. Works great and I love this table. Got all the info from this great forum!
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Yes -- this is the saving grace. The most common problem with these is a broken autofunction o-ring, and it freaks out the buyers that the arm doesn't cue, etc.. And the great thing for you and for me is that we got info here to fix it for about 35c. :)
 
windplr said:
Can you tell what is the difference between the 1600MK2 and the 1610? Also, what is the benefit of a fluid damper? Sorry for my ignorance on the subject, just trying to learn all I can.
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Basic difference is 1610 is gray colored and is for the Euro market, other than that as far as I know no difference. The fluid damper from what I understand helps in tracking as well as tightening up the bottom end or bass.
 
I was a Technics skeptic until I got an SL-220 which is pretty low on the food chain. I now have been looking at 1600's and 1800's
 
The MK2 models have the quartz lock and the added convenience of adjustable tone arm elevation.:thmbsp:
 
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