A huge misconception is that the SL1200 was designed for the DJ marked. Technics initially designed it for the high end hifi market. DJ's picked up on them due to their high torque and fast spin up speed. And that is when the SL1200 concurred the DJ marked for many many years. Anyway, I still have my SL1210 MKII as well. I did buy an SL1200G recently though. It is my way of saying thank you to Panasonic to bring back this iconic turntable. I did sign the letter that was send to Panasonic back in 2010 asking to continue the production. This letter was signed by more than 10000 fans; I was one of them.
@@defcreator187 I think the broadcast turntables used at radio stations more often were the 1200's cousins, the SP-15 and SP-25. I have one of each and they are tanks. I also spin an SL-1500 MKII, another DD similar to the 1200. I bought the 1500 at a thrift for @25.00. It had no cart and a few cosmetic issues, but other than that it was a solid deck. At home I did a thorough inspection and cleaning and put it in my office next to the SPs.
The 1200 mkii was developed to build on the unintended application of the mki in pro DJ use. The mki is in many ways a scaled down sl1100 which itself derived from the original sp10 - same motor on all 3 I think. The mkii is a brilliant piece of work and the features such as instant start/stop, pitch slider, cuing light and exceptional damping are clear indicators of it’s pro design pedigree. It can make a great hifi deck, but may need careful cartridge choice given the arm is designed for low compliance heavy trackers for club use. Technics also supplied tables without a fitted tonearm as denoted by the lack of the last zero in the model no - ie sl110/1100. There was indeed an sl120 mkii which could be construed as a hifi deck when paired up with an SME arm or similar. These must be rare as I’ve never seen one.
I accumulated 3 1200's and I don't see ever getting another turntable as long as these continue working. They are everything I look for in a turntable.
Bought a Technics a few months ago to replace my dead Clearaudio Concept and I was so impressed with the simplicity of the setup and adjustments and it sounds great. I absolutely love it.
Good choice. The SL 1200 is a great turntable. I went with the SL1900 for the full automatic option myself. It was built in 1978 and with proper care it works as well today as when it was new.It's hard to go wrong with Technics. Keep on spinnin'.
One of the biggest differences between the 1200 and the 1900, setting aside the fact that the 1900 is a fully automatic with repeat functions and disc size selection, is that the SL-1200 turntable motor from MK2 and onwards is quartz locked while that of the SL-1900 is FG servo, though of a higher quality design compared to other frequency generated servo systems. The turntable motor of the 1900 has adequate torque, but it doesn't have near as much as the 1200. But, to be fair, the 1900 doesn't need that much torque. The turntable of the 1900 still spins smooth and steady; just make sure the speed selector switch and the pitch control potentiometers are clean; those are common points of malfunction with the 1900. The plinth on the 1900 is also not near as solid as the 1200, being made of composite rather than aluminum. There is also not as much dampening of the plinth on the 1900 as there is on the 1200. The 1900 omits the tonearm height adjustment that the 1200 has. The 1200 was supposed to be a midrange-to-high end product while the 1900 was an entry level offering. The 1900 is simply not built to the same standard of quality. That said, the 1900 is still a very capable performer and holds it own very well against equally featured turntables from Pioneer and Sony. And, as usual with many Technics turntables, the 1900 is very reliable. With regard to reliability, I'd take a 1900 over most Sansui tables any day.
@@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040 I would say that a Technics direct drive tends to almost always be a safe choice when in good condition. Of course, things to look out for would be the potentiometers on the pitch controls. Dirty contacts can cause problems.
Hey Frank, I agree with you totally! I've had my 1200MKII for well over 10 years, and I absolutely love it! It is and always will be my main table. It is built like a tank, and sounds fantastic in my personal opinion. I have an Audio Technica AT-150MLX cartridge and stylus on it and it really pulls the frequencies out of the grooves. I can't say enough about SL1200 tables, they sound great and are built to last! Cheers
I have the exact same model and color. It’s what got me back into listening to and collecting vinyl. I won it on an eBay bid I didn’t think I would win because I didn’t think it would be the winning bid before I went to bed only to awaken finding it was mine. Then I worried that it wouldn’t work. But it came with a travel case and the shipping was free. I believe the price I paid was $470.00 US. I love it.
I am a proud owner of a silver sl1200 since 1995!! And yes I still use it and it is my favorite no matter what. This thing is solid and sounds really really good. I use an ortofon red but I think i will upgrade it to ortofon blue
Nice turntable Frank. The main thing is that your happy with it. Upgrades can be done, but if you are fine with it, there is no need to change. The trouble with Audiophiles is the snobbery that can raise its head. I love hifi, but am not a snob about it. Keep on spinning and enjoying your music.
I read about taking that medical rubber tubing (the type they put around your arm when taking blood) and cutting it up the middle long ways and putting it around the tone arm tube to dampen it.
When I was stationed in S. Korea '77-'79 my first turntable was an Technics SL1200 in silver. Since lost amongst my many travels and adventures. I'd give anything to have it back.
I have two 1210’s I bought in new in 1992. That was 32 years ago. I DJ’d with them through the ‘90s and I still use them every week what’s more, they still look like new.
Yes. You probably have the last TT you will ever need. Believe it or not, your tone arm is state of the art. Why would you think that many different current clones and the re-introduced SL-1200's still have it? My 1948 Capehart flip-over record changer has a tubular "J" style tone arm with the first modern magnetic GE-VR cartridge. Many audiophile TT's over the years, like Empire, had tubular "J" or "S" style tone arms. We learned back in my radio station days that tubular, bent tone arms were the best of the best. My old QRK commercial radio station TT has a tubular "J" style tone arm. I find it funny that modern turntable manufacturers choose to make "Frankenstein" looking TT's but don't take advantage of lessons learned from history. Pro-Ject has been catching on. There is nothing more cheap-o to me than a TT with an external belt drive with a straight shaft tone arm. The best BD TT's have a drive sub-platter with the main platter on top. If you check, I believe that your Pickering has a higher output than most magnetic carts. Your cart may share it's body with Stanton. Glad to see you are catching up and learning from hands-on experience. Some people and TT manufacturers will never learn.
I upgraded from my 1200 MK2 to a 1600 MK2. Fully auto now, with disc size sensor too, plus way, and I mean WAY better sonic isolation in the plinth. You can set it right on top of a subwoofer (i don't but tried it once), and no detectable rumble was getting through to my AT-95ML cartridge. My 15" woofers were only moving to the music and not throbbing like wild things like you see when rumble gets into a turntable (Like I used to see all the time with some of the newer belt drive rigs). Anyway, cheers. Glad you love that deck. Technics is a great reliable platform for playing vinyl.
Hi Frank, I'm a huge Technics Fan I had 3 TTs. SL-D2, semi automatic. SL-1300MK1 fully automatic which I recently sold and an imported MK3 from Japan. Black, Gold RCA cables, everything the same as the MK2 I have to use a step up transformer (we use 120v) Japan 100v. No big deal, but phenomenal sound. You're right, bottom end is great. Had it for over 2 years now. Try the Goldring E3. Awesome Cart, you won't be disappointed.
Excellent table! I use 2 of the MK5 for HiFi. Both have been fitted with Jelco tonearms and the KAB External power supplies. Both very worthy upgrades to take this to the next level. The external supplies remove the transformer inside which surprised me in that it is a source for noise. The external solution makes the background in the music completely disappear. The typical problem with the stock tonearm is not being able to lower the tonearm enough for some of the HiFi cartridges, as this table was intended to be used with taller DJ carts. I have tried using headshell spacers with mixed bag results. So it can limit you on some of the more picky exotic carts and stylus profiles. Elliptical carts work great on the stock arm though, because they are inherently more forgiving of setup. Replacing the tonearm with one that has a DIN connector eliminates the fixed cable problem as well. This table is way better for HiFi than it gets credit for! Lastly, this table responds well to sorbothane isolation, and the MK Stands over feet Boots have worked very well for me.
If you can't lower the tonearm enough, another way to fix that is to use a thicker mat. I've got an SL-1210M5G with a 5 mm (3/16") thick Sorbothane mat, and had to raise the tonearm a bit to get the right VTA. That is a really helpful feature. After some experimenting with the tonearm height, I found that just a bit above precisely horizontal improves treble level and clarity. Have you had time to do any experimenting, or are you keeping your tonearm exactly horizontal? These are great turntables! As for colour and market, my SL-1210M5G is that great glossy black with silver speckles. It is a Canadian market model, since I bought it from a shop in Calgary, and I'm pretty sure it's not grey market. Since I got it in September 2010, I had to do some searching, because they were going out of production right then, and all the low-priced ones were gone. That meant I had to pay over $1200 for it, and it totalled $1450 Cdn by the time it got to me on Vancouver Island. I don't regret a penny. Twelve years later, it still looks and sounds like new. Unlike to you, to me the look of the SLs doesn't seem to match the price, so I wanted to upgrade its looks. The solution was a walnut base from KAB USA. It gives the deck a classy look, and to my surprise, it improves the sound slightly! Maybe it's because the wooden base surrounds the turntable so that loud music is kept away from the bottom of the turntable, making faint background noise even fainter. That's a guess, but there definitely is an improvement in the sound. Okay, last thing. I had an old SL-1400 Mk 2, which was my first Technics deck. It was much better than the old BIC belt-drive turntable I'd been using, and it was good-looking, with its rosewood insert on the front fascia. However, there was a ticking noise when the platter was spinning and the controls were getting sticky. It seemed like a great last chance occasion to get the M5G while they were still available. Of course, the new M5G came without a cartridge, so I took the cartridge and black headshell from the SL-1400, plus the thick Sorbothane Platter Matter mat, and put them on the new M5G. Now, EVERYTHING that touched the records was from the old turntable, so I didn't expect to hear any difference. Wrong! The difference was immediately obvious, from more solid bass to improved midrange clarity. How? The heavier platter and stronger motor made the bass more lifelike, with a more solid attack on the leading edge of each bass note. As for the improved treble, I can only surmise that this was due to the upgraded tonearm wires in the M5G. Later, I had the titanium-look M5G headshell fitted with the Shure M97xE cart from the SL-1400 and installed it on the M5G, so the changeover was complete. The SL-1210M5G is definitely a better-sounding turntable, despite seeming to be very similar electrically and mechanically to the older (1978?) turntable. It seems obvious time and technology march on, with incremental improvements really adding up over time. The Technics engineers keep finding and making improvements. If a new G or GR model is out of reach for you at the present time, a low mileage M5G might be everything you're looking for, for either the short term or the long term.
I also went for the Jelco (750D) on one of my Mk5g. What I did is went 'organic'. I splashed out for an ebony armboard, an ebony headshell, two cartridges with hardwood bodies, and an ebony stabiliser! They make musical instruments from the stuff. I also liked that the S shaped Jelco kept with the aesthetic. Also the 'Shuggie Collar' from Ammonite Audio assisted with VTA adjustment. Quite a bit of dosh, but I don't regret it. I see you are a fan of KABUSA. Have you tried their thrustpad?
Great video! I also have this exact model and color which I purchased new in 2007 from one of the wholesale dealers I used when I had my record store. I owned and operated my record store for almost 20 years, best job I ever had! Looks like my SL-1200 Mk2 was made in 2006 (thanks for that link!) and cost me about $355 as I recall. I agree totally with your assessment and wish it wasn't hard-wired but have no desire to change any of that. I use an Audio-Technica AT 440MLb and track at 1.57 grams. I have no desire to replace it.
I own an SL1200 MK2. I got it 20 years ago from a friend who wanted to get rid of it for $400 at the time. This is the best bought I did. Never had any major issue with it. I even upgraded my cardridge for a 2M Black with a 2M black stylus. It plays very well since then and would never get rid of it. My friend wanted to buy it back from me and I said I wanted to keep it. Those turntable are build to last. I just added oil for the spindle after 20 years. I didn't mentioned that my one is black as well.
May I ask where the oil is to be applied correctly? Do I need to remove the platter or anything? I've yet to oil mine and I want to be certain that don't mess anything up accidently. Thanks!
I have a MCS Fully automatic Quartz lock and Technics fully automatic Quartz lock. MCS has a stereo cart and the Technics has a mono cart. Solid machines.
I bought a brand new SL1200 MK2 using an Ortofon Blue cartridge. I'm a DJ with 30 years experience. I left the business but buying a new 1200 just for playback at home was no problem when it came to choice. I wanted the original 1200 with the black plinth and silver top. I used the white overhang gauge and a protractor then adjusted the angle of attack. Because my house is brick and the floors are wooden, I had my brother install two angle irons into my wall to totally isolate the turntable from any acoustic feedback (I'm an audio visual engineer). I've listened to many decks over the years but I love my new 1200 and it will outlast me. Cheers from Australia, Andrew Collins.
The Ortofon 2M Bronze is my cartridge/stylus of choice, too. I want to upgrade to the 2M Black stylus at some point, tho. I've heard that it's quite the upgrade, but it should be considering it's price. ...but anyways, I've heard that it's much less "bright" than the 2M Bronze, has more bass production & more "separation". Best part is, you only have to purchase the 2M Black stylus if you already own the 2M Bronze....
@@dizzle1119 I have talked with at least three audio advisors about the Black cartridge, and they all said the same thing. Depending on what kind of music you listen to, you may prefer the Bronze. I think the black is better suited for music other than rock.
@@jeffl915 Well, that's kind of the beauty of it, tho. Having both the bronze AND black styli would be nice, as I do listen to many different genres of music. ...and I do mean MANY. I listen to everything from doo wop & Motown stuff to punk rock & black metal. From Beethoven to 2Pac & all things in-between. Don't get me wrong, the cost of the 2M Black stylus is a factor as it is quite expensive for a guy like me...but I genuinely feel that I should try one. Heck, if I end up disliking it, it would be easy to list it on Ebay & lose maybe 10% of what I paid initially. I honestly think that's worth taking the chance....
@@dizzle1119you only have to buy?the cartridge is the most important thing buying a 2mblack stylus to put it on a bronze cartridge it will not be a big diference both are good stylus butbn the cartridge makes the diference and i´m from a time when ortofon mean quality the OM series in early 80´s was sold with Dual turntables considered the best at the time having on the cartridge side the dual brand ,so with time this once good brand now sells very bad stylus and thye good ones are too expensive having a third of the hearing hours ,which is ridiculous, now i try to find old stores closed that still have needles and each cost at the most 20 to 30 € this good needles much better than todays needles sold by a fortune ,i had amc cartridge on a technics turntable ,it costed at the time what todays is 50€ or no one would buy them for the prices that are praticed today,and this i´ll upgradem it now with this later with that, in the 90´s the needles that came with the turntables were already very good and the ones who improved it would never do it again whyimprove twice having alrady a great sound ,you buy a better one it stays above average why improve it again ,you could buy another more expensive from a diferent brand and don´t notice a sound already perfect being improved to what ,above perfect?
It is a hard turntable to beat. Any deck that allows you to spin your entire body weight on, has got to be outstanding in construction! It's not just for the scratch perverts either - fitted with a fine cartridge, it will sing. In Japan, it's _"Tech-a-neecs"_
I had a pair of those exact black 1200s and sold them a few years ago unfortunately. Today i am blessed to have found a super clean, all original pair of silver 1200 mk2s! 🪬 Cool video
I have the same model and color! Yes it’s Technics SL1200 MK2 in black! Mine was built in September of 2000 so just one year newer than yours. It was in virtually unused condition and the seller even included a brand new genuine Technics dust cover and packaged it as it would have been packaged at the factory! I paid a premium for it because it was nearly new and I appreciated the care the seller took to package it properly. I use the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge and head shell combo which comes pre aligned for the Technics turntable as well as a number of others I think. Of course that was a separate purchase after experimenting with a couple other cartridges. I’ve checked the alignment many times to satisfy myself that it’s as perfect as can be reasonably expected. It is! It sounds amazing and it’s only gotten better! I’m so happy with this arrangement that I haven’t touched it for years. That was enough time for the grease to dry up and lock the Vertical Tracking Angle adjustment tight. I’ve seen the videos on how to fix this but I honestly don’t think about it much because it’s set up correct for what’s currently installed and I have no desire to use any other setup. My serial number has P where yours had MC. I didn’t see a reference for P.
@@1SonOfMoon1 Just the turntable, packed properly in a Technics box with the new dust cover, was around $700 without a cartridge with shipping. You can check the prices for the Ortofon 2M Blue mounted in its own branded head shell. That was extra. You can find cheaper setups but I’ve not seen an old school SL 1200 in this good shape. It was virtually new with not a single blemish. I think the seller said it was used for a very short time and then put back in the box! Good luck finding one that hasn’t been beaten up! I realize at that price we are getting competitive with the high end but this is high end, especially if you can find a clean one where the seller doesn’t know what they have! My seller knew full well what she had!
A wonderful turntable of direct drive! Actually, Frank there is a Technics SL-1200MK7 Direct Drive Turntable sold at Bay Bloor Radio in Toronto, Ontario (if I can mention that store here). The advertisement on the web page of that web site is, "Now available in black (SL-1200MK7) and silver (SL-1200MK7-S)". Therefore, such a choice for a Technics SL-1200 Direct Drive in a black painted version is actually available!🔉🎵
Nice one, Frank! Very nice. Can't go wrong with vintage Technics, especially the 1200MKII. Seems like you've done your homework on them, so you should be set. 😎 I have a highly modded SL1600, which I absolutely love, but I'd still like to get a real deal, silver 1200 MKII someday.. my crummy Audio Technica LP120USB 1200 clone just can't compete, even decked out with mods. If you ever get another cart/stylus, maybe give the Audio Technica VM540ML a shot.. I really dig it and have been using it for a few years now. ✌️
Hey Frank just got a SL-1200 Mk2 also black built May 2002 in awesome working and esthetic condition. I was a DJ back in my early days, never would I thought I was going to use it as audiophile turntable. After owning other turntables, I could also proudly say I will never go back to any other turntables. This is end game for me. Thanks for all the awesome videos you put out. 🤜💥🤛
Hiya Frank! In talking about Technics in general, have a 1510 and love the daylights out of it...it runs an Ortofon Concorde STD and it sounds AND runs awesome. I have a couple of Pickering V15s from other 'tables (I have 22-ish)...hearing your take on yours I'm going to give mine a try...thanks for the video(s)!
Congrats! I spin three Technics, each primarily dedicated to a format or type. I use my SL-1500 MKII for stereo, usually with a Stanton 681EEE, though I have Shure, Grado and AT carts. I use my SP-25 to play pre stereo cutting head mono LPs and 45s. I us the AT Mono3/LP with it, it is a true mono cart. I play my 78s with the SP-15. It is normally fitted with the 78 version of the AT Mono 3. When playing vertical cut 78s, I switch to a stereo 78 cart. Since I usually do digital restoration, I invert the signal in software. Years of searching and careful buying allowed me to pick up all three for less than $1,000. Happy spinning!
Definitely an end game TT for me. Currently using an old Dual and Techinics P-mount from the '80s with vintage Shure cart on the Dual and an Ortofon on the P-mount.. Both, good enough. But the 1200 would be the step up table. Have fun with yours!
I used to have two SL 1200 MK2. I later upgraded to two SL 1200 MK5s (last year of analogue pitch and no click on on the pitch control). Regardless, you have a solid turntable right there. Well done.
I finally got an Email that the 1210gr was in stock a few months ago. My third Technics over the years and probably my last table. Congrats on yours. The direct drive motor beats the heck out of a rubber band table.
I still my Technics SL-B202. Just did some updating of it. New Ortofon Red. Replaced those RCA cables and redone the ground wire. They to are hardwired in. New belt. It is a light table with that platter that would ring like crazy. So a layer of dynamat inside the platter and chassis has dampened the entire rig. Fantastic sound and having that auto off is just a must.
Purchased a 1998 Technics sl 1200 MK5 in 2016 and has been Flawless with well over 10,000 hours of use. If you purchase this model make sure it has the octagon shaped cables that are low capacitance. Currently running ortofon 2m black, Audio Technica 440 MLB and ortofon om 40 Fritz Geiger 70 stylus with project tube box s phono preamp and audioquest interconnects. Sounds so sweet. I feel no need for upgrades but it is nice that there are many available.
I bought 2 SL1200’s in the summer of 1991, and I still have them. I still have all original packaging and kept my receipts- £330 each. Until last year, I have never had a single issue with them, never had a service, never had anything fail- then my right channel died on one of them. No problems, quick desolder and replaced RCA cables with “better” (ie more expensive) set of RCA cables. Problem fixed. Such a great product, I have had many many hours of happiness with them. Currently using a Goldring G2500 in one of them, and an Ortofon Black in the other- both sound great to me.
The thing I was told it need the servomotor(?) needed to be replaced? He said he couldn’t find one. I was badgered to finally toss it out. I thought it wrong but I had a new stack system which, I still have along with three other portables, can’t have too many. The thing I liked about the Technics were the individual tweaking I could do, counter balance kept tone arm so it wasn’t resting on the record but it was the anti skating control. I had Harry Chapin greatest stories Live, two of them. Played the crap out of them with volume UP! There was a part of one track,same on both albums, that tended to skip over a few grooves. The anti skip control corrected that in conjunction with the counter balance and I was happy, very. Thing was , I had a Magnavox portable, speakers could be detached and turntable folded down, sturdy, could stack my 45s , never my albums too heavy, and none ever skipped even Harry C. Shouldn’t have given that one away either. Always liked the quality of Technics products performance. I’ll be upgrading in the future, again. As one of my others I can stack the 45s I won’t need one on my new turntable. It could be a mute point as if I don’t keep an eye on them, my 45s seem to somehow end up on the other side of the state at my youngest daughter’s!
I picked up an SL-3300 around 2013 for $100 USD. Great turntable, also very solid build. Being it was built around 1979, it's got old sticky grease inside that makes the auto-functions a little slow to respond. That can be remedied, but I haven't gotten around to it, and it really doesn't affect functionality much. What I like about this model is that all the controls are accessible on the front panel even with the dust cover closed. I doubt I'll ever look for another TT unless this one were to die.
That has always been a great TT. It's a great unit and made well by Panasonic / Technics . The design was and is great which is all you can ask for. Good choice.
After owning several used Technics turntables I finally bit the bullet and bought a new one last March. A 12gr (black). I love it. I also have an older lp120, stored. Big difference between the two. Nice to finally have a new one. Running a Bluepoint II into a Parasound phono stage. Just couldn't take the inaccurate speed of my planar 3 which is now in my spares system
I have an MK5 and I love it, got it for 650 CAD in somewhat rough condition but managed to fix it myself. I like it, very silent, I also have no complaints on the tonearm, but compared to my Kenwood KP 990 the music coming form the Technics feels like it is attacking me a bit more, its less smooth. This is mostly apparent with quieter background sounds which feel much more present. I think this is due to the torque on this specific direct drive motor and the bearing but I am not entirely sure if that makes full sense to me, people say a lot of stuff online hahah. I am soon getting a Technics SL150 MK2 with a SME 3009 Type 3 tonearm so I will do a proper listening test. I love how the Technics looks and operates tho, I feel bad letting it go even for something that is supposed to be better sounding.
Mine is a black SL1200 purchase '23 Canada .. I love it. I bought a record from a used shop. They played it. It sounded a bit crackly. I played it on mine and it sounded new. No crackly noise. (edit: my serial number doesn't come up in that place you posted.. says it is unfound.. yes, it is legit lol)
Frank- I actually bought this same turntable (silver) a year or so ago partially due to one of your vids! I’m pretty happy with it. I used your link for the year manufactured, July 1995!
I owned an SL120 (not 1200) which was more or less the 1200 supplied without a tone arm so that you could install whatever you liked on the blank tone arm plate. It was silver. Purchased in 1977 for a think $400 which is around ten times that in todays money. I had a Shure SME tone arm and Mk.3 cartridge, added audio insulators under the feet...
from what i understand, the 1200s were fixed voltage for the countries it sold in and the 1210s have a switch under the platter to change voltages from 240v to 110v if you were hopping from country to country.
There is so much to love about this timeless classic I was spinning discs on a pair of these in the late 80s when CDs were an expensive technology. Your right resale will be more then what you paid for them. And parts are very easy to obtain. There are a lot of other things but I'm sure others will add to the debate. Only let down no balanced audio outputs. The two Stanton t.62 turntables I own I have used a DI box between the turntable and mixer to get a balanced output which seems to work if you ever need to do this it's worth doing. As far as I remember the sl1200 will need a preamp... and it's possible to spend silly money on these things but you get what you pay for. As ever great video enjoy your new turntable. To be honest I'd feel like I'm missing something only having one but then I'm not a mixer dj.
Owned lots of turntables, as I have been a DJ since 1980. Nothing comes close to the SL1200 for the money. I personally think the very best version was the M3D, better than the Mk2 and the Mk5.
I just set up my new sl1500c and hope I will be singing the same tune. So far Im really happy with it. The built-in computer is essential for setting the arm lift posittion.
Nice review, have an SL1210MK2 for probably 20 years now. It has PC next to the serial. Still in excellent condition, just upgraded the stock needle to an Ortophon Concord Mix (temporarily) and a Bellari VP130 MK2 phono tube preamp, which I highly recommend. Sounds noticeably better, much warmer, organic than the mixer I had before.
I had to sell all my records and hifi gear when I went off to college (long story), and afterwards got too wrapped up in my career to even have a stereo system other than my computer. But an old friend of mine moved into town with his excellent hifi setup, and convinced me that it was time to get one as well. Immediately my thoughts turned to the 1200, as it was what I considered a professional machine. I found an mk5 on craigslist for $450, which came with a Shure DJ stylus. I upgraded the Stylus to a Grado Silver, which was day and night quieter and more detailed than the Shure. I absolutely love my 1200 and will probably never replace it either. The only thing I dislike about it is that the tone arm does not auto reset once it gets to the end of the record. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of these and think anybody serious about their hifi system should consider getting one.
When I was a mobile DJ I had a pair of SL1200 M3D and man I miss those bad boys. I will look at the used market at some point to see if I can nab one. They just run like a top. Currently I have my ATLP120XUSB.
KABUSA mod will significantly improve the sound quality as well. Adding a fluid damper, RCA cable and footers replacement changed the entire characteristics (weakness) of my SL-1200mk2.
Many recommend to have the capacitors and pitch control replaced to give you years of trouble free use. Some of the Technics SL-1200s can have motor issues. A replacement motor can be bought easily. The only drawback is the tonearm. SME makes a good replacement for the Technics tonearm.
I just purchased 2 1200MK7's & let me tell you... they feel completely different from my original MK2's from 1990! They don't feel as strong or sturdy & definitely aren't as heavy! Not that same "Tank feeling"! The only reason why I upgraded was: 16% pitch My tonearms were loose Pitch adj out of calibration rca cables! 7/10 on the MK7's! Anyway man! I love your channel! Love your KISS display!
It would be nice to have a high-end turntable like that but I'm happy with what I got. I have a Yamaha I paid about 500 bucks for and I'm fine with it I got the red ortofon and I've got a techniques with a blue one. Fantastic video Frank thanks for sharing this information with us all
The best thing I've ever done to improve the sound quality on my 25 year old mk2's was a professional service with replacement pitch faders and new RCA cables. Worth the investment.
I have a SL 3350 I I like that it's totally automatic it even has the spindle if you wanted to put multiple records on. I only paid $125 US from a local seller and I totally love it but the 1200 is my Grail someday I may own one I hope and thanks again for another awesome video
To the few saying they didnt make 1200s in black. Your wrong. Yes! The 1200 did come out in black! I can tell you anything about technics turntables. For many years, from 1979-98ish there was no 1200 in black. So if you see a 1200 in black, just know its newer. No 1210 is silver. But 1200s did come out in black! But, in september 2006, they discontinued making new 1210 line and just made 1200s in black and silver. They did however keep producing the mk2 until 2010! Marking a special serial number for 1 month of september to mark the end of the 1210. In November 2010 . They stopped production of all turntables. News spread in the dj world fast, I know this as i sold them in a dj store. And also found out as it happened! Many djs bought a couple to put away. In case the runours were true, others werent phased and stuck to buying pioneer cdjs as they were now taking over anyway. Technics was a japanese company. Until 2016. When another company aquired it. a malasian company. Manafacturing mk7 out of malaysia! Not japan!!. Which many djs including me hated. It just wasnt a classicly built technics. Sure it has a couple gimicky features like reverse, and a diffferent colour strobe option, but. The mk7 were made from the ground up. With an entire new design, from an entirely different manafacturaer, in a different countyley. The mk7 literally preys on nostalgia of the real deal. compared to the old, those are chalk and cheese, apples and oramges. Buying JAPANESE MADE comes with quakity assurances. Look at seiko watchesz theres a reason JDM models of the exact same watch are worth more than thier european counterpart! Japanese QC! If you know you know! If you didnt now you do. 😊 for you mk7 heads, yes, i know.. YOU CAN still mix on a mk7. Its just not as pure, accurate, and has less charm than the awsome 1200/1210s of old. Also, fir anyone wanting to discount the 1210 in any way, your crazy. They have the exact same internals as a 1200. Most djs could not afford 1210s, me included. I bought my 1200s in 1994, and the 1210s were an extra 200usd dollars just because they were black. I also think there are still a lot of djs of golden era who dont think they made 1200s in black, because it was done much later in the life cycle of technics. And thats fine, they just didnt know cos thier decks worked so well, there was no reason to look at another pair yet alone shop for new ones. 😂 this was and is, a very expensive hobby. And at the tinlme. If you were serious about djing, you invested in these. Amd that investment gave you a pass into buying vinyl, which lead to paid gigs if you were good. and if you ever needed money, you could always pawn in your decks knowing theyd pay high prices for them. Unfortunately. They are very hard to find in good condition these days.. If you see a 1200/1210 in good condition. BUY IT! Best models of course were mk2, duh. Mk3 were more for audiophile but have the same great build, mk3D introduced no click feauture! This was AWESOME! But, not worth buying new decks over, many mk2 owners would just take out the ball bearing at quartz lock anyway if they wanted that. But they also look nicer imo. mk4, mk5. Mk5 had the most black 1200s i believe from memory. Mk6s were limited numbers! And had a blue target light. And limited numberd Only 3000 or something, and also had digitally controlled pitch adjust. M5G were also digitally controlled, in piano black, with blue leds. And improved tone arms, but mixed a lot different, look great, but dont work as good for mixing. 😊 btw, I have a collection i have 1 of the last 1210mk2 off the production line! Still in box unopened and sealed. My every day decks are my mk5. For some reason, i had a hard tine finding 1210mk5s, but if you want to know ehich is the best from someone who owned every model. For DJing, any mk5. Or, m3d. I think the mk5 being newer, with all the GOOD upgrades from previous. If you are a audiophile guy , who needs to also play 78 records, there is a a mk4, it also has rca that can be easily unplugged from the deck. With the extra 78 button for 78 records. the mk4 had this feauture. They can also be djed on with the same feel of a mk2. If you are a DJ and want new condition classic turntables. Shop for the black 1200, mk3d or some mk5., being newer they may show newer condition over say a mk2. I found this to be true after spemding 6 years shopping for some. I really wamted some in good shape. Just expect to pay fpr them. By the time you read this they will be even rarer. The current 'average' price is around a ironic 1200 usd each used, for most models. Pro tip, Do not pay that much for mk7s! Why!?! Lol
We had one in Germany in the late 70's early 80's (by we I mean my father..lol) I've yet to have a turntable as loved as that 1200 was(and I've owned a few including my current sl 1100 from 1971). I did bring a Technics SLQL-1 Linear tracking table back with me from Germany....which for a 15 year old was the epitome of cool turntables at the time)
You did well with your TECHNICS 1200. Like most various other brands the RCA phono plugs are built in the units. What i did due to the medium size length depending how your set ups on your Amplifier/ Receiver/ mixer I added an extension RCA female plug cord, my alternative ones I bought at RADIO SHACK two way cordless RCA female plugs. Have them going strong to this day. My model is SL-D 500 Automatic Record Changer. Wow would i like to add the model you featured. Excellent video. Enjoy your music. 🎵🎼🎶 🎧
I have an 1810 mk1. The top of the plinth is all metal. It is a workhorse. The most trouble free TT I have ever owned (I have many). It's not the best sounding table I have but because of its trouble free performance it's probably the last table I'd get rid of. I used to to have a 1200 but I sold it when I bought my first fancy high end table. I wish I kept it.
I have 2 Technics 1200s & I will never sell them, I’ve owned them for 25 years with the original boxes from new, they still look brand new with the foam that sits under the 45 rpm adaptor.
Excellent video on the Technics turntable you have! I have the same model with a AT-VMN95ML stylus (micro line). Based on the above website at 6:10, my TT was made in January 1998.
I have 2 of the decks. Need to replace cables which is a common issue, and yes I feel they'd been better with rca connections instead of making the rca cables permanently attached. Had to replace many. The machines have also been used and been a standard in radio stations often replacing the then old induction motor driven puck drive turntables. Used on air during the time as well as in clubs getting banged up hard with beat mixing. User can add any cartridge and head shell designed to mount on the arm. They were the industrial standard. Later in time Technics came out with models specifically for broadcast like the SP-10 and SP-15s that were built into the studio desks.
Nice video! I bought a brand new Technics sl-1500c last year and this is a turntable that when you look at it, it looks exactly like it belongs in the 1200 line however anyway you slice it the 1200 series has always been initially geared towards DJ use and there's absolutely nothing wrong with putting a great classic Pickering cartridge on a 1200 and getting nothing but absolutely fantastic results. Stanton and Pickering were basically the same company and unfortunately neither are no longer being made and I used Stanton cartridges for many many years. Jico definitely makes the best replacement stylus in the world. If you think that their replacement styli are overpriced, well then it's worth paying the price for a replacement stylus from Jico because you can't do better and you're heading in the right direction for a replacement stylus. Back to the Technics sl-1500c turntable. It initially looks like a DJ turntable but it is built completely different from within. It does not have the pitch slide gauge or any other DJ accessories. It just has a power button and a start button and 33/45 speed buttons. No DJ stuff on it whatsoever because I just play records at home and that's all you need. It is designed for more of a high-end audiophile not a mid-line turntable for general use such as the 1200 series. The Technics sl-1500c did bare a price tag of $1,600 and it came with, you guessed it, an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. For years I have been using a Shure m97xe cartridge and it was time for an upgrade for my previous turntable which was a Technics MCS 1605 which Technics released in 1978. I bought it pre-owned about 25 years ago and it has done nothing but perfect justice until the direct drive motor started to slow down and it was time for a new turntable. The Technics 1200 series turntables are amazing. Yes you can DJ with one but not many people around the world are using vinyl to DJ with anymore considering streaming and other devices. I have been DJing for going on my 4th decade now and obviously I do not use CDs, I use streaming devices for all my DJ musical needs. I am an audiophile. Not necessarily a nut-so audiophile. I have about $15,000 wrapped up in my audio system. A lot of these audiophiles are crazy and spend tons and tons of money that is just absolutely unnecessary. There has to be a ceiling somewhere that you just can't get any better once you hit a certain price point. Let's face it, after someone hits about $30,000 for an audio system then they're just pissing in the wind with their money if they keep trying to upgrade. The Classic Vintage Pickering cartridge that is on your turntable is definitely better than the Nakaoka and most definitely better than the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. In fact I bought a 2M Blue stylus for my Ortofon 2M cartridge that was pre mounted on the Technics sl-1500c and I compared them and the 2M Red is definitely a better sounding cartridge than the 2M Blue. It's much more smoother and warmer and you just want to listen to music for hours with the 2M Red. No ear fatigue or headaches while listening to the 2M Red. The 2M Blue is a very edgy and unnecessarily bright and unnatural sounding stylus. I definitely threw away $230 USD by buying the 2M Blue stylus. I used it for a little while and got nothing but headaches and ear fatigue trying to play some of my favorite music and that's not what listening to music is all about. I just took the 2M Blue off and put it in its box and it's just sitting there collecting dust. What a shame. For those of you that have a 2M Red already installed on your turntable, don't try to upgrade it with a 2M Blue. You're throwing your money away if you do, trust me. Unfortunately Shure is no longer making Phono cartridges which is a crying shame. I have been using their top-of-the-line m97xe cartridge for years and have had nothing but absolute pleasure with everything I play. I also have a Sumiko Pearl cartridge and the most money that I've ever spent on a cartridge, a Soundsmith Otello which are completely handmade and you have to pre-order them in most cases and the cartridge bares a price tag of $399 USD! A very unique and different phono cartridge indeed. It really shapes the sound up differently and I'm not used to that just yet so I will have to try to break that cartridge in a little more down the road. The Technics sl-1500c turntable is a fully manual turntable with an option for a tone arm lift at the end of the record. I believe in the theory of "less is more" so I just turned the automatic arm lifter off and just go to the turntable and flip the record over and play side 2. Besides, if a stylus sits in the Locking Groove at the end of the side and you need to walk away from your stereo for a minute or two, it's not going to wear any of the record out and it's not going to wear your stylus out prematurely because there's nothing for the stylus to track but just a simple groove with no information in it. It could sit in that locking Groove for 10 minutes and maybe pick up a little dust and that's about it. I just lift up the tonearm and clean the stylus and put on side 2 and I'm good to go! One major thing that is totally cool is the photo pre-outs in the back just like a lot of the 1200 series have so you can connect a better interconnect cable for an even better sound. I am using a pair of PBJ Kimber Kable instead of the in-stock cable that came along with the turntable which is actually a fine cable and does get the job done but an upgrade *really* gets the job done. Your records will sound so much better if you upgrade the interconnect cables in the back of the turntable. I would definitely upgrade the interconnect cables in the back of the 1200. You'll be amazed at how much more music you will hear with a better pair of interconnect cables. a All said and done, the Technics 1200 series turntables are really all you need to play vinyl if you don't want to spend a ton of money. but definitely look into those upgrades. It will make a world of difference to your ears....... AND remember, if you have an Ortofon 2M Red already mounted to your turntable and are thinking about upgrading to the 2M Blue......DON'T!!
I have lusted after one for years. I just broke out my Technics SL-3300 from the early 80's or maybe it was the late 70's, it's all such a blur...😇 I started raising kids and realized that playing records was not going to work, I could not holler at them for being kids, so off it all went into storage, and the CD buying/listening was born I still lust after an SL-1200. How do you think it compares to the vintage SL-3300, (no quartz lock) fitted with an Audio-Technica VM 540ML/H cart? The 1200 looks better! If I was rich I would definitely be a TT collector, they're just so damn cool looking, and if you think about how they gather and produce epic sound it just seems like magic. I have to fight the urge just to own one for having one. Interested in your opinion, or any other's that might care to enlighten me
Changing the turntable will not affect the price. Changing the rca cables is a must and hard wiring is the best fixture....rca plugs introduce phasing .., use a platter isolation plinth and put a better power cable on it.....the difference is amazing...also don't use a felt or Cork slipmat....they sound dull. The old vestax plastic coated slip mats are by far the best sounding....a record weight/clamp also sounds really good....it improves the bass and it brings the music more together..... Forgot to add....the feet are also rubbish and need replacing..... The power supply isn't the best on a technics either and the older mk2 should have the tone arm replaced or at least the tonearm wiring. My mk5g decks are highly modified....
I also run a black SL-1200 MKII. The cart I use is the Goldring 1042. The Nagaoka MP110 is a good cart, but the 1042 is the better match with my Technics by far.
I don’t know if anyone has ever noticed it, but there seem to have been two black variants of SL-1200/1210. One is kind of greyish black and the other more common one is truly black. It’s visible on the greyish ones that pitch fader is much darker. I’m not sure whether it depended on the year of manufacture or intended market or whatever. I remember when a friend of mine bought a few broken decks to fix them himself, and one of them was actually greyish black, he actually sent me a photo of both black models next to each other, but as far as I remember those were both SL-1210’s.
Just a look at the specs is enough for anyone to realize that this is SERIOUS gear. But it is no-nonsense, and many people are used to nonsense, hifi not being an exception...
Very nice video -kudos! But…. The Black SL-1210 model was sold extensively in the USA. I bought my black SL-1210 from KAB USA, brand new in 2004. Still have it today😎 Cheers!
As I understand it, they may have been sold in the USA, but weren't intended for the market. I could be wrong. Best way to tell is to check the country code on the back.
You were very lucky to get yours for $600 CA$. Here around $800-$1,200 even used in not so good of shape. I need 78 speed. There is a mod to have all three speeds.
A huge misconception is that the SL1200 was designed for the DJ marked. Technics initially designed it for the high end hifi market. DJ's picked up on them due to their high torque and fast spin up speed. And that is when the SL1200 concurred the DJ marked for many many years. Anyway, I still have my SL1210 MKII as well. I did buy an SL1200G recently though. It is my way of saying thank you to Panasonic to bring back this iconic turntable. I did sign the letter that was send to Panasonic back in 2010 asking to continue the production. This letter was signed by more than 10000 fans; I was one of them.
@@defcreator187 Yes, after DJ's picked up on them. As I said, this is a huge misconception people have about this iconic turntable.
@@defcreator187 Pascal is right
@@defcreator187 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technics_SL-1200
@@defcreator187 I think the broadcast turntables used at radio stations more often were the 1200's cousins, the SP-15 and SP-25. I have one of each and they are tanks. I also spin an SL-1500 MKII, another DD similar to the 1200. I bought the 1500 at a thrift for @25.00. It had no cart and a few cosmetic issues, but other than that it was a solid deck. At home I did a thorough inspection and cleaning and put it in my office next to the SPs.
The 1200 mkii was developed to build on the unintended application of the mki in pro DJ use. The mki is in many ways a scaled down sl1100 which itself derived from the original sp10 - same motor on all 3 I think. The mkii is a brilliant piece of work and the features such as instant start/stop, pitch slider, cuing light and exceptional damping are clear indicators of it’s pro design pedigree. It can make a great hifi deck, but may need careful cartridge choice given the arm is designed for low compliance heavy trackers for club use.
Technics also supplied tables without a fitted tonearm as denoted by the lack of the last zero in the model no - ie sl110/1100. There was indeed an sl120 mkii which could be construed as a hifi deck when paired up with an SME arm or similar. These must be rare as I’ve never seen one.
I accumulated 3 1200's and I don't see ever getting another turntable as long as these continue working. They are everything I look for in a turntable.
I've had mine since 2002 and it's certainly the best turntable I've ever owned.
Bought a Technics a few months ago to replace my dead Clearaudio Concept and I was so impressed with the simplicity of the setup and adjustments and it sounds great. I absolutely love it.
Good choice. The SL 1200 is a great turntable. I went with the SL1900 for the full automatic option myself. It was built in 1978 and with proper care it works as well today as when it was new.It's hard to go wrong with Technics. Keep on spinnin'.
very helpful comment, now I will look to get a 1900 much prefer automatic
Mr. brian stewart see, there are home turntables in Technics
One of the biggest differences between the 1200 and the 1900, setting aside the fact that the 1900 is a fully automatic with repeat functions and disc size selection, is that the SL-1200 turntable motor from MK2 and onwards is quartz locked while that of the SL-1900 is FG servo, though of a higher quality design compared to other frequency generated servo systems. The turntable motor of the 1900 has adequate torque, but it doesn't have near as much as the 1200. But, to be fair, the 1900 doesn't need that much torque.
The turntable of the 1900 still spins smooth and steady; just make sure the speed selector switch and the pitch control potentiometers are clean; those are common points of malfunction with the 1900.
The plinth on the 1900 is also not near as solid as the 1200, being made of composite rather than aluminum. There is also not as much dampening of the plinth on the 1900 as there is on the 1200.
The 1900 omits the tonearm height adjustment that the 1200 has.
The 1200 was supposed to be a midrange-to-high end product while the 1900 was an entry level offering. The 1900 is simply not built to the same standard of quality. That said, the 1900 is still a very capable performer and holds it own very well against equally featured turntables from Pioneer and Sony. And, as usual with many Technics turntables, the 1900 is very reliable.
With regard to reliability, I'd take a 1900 over most Sansui tables any day.
@@Watcher3223What do you think about the fully Automatic SL1600 and 1650 changer ?? I like the 1200 but I'm looking for a automatic Direct drive.
@@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040 I would say that a Technics direct drive tends to almost always be a safe choice when in good condition.
Of course, things to look out for would be the potentiometers on the pitch controls. Dirty contacts can cause problems.
Hey Frank, I agree with you totally! I've had my 1200MKII for well over 10 years, and I absolutely love it! It is and always will be my main table. It is built like a tank, and sounds fantastic in my personal opinion. I have an Audio Technica AT-150MLX cartridge and stylus on it and it really pulls the frequencies out of the grooves. I can't say enough about SL1200 tables, they sound great and are built to last!
Cheers
I have the exact same model and color. It’s what got me back into listening to and collecting vinyl. I won it on an eBay bid I didn’t think I would win because I didn’t think it would be the winning bid before I went to bed only to awaken finding it was mine. Then I worried that it wouldn’t work. But it came with a travel case and the shipping was free. I believe the price I paid was $470.00 US.
I love it.
Great turntable, great deal!
@@Channel33RPM indeed and thanks. I use an Ortofon blue, and a Grado mono cartridge.
I am a proud owner of a silver sl1200 since 1995!! And yes I still use it and it is my favorite no matter what. This thing is solid and sounds really really good. I use an ortofon red but I think i will upgrade it to ortofon blue
Nice turntable Frank. The main thing is that your happy with it. Upgrades can be done, but if you are fine with it, there is no need to change. The trouble with Audiophiles is the snobbery that can raise its head. I love hifi, but am not a snob about it.
Keep on spinning and enjoying your music.
I read about taking that medical rubber tubing (the type they put around your arm when taking blood) and cutting it up the middle long ways and putting it around the tone arm tube to dampen it.
When I was stationed in S. Korea '77-'79 my first turntable was an Technics SL1200 in silver. Since lost amongst my many travels and adventures. I'd give anything to have it back.
I have two 1210’s I bought in new in 1992. That was 32 years ago. I DJ’d with them through the ‘90s and I still use them every week what’s more, they still look like new.
I have my 1210 Mk2 that I bought new 35 years ago…it’s still working perfectly it was purchased as a hi-fi deck.
Yes. You probably have the last TT you will ever need. Believe it or not, your tone arm is state of the art. Why would you think that many different current clones and the re-introduced SL-1200's still have it? My 1948 Capehart flip-over record changer has a tubular "J" style tone arm with the first modern magnetic GE-VR cartridge. Many audiophile TT's over the years, like Empire, had tubular "J" or "S" style tone arms. We learned back in my radio station days that tubular, bent tone arms were the best of the best. My old QRK commercial radio station TT has a tubular "J" style tone arm.
I find it funny that modern turntable manufacturers choose to make "Frankenstein" looking TT's but don't take advantage of lessons learned from history. Pro-Ject has been catching on. There is nothing more cheap-o to me than a TT with an external belt drive with a straight shaft tone arm. The best BD TT's have a drive sub-platter with the main platter on top.
If you check, I believe that your Pickering has a higher output than most magnetic carts. Your cart may share it's body with Stanton.
Glad to see you are catching up and learning from hands-on experience. Some people and TT manufacturers will never learn.
I bought a Technics 1500c turntable last year. Very happy with it
I upgraded from my 1200 MK2 to a 1600 MK2. Fully auto now, with disc size sensor too, plus way, and I mean WAY better sonic isolation in the plinth. You can set it right on top of a subwoofer (i don't but tried it once), and no detectable rumble was getting through to my AT-95ML cartridge. My 15" woofers were only moving to the music and not throbbing like wild things like you see when rumble gets into a turntable (Like I used to see all the time with some of the newer belt drive rigs). Anyway, cheers. Glad you love that deck. Technics is a great reliable platform for playing vinyl.
Hi Frank, I'm a huge Technics Fan I had 3 TTs. SL-D2, semi automatic. SL-1300MK1 fully automatic which I recently sold and an imported MK3 from Japan. Black, Gold RCA cables, everything the same as the MK2 I have to use a step up transformer (we use 120v) Japan 100v. No big deal, but phenomenal sound. You're right, bottom end is great. Had it for over 2 years now. Try the Goldring E3. Awesome Cart, you won't be disappointed.
They're amazing. I bought 2 to DJ with in the early 00's I still have them, the only tables I've ever owned
First! As I own myself 3 1200's as a dj and an sl-q2 hifi table as my hifi tt. I don't need another one
Excellent table! I use 2 of the MK5 for HiFi. Both have been fitted with Jelco tonearms and the KAB External power supplies. Both very worthy upgrades to take this to the next level. The external supplies remove the transformer inside which surprised me in that it is a source for noise. The external solution makes the background in the music completely disappear. The typical problem with the stock tonearm is not being able to lower the tonearm enough for some of the HiFi cartridges, as this table was intended to be used with taller DJ carts. I have tried using headshell spacers with mixed bag results. So it can limit you on some of the more picky exotic carts and stylus profiles. Elliptical carts work great on the stock arm though, because they are inherently more forgiving of setup. Replacing the tonearm with one that has a DIN connector eliminates the fixed cable problem as well. This table is way better for HiFi than it gets credit for! Lastly, this table responds well to sorbothane isolation, and the MK Stands over feet Boots have worked very well for me.
If you can't lower the tonearm enough, another way to fix that is to use a thicker mat. I've got an SL-1210M5G with a 5 mm (3/16") thick Sorbothane mat, and had to raise the tonearm a bit to get the right VTA. That is a really helpful feature. After some experimenting with the tonearm height, I found that just a bit above precisely horizontal improves treble level and clarity. Have you had time to do any experimenting, or are you keeping your tonearm exactly horizontal? These are great turntables!
As for colour and market, my SL-1210M5G is that great glossy black with silver speckles. It is a Canadian market model, since I bought it from a shop in Calgary, and I'm pretty sure it's not grey market. Since I got it in September 2010, I had to do some searching, because they were going out of production right then, and all the low-priced ones were gone. That meant I had to pay over $1200 for it, and it totalled $1450 Cdn by the time it got to me on Vancouver Island. I don't regret a penny. Twelve years later, it still looks and sounds like new.
Unlike to you, to me the look of the SLs doesn't seem to match the price, so I wanted to upgrade its looks. The solution was a walnut base from KAB USA. It gives the deck a classy look, and to my surprise, it improves the sound slightly! Maybe it's because the wooden base surrounds the turntable so that loud music is kept away from the bottom of the turntable, making faint background noise even fainter. That's a guess, but there definitely is an improvement in the sound.
Okay, last thing. I had an old SL-1400 Mk 2, which was my first Technics deck. It was much better than the old BIC belt-drive turntable I'd been using, and it was good-looking, with its rosewood insert on the front fascia. However, there was a ticking noise when the platter was spinning and the controls were getting sticky. It seemed like a great last chance occasion to get the M5G while they were still available.
Of course, the new M5G came without a cartridge, so I took the cartridge and black headshell from the SL-1400, plus the thick Sorbothane Platter Matter mat, and put them on the new M5G. Now, EVERYTHING that touched the records was from the old turntable, so I didn't expect to hear any difference. Wrong! The difference was immediately obvious, from more solid bass to improved midrange clarity. How? The heavier platter and stronger motor made the bass more lifelike, with a more solid attack on the leading edge of each bass note. As for the improved treble, I can only surmise that this was due to the upgraded tonearm wires in the M5G. Later, I had the titanium-look M5G headshell fitted with the Shure M97xE cart from the SL-1400 and installed it on the M5G, so the changeover was complete. The SL-1210M5G is definitely a better-sounding turntable, despite seeming to be very similar electrically and mechanically to the older (1978?) turntable.
It seems obvious time and technology march on, with incremental improvements really adding up over time. The Technics engineers keep finding and making improvements. If a new G or GR model is out of reach for you at the present time, a low mileage M5G might be everything you're looking for, for either the short term or the long term.
I also went for the Jelco (750D) on one of my Mk5g. What I did is went 'organic'. I splashed out for an ebony armboard, an ebony headshell, two cartridges with hardwood bodies, and an ebony stabiliser! They make musical instruments from the stuff. I also liked that the S shaped Jelco kept with the aesthetic. Also the 'Shuggie Collar' from Ammonite Audio assisted with VTA adjustment. Quite a bit of dosh, but I don't regret it.
I see you are a fan of KABUSA. Have you tried their thrustpad?
Great video! I also have this exact model and color which I purchased new in 2007 from one of the wholesale dealers I used when I had my record store. I owned and operated my record store for almost 20 years, best job I ever had! Looks like my SL-1200 Mk2 was made in 2006 (thanks for that link!) and cost me about $355 as I recall. I agree totally with your assessment and wish it wasn't hard-wired but have no desire to change any of that. I use an Audio-Technica AT 440MLb and track at 1.57 grams. I have no desire to replace it.
I own an SL1200 MK2. I got it 20 years ago from a friend who wanted to get rid of it for $400 at the time. This is the best bought I did. Never had any major issue with it. I even upgraded my cardridge for a 2M Black with a 2M black stylus. It plays very well since then and would never get rid of it. My friend wanted to buy it back from me and I said I wanted to keep it. Those turntable are build to last. I just added oil for the spindle after 20 years. I didn't mentioned that my one is black as well.
Please don't neglect your regular maintenance :)
May I ask where the oil is to be applied correctly? Do I need to remove the platter or anything? I've yet to oil mine and I want to be certain that don't mess anything up accidently. Thanks!
Love my 1210gr. It absolutely mogs my old Planar 3 in every regard.
I have a MCS Fully automatic Quartz lock and Technics fully automatic Quartz lock. MCS has a stereo cart and the Technics has a mono cart. Solid machines.
I bought a brand new SL1200 MK2 using an Ortofon Blue cartridge. I'm a DJ with 30 years experience. I left the business but buying a new 1200 just for playback at home was no problem when it came to choice. I wanted the original 1200 with the black plinth and silver top. I used the white overhang gauge and a protractor then adjusted the angle of attack. Because my house is brick and the floors are wooden, I had my brother install two angle irons into my wall to totally isolate the turntable from any acoustic feedback (I'm an audio visual engineer). I've listened to many decks over the years but I love my new 1200 and it will outlast me. Cheers from Australia, Andrew Collins.
I have had my SL-1200 for about 18 years. I purchased it brand new, and currently have an Ortofon Bronze on it. Rock solid, and great sound.
The Ortofon 2M Bronze is my cartridge/stylus of choice, too.
I want to upgrade to the 2M Black stylus at some point, tho. I've heard that it's quite the upgrade, but it should be considering it's price. ...but anyways, I've heard that it's much less "bright" than the 2M Bronze, has more bass production & more "separation". Best part is, you only have to purchase the 2M Black stylus if you already own the 2M Bronze....
@@dizzle1119 I have talked with at least three audio advisors about the Black cartridge, and they all said the same thing. Depending on what kind of music you listen to, you may prefer the Bronze. I think the black is better suited for music other than rock.
@@jeffl915 Well, that's kind of the beauty of it, tho. Having both the bronze AND black styli would be nice, as I do listen to many different genres of music. ...and I do mean MANY. I listen to everything from doo wop & Motown stuff to punk rock & black metal. From Beethoven to 2Pac & all things in-between.
Don't get me wrong, the cost of the 2M Black stylus is a factor as it is quite expensive for a guy like me...but I genuinely feel that I should try one.
Heck, if I end up disliking it, it would be easy to list it on Ebay & lose maybe 10% of what I paid initially. I honestly think that's worth taking the chance....
@@dizzle1119you only have to buy?the cartridge is the most important thing buying a 2mblack stylus to put it on a bronze cartridge it will not be a big diference both are good stylus butbn the cartridge makes the diference and i´m from a time when ortofon mean quality the OM series in early 80´s was sold with Dual turntables considered the best at the time having on the cartridge side the dual brand ,so with time this once good brand now sells very bad stylus and thye good ones are too expensive having a third of the hearing hours ,which is ridiculous, now i try to find old stores closed that still have needles and each cost at the most 20 to 30 € this good needles much better than todays needles sold by a fortune ,i had amc cartridge on a technics turntable ,it costed at the time what todays is 50€ or no one would buy them for the prices that are praticed today,and this i´ll upgradem it now with this later with that, in the 90´s the needles that came with the turntables were already very good and the ones who improved it would never do it again whyimprove twice having alrady a great sound ,you buy a better one it stays above average why improve it again ,you could buy another more expensive from a diferent brand and don´t notice a sound already perfect being improved to what ,above perfect?
It is a hard turntable to beat. Any deck that allows you to spin your entire body weight on, has got to be outstanding in construction! It's not just for the scratch perverts either - fitted with a fine cartridge, it will sing.
In Japan, it's _"Tech-a-neecs"_
Before and After Technics SL 1600 Mk2 Turntable (1979) there was nothing; Thanks for the excellent video,Frank!!
I had a pair of those exact black 1200s and sold them a few years ago unfortunately. Today i am blessed to have found a super clean, all original pair of silver 1200 mk2s! 🪬 Cool video
I have the new 1200GR and am absolutely loving it. It's the same turntable as yours but improved in almost every way. :)
Jealous - that's a great tt!
I have the same model and color! Yes it’s Technics SL1200 MK2 in black! Mine was built in September of 2000 so just one year newer than yours. It was in virtually unused condition and the seller even included a brand new genuine Technics dust cover and packaged it as it would have been packaged at the factory! I paid a premium for it because it was nearly new and I appreciated the care the seller took to package it properly. I use the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge and head shell combo which comes pre aligned for the Technics turntable as well as a number of others I think. Of course that was a separate purchase after experimenting with a couple other cartridges. I’ve checked the alignment many times to satisfy myself that it’s as perfect as can be reasonably expected. It is! It sounds amazing and it’s only gotten better! I’m so happy with this arrangement that I haven’t touched it for years. That was enough time for the grease to dry up and lock the Vertical Tracking Angle adjustment tight. I’ve seen the videos on how to fix this but I honestly don’t think about it much because it’s set up correct for what’s currently installed and I have no desire to use any other setup. My serial number has P where yours had MC. I didn’t see a reference for P.
May I ask how much you paid for it? I’m looking to get one in similar condition
@@1SonOfMoon1 Just the turntable, packed properly in a Technics box with the new dust cover, was around $700 without a cartridge with shipping. You can check the prices for the Ortofon 2M Blue mounted in its own branded head shell. That was extra. You can find cheaper setups but I’ve not seen an old school SL 1200 in this good shape. It was virtually new with not a single blemish. I think the seller said it was used for a very short time and then put back in the box! Good luck finding one that hasn’t been beaten up! I realize at that price we are getting competitive with the high end but this is high end, especially if you can find a clean one where the seller doesn’t know what they have! My seller knew full well what she had!
A wonderful turntable of direct drive! Actually, Frank there is a Technics SL-1200MK7 Direct Drive Turntable sold at Bay Bloor Radio in Toronto, Ontario (if I can mention that store here). The advertisement on the web page of that web site is, "Now available in black (SL-1200MK7) and silver (SL-1200MK7-S)". Therefore, such a choice for a Technics SL-1200 Direct Drive in a black painted version is actually available!🔉🎵
Nice one, Frank! Very nice.
Can't go wrong with vintage Technics, especially the 1200MKII. Seems like you've done your homework on them, so you should be set. 😎
I have a highly modded SL1600, which I absolutely love, but I'd still like to get a real deal, silver 1200 MKII someday.. my crummy Audio Technica LP120USB 1200 clone just can't compete, even decked out with mods.
If you ever get another cart/stylus, maybe give the Audio Technica VM540ML a shot.. I really dig it and have been using it for a few years now. ✌️
That's so true its a massive well built high end machine wrongly thought of as a dj deck. Stupidly sold mine
Hey Frank just got a SL-1200 Mk2 also black built May 2002 in awesome working and esthetic condition. I was a DJ back in my early days, never would I thought I was going to use it as audiophile turntable. After owning other turntables, I could also proudly say I will never go back to any other turntables. This is end game for me. Thanks for all the awesome videos you put out.
🤜💥🤛
Awesome - thanks man, and congrats on the 1200!
@@Channel33RPM you are welcome bud. Take care.
Hiya Frank! In talking about Technics in general, have a 1510 and love the daylights out of it...it runs an Ortofon Concorde STD and it sounds AND runs awesome.
I have a couple of Pickering V15s from other 'tables (I have 22-ish)...hearing your take on yours I'm going to give mine a try...thanks for the video(s)!
Congrats! I spin three Technics, each primarily dedicated to a format or type. I use my SL-1500 MKII for stereo, usually with a Stanton 681EEE, though I have Shure, Grado and AT carts. I use my SP-25 to play pre stereo cutting head mono LPs and 45s. I us the AT Mono3/LP with it, it is a true mono cart. I play my 78s with the SP-15. It is normally fitted with the 78 version of the AT Mono 3. When playing vertical cut 78s, I switch to a stereo 78 cart. Since I usually do digital restoration, I invert the signal in software. Years of searching and careful buying allowed me to pick up all three for less than $1,000.
Happy spinning!
Definitely an end game TT for me. Currently using an old Dual and Techinics P-mount from the '80s with vintage Shure cart on the Dual and an Ortofon on the P-mount.. Both, good enough. But the 1200 would be the step up table. Have fun with yours!
I used to have two SL 1200 MK2. I later upgraded to two SL 1200 MK5s (last year of analogue pitch and no click on on the pitch control). Regardless, you have a solid turntable right there. Well done.
I finally got an Email that the 1210gr was in stock a few months ago. My third Technics over the years and probably my last table. Congrats on yours. The direct drive motor beats the heck out of a rubber band table.
I still my Technics SL-B202. Just did some updating of it. New Ortofon Red. Replaced those RCA cables and redone the ground wire. They to are hardwired in. New belt. It is a light table with that platter that would ring like crazy. So a layer of dynamat inside the platter and chassis has dampened the entire rig. Fantastic sound and having that auto off is just a must.
Purchased a 1998 Technics sl 1200 MK5 in 2016 and has been Flawless with well over 10,000 hours of use. If you purchase this model make sure it has the octagon shaped cables that are low capacitance. Currently running ortofon 2m black, Audio Technica 440 MLB and ortofon om 40 Fritz Geiger 70 stylus with project tube box s phono preamp and audioquest interconnects. Sounds so sweet. I feel no need for upgrades but it is nice that there are many available.
I bought 2 SL1200’s in the summer of 1991, and I still have them. I still have all original packaging and kept my receipts- £330 each. Until last year, I have never had a single issue with them, never had a service, never had anything fail- then my right channel died on one of them. No problems, quick desolder and replaced RCA cables with “better” (ie more expensive) set of RCA cables. Problem fixed. Such a great product, I have had many many hours of happiness with them. Currently using a Goldring G2500 in one of them, and an Ortofon Black in the other- both sound great to me.
The thing I was told it need the servomotor(?) needed to be replaced? He said he couldn’t find one. I was badgered to finally toss it out. I thought it wrong but I had a new stack system which, I still have along with three other portables, can’t have too many. The thing I liked about the Technics were the individual tweaking I could do, counter balance kept tone arm so it wasn’t resting on the record but it was the anti skating control. I had Harry Chapin greatest stories Live, two of them. Played the crap out of them with volume UP! There was a part of one track,same on both albums, that tended to skip over a few grooves. The anti skip control corrected that in conjunction with the counter balance and I was happy, very. Thing was , I had a Magnavox portable, speakers could be detached and turntable folded down, sturdy, could stack my 45s , never my albums too heavy, and none ever skipped even Harry C. Shouldn’t have given that one away either. Always liked the quality of Technics products performance. I’ll be upgrading in the future, again. As one of my others I can stack the 45s I won’t need one on my new turntable. It could be a mute point as if I don’t keep an eye on them, my 45s seem to somehow end up on the other side of the state at my youngest daughter’s!
18 months later, how about 18 years later over here, YES! It is the BEST 🙌
I picked up an SL-3300 around 2013 for $100 USD. Great turntable, also very solid build. Being it was built around 1979, it's got old sticky grease inside that makes the auto-functions a little slow to respond. That can be remedied, but I haven't gotten around to it, and it really doesn't affect functionality much. What I like about this model is that all the controls are accessible on the front panel even with the dust cover closed. I doubt I'll ever look for another TT unless this one were to die.
That has always been a great TT. It's a great unit and made well by Panasonic / Technics . The design was and is great which is all you can ask for. Good choice.
After owning several used Technics turntables I finally bit the bullet and bought a new one last March. A 12gr (black). I love it. I also have an older lp120, stored. Big difference between the two. Nice to finally have a new one. Running a Bluepoint II into a Parasound phono stage. Just couldn't take the inaccurate speed of my planar 3 which is now in my spares system
I have an MK5 and I love it, got it for 650 CAD in somewhat rough condition but managed to fix it myself. I like it, very silent, I also have no complaints on the tonearm, but compared to my Kenwood KP 990 the music coming form the Technics feels like it is attacking me a bit more, its less smooth. This is mostly apparent with quieter background sounds which feel much more present. I think this is due to the torque on this specific direct drive motor and the bearing but I am not entirely sure if that makes full sense to me, people say a lot of stuff online hahah. I am soon getting a Technics SL150 MK2 with a SME 3009 Type 3 tonearm so I will do a proper listening test. I love how the Technics looks and operates tho, I feel bad letting it go even for something that is supposed to be better sounding.
Mine is a black SL1200 purchase '23 Canada .. I love it. I bought a record from a used shop. They played it. It sounded a bit crackly. I played it on mine and it sounded new. No crackly noise. (edit: my serial number doesn't come up in that place you posted.. says it is unfound.. yes, it is legit lol)
Had my pair for 20 years now. Still going strong and they were used when I bought them.
Cool table Frank. My workhorse is an Optonica RP 3636. It has a granite plinth. Never skips even with 3 young boys running around!
Kid proof. Nice!
@@Channel33RPM crucial!
I bought a 1200 mk7 about 6 months ago as a home listening table. This thing sounds great and I doubt ill ever need another table.
Frank- I actually bought this same turntable (silver) a year or so ago partially due to one of your vids! I’m pretty happy with it. I used your link for the year manufactured, July 1995!
I had my 1200's turntables since 1986 when I started djing and yes they are built like a tank.
I owned an SL120 (not 1200) which was more or less the 1200 supplied without a tone arm so that you could install whatever you liked on the blank tone arm plate. It was silver. Purchased in 1977 for a think $400 which is around ten times that in todays money. I had a Shure SME tone arm and Mk.3 cartridge, added audio insulators under the feet...
from what i understand, the 1200s were fixed voltage for the countries it sold in and the 1210s have a switch under the platter to change voltages from 240v to 110v if you were hopping from country to country.
There is so much to love about this timeless classic I was spinning discs on a pair of these in the late 80s when CDs were an expensive technology. Your right resale will be more then what you paid for them. And parts are very easy to obtain. There are a lot of other things but I'm sure others will add to the debate. Only let down no balanced audio outputs. The two Stanton t.62 turntables I own I have used a DI box between the turntable and mixer to get a balanced output which seems to work if you ever need to do this it's worth doing. As far as I remember the sl1200 will need a preamp... and it's possible to spend silly money on these things but you get what you pay for. As ever great video enjoy your new turntable. To be honest I'd feel like I'm missing something only having one but then I'm not a mixer dj.
Owned lots of turntables, as I have been a DJ since 1980.
Nothing comes close to the SL1200 for the money.
I personally think the very best version was the M3D, better than the Mk2 and the Mk5.
I just set up my new sl1500c and hope I will be singing the same tune. So far Im really happy with it. The built-in computer is essential for setting the arm lift posittion.
Nice review, have an SL1210MK2 for probably 20 years now. It has PC next to the serial. Still in excellent condition, just upgraded the stock needle to an Ortophon Concord Mix (temporarily) and a Bellari VP130 MK2 phono tube preamp, which I highly recommend. Sounds noticeably better, much warmer, organic than the mixer I had before.
I had to sell all my records and hifi gear when I went off to college (long story), and afterwards got too wrapped up in my career to even have a stereo system other than my computer. But an old friend of mine moved into town with his excellent hifi setup, and convinced me that it was time to get one as well. Immediately my thoughts turned to the 1200, as it was what I considered a professional machine. I found an mk5 on craigslist for $450, which came with a Shure DJ stylus. I upgraded the Stylus to a Grado Silver, which was day and night quieter and more detailed than the Shure. I absolutely love my 1200 and will probably never replace it either. The only thing I dislike about it is that the tone arm does not auto reset once it gets to the end of the record. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of these and think anybody serious about their hifi system should consider getting one.
I also have a black SL1200 MK2 I picked up locally here in Minnesota a few years ago for $500. It's my main everyday turntable and sounds great!!
When I was a mobile DJ I had a pair of SL1200 M3D and man I miss those bad boys. I will look at the used market at some point to see if I can nab one. They just run like a top. Currently I have my ATLP120XUSB.
KABUSA mod will significantly improve the sound quality as well. Adding a fluid damper, RCA cable and footers replacement changed the entire characteristics (weakness) of my SL-1200mk2.
Many recommend to have the capacitors and pitch control replaced to give you years of trouble free use. Some of the Technics SL-1200s can have motor issues. A replacement motor can be bought easily. The only drawback is the tonearm. SME makes a good replacement for the Technics tonearm.
Glad you are enjoying it. I’m glad I bought mine back used around 2013. I would be paying much more now.
I just purchased 2 1200MK7's & let me tell you... they feel completely different from my original MK2's from 1990! They don't feel as strong or sturdy & definitely aren't as heavy! Not that same "Tank feeling"!
The only reason why I upgraded was:
16% pitch
My tonearms were loose
Pitch adj out of calibration
rca cables!
7/10 on the MK7's!
Anyway man! I love your channel! Love your KISS display!
Thank you! I have been super curious about the MK7s. I appreciate the info.
A well built table, midfi sound ..!
It would be nice to have a high-end turntable like that but I'm happy with what I got. I have a Yamaha I paid about 500 bucks for and I'm fine with it I got the red ortofon and I've got a techniques with a blue one. Fantastic video Frank thanks for sharing this information with us all
The best thing I've ever done to improve the sound quality on my 25 year old mk2's was a professional service with replacement pitch faders and new RCA cables. Worth the investment.
I have a SL 3350 I I like that it's totally automatic it even has the spindle if you wanted to put multiple records on. I only paid $125 US from a local seller and I totally love it but the 1200 is my Grail someday I may own one I hope and thanks again for another awesome video
I have same turntable and too SL1500C, love it.
To the few saying they didnt make 1200s in black. Your wrong. Yes! The 1200 did come out in black! I can tell you anything about technics turntables. For many years, from 1979-98ish there was no 1200 in black. So if you see a 1200 in black, just know its newer. No 1210 is silver. But 1200s did come out in black! But, in september 2006, they discontinued making new 1210 line and just made 1200s in black and silver. They did however keep producing the mk2 until 2010! Marking a special serial number for 1 month of september to mark the end of the 1210. In November 2010 . They stopped production of all turntables. News spread in the dj world fast, I know this as i sold them in a dj store. And also found out as it happened! Many djs bought a couple to put away. In case the runours were true, others werent phased and stuck to buying pioneer cdjs as they were now taking over anyway. Technics was a japanese company. Until 2016. When another company aquired it. a malasian company. Manafacturing mk7 out of malaysia! Not japan!!. Which many djs including me hated. It just wasnt a classicly built technics. Sure it has a couple gimicky features like reverse, and a diffferent colour strobe option, but. The mk7 were made from the ground up. With an entire new design, from an entirely different manafacturaer, in a different countyley. The mk7 literally preys on nostalgia of the real deal. compared to the old, those are chalk and cheese, apples and oramges. Buying JAPANESE MADE comes with quakity assurances. Look at seiko watchesz theres a reason JDM models of the exact same watch are worth more than thier european counterpart! Japanese QC! If you know you know! If you didnt now you do. 😊 for you mk7 heads, yes, i know.. YOU CAN still mix on a mk7. Its just not as pure, accurate, and has less charm than the awsome 1200/1210s of old. Also, fir anyone wanting to discount the 1210 in any way, your crazy. They have the exact same internals as a 1200. Most djs could not afford 1210s, me included. I bought my 1200s in 1994, and the 1210s were an extra 200usd dollars just because they were black. I also think there are still a lot of djs of golden era who dont think they made 1200s in black, because it was done much later in the life cycle of technics. And thats fine, they just didnt know cos thier decks worked so well, there was no reason to look at another pair yet alone shop for new ones. 😂 this was and is, a very expensive hobby. And at the tinlme. If you were serious about djing, you invested in these. Amd that investment gave you a pass into buying vinyl, which lead to paid gigs if you were good. and if you ever needed money, you could always pawn in your decks knowing theyd pay high prices for them. Unfortunately. They are very hard to find in good condition these days.. If you see a 1200/1210 in good condition. BUY IT! Best models of course were mk2, duh. Mk3 were more for audiophile but have the same great build, mk3D introduced no click feauture! This was AWESOME! But, not worth buying new decks over, many mk2 owners would just take out the ball bearing at quartz lock anyway if they wanted that. But they also look nicer imo. mk4, mk5. Mk5 had the most black 1200s i believe from memory. Mk6s were limited numbers! And had a blue target light. And limited numberd Only 3000 or something, and also had digitally controlled pitch adjust. M5G were also digitally controlled, in piano black, with blue leds. And improved tone arms, but mixed a lot different, look great, but dont work as good for mixing. 😊 btw, I have a collection i have 1 of the last 1210mk2 off the production line! Still in box unopened and sealed. My every day decks are my mk5. For some reason, i had a hard tine finding 1210mk5s, but if you want to know ehich is the best from someone who owned every model. For DJing, any mk5. Or, m3d. I think the mk5 being newer, with all the GOOD upgrades from previous. If you are a audiophile guy , who needs to also play 78 records, there is a a mk4, it also has rca that can be easily unplugged from the deck. With the extra 78 button for 78 records. the mk4 had this feauture. They can also be djed on with the same feel of a mk2. If you are a DJ and want new condition classic turntables. Shop for the black 1200, mk3d or some mk5., being newer they may show newer condition over say a mk2. I found this to be true after spemding 6 years shopping for some. I really wamted some in good shape. Just expect to pay fpr them. By the time you read this they will be even rarer. The current 'average' price is around a ironic 1200 usd each used, for most models. Pro tip, Do not pay that much for mk7s! Why!?! Lol
We had one in Germany in the late 70's early 80's (by we I mean my father..lol) I've yet to have a turntable as loved as that 1200 was(and I've owned a few including my current sl 1100 from 1971). I did bring a Technics SLQL-1 Linear tracking table back with me from Germany....which for a 15 year old was the epitome of cool turntables at the time)
You did well with your TECHNICS 1200. Like most various other brands the RCA phono plugs are built in the units. What i did due to the medium size length depending how your set ups on your Amplifier/ Receiver/ mixer I added an extension RCA female plug cord, my alternative ones I bought at RADIO SHACK two way cordless RCA female plugs. Have them going strong to this day. My model is SL-D 500 Automatic Record Changer. Wow would i like to add the model you featured. Excellent video. Enjoy your music. 🎵🎼🎶 🎧
My techniques, SL2, hundreds have been going strong for 25 years
I have an 1810 mk1. The top of the plinth is all metal. It is a workhorse. The most trouble free TT I have ever owned (I have many). It's not the best sounding table I have but because of its trouble free performance it's probably the last table I'd get rid of. I used to to have a 1200 but I sold it when I bought my first fancy high end table. I wish I kept it.
i got one technics sl1200mk7 with the new motor, it's incredible
I have 2 Technics 1200s & I will never sell them, I’ve owned them for 25 years with the original boxes from new, they still look brand new with the foam that sits under the 45 rpm adaptor.
Excellent video on the Technics turntable you have! I have the same model with a AT-VMN95ML stylus (micro line). Based on the above website at 6:10, my TT was made in January 1998.
I ordered the 50th Anniversary edition of the Technics 1200 in yellow! Ordered it from Guitar Center and it is suppose to ship in July……
I have 2 of the decks. Need to replace cables which is a common issue, and yes I feel they'd been better with rca connections instead of making the rca cables permanently attached. Had to replace many. The machines have also been used and been a standard in radio stations often replacing the then old induction motor driven puck drive turntables. Used on air during the time as well as in clubs getting banged up hard with beat mixing. User can add any cartridge and head shell designed to mount on the arm. They were the industrial standard. Later in time Technics came out with models specifically for broadcast like the SP-10 and SP-15s that were built into the studio desks.
I got an early 1210mk2 fitted with an SME series 2, love it!
Nice video!
I bought a brand new Technics sl-1500c last year and this is a turntable that when you look at it, it looks exactly like it belongs in the 1200 line however anyway you slice it the 1200 series has always been initially geared towards DJ use and there's absolutely nothing wrong with putting a great classic Pickering cartridge on a 1200 and getting nothing but absolutely fantastic results. Stanton and Pickering were basically the same company and unfortunately neither are no longer being made and I used Stanton cartridges for many many years. Jico definitely makes the best replacement stylus in the world. If you think that their replacement styli are overpriced, well then it's worth paying the price for a replacement stylus from Jico because you can't do better and you're heading in the right direction for a replacement stylus.
Back to the Technics sl-1500c turntable. It initially looks like a DJ turntable but it is built completely different from within. It does not have the pitch slide gauge or any other DJ accessories. It just has a power button and a start button and 33/45 speed buttons. No DJ stuff on it whatsoever because I just play records at home and that's all you need. It is designed for more of a high-end audiophile not a mid-line turntable for general use such as the 1200 series.
The Technics sl-1500c did bare a price tag of $1,600 and it came with, you guessed it, an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.
For years I have been using a Shure m97xe cartridge and it was time for an upgrade for my previous turntable which was a Technics MCS 1605 which Technics released in 1978. I bought it pre-owned about 25 years ago and it has done nothing but perfect justice until the direct drive motor started to slow down and it was time for a new turntable.
The Technics 1200 series turntables are amazing. Yes you can DJ with one but not many people around the world are using vinyl to DJ with anymore considering streaming and other devices. I have been DJing for going on my 4th decade now and obviously I do not use CDs, I use streaming devices for all my DJ musical needs.
I am an audiophile. Not necessarily a nut-so audiophile. I have about $15,000 wrapped up in my audio system. A lot of these audiophiles are crazy and spend tons and tons of money that is just absolutely unnecessary. There has to be a ceiling somewhere that you just can't get any better once you hit a certain price point. Let's face it, after someone hits about $30,000 for an audio system then they're just pissing in the wind with their money if they keep trying to upgrade.
The Classic Vintage Pickering cartridge that is on your turntable is definitely better than the Nakaoka and most definitely better than the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. In fact I bought a 2M Blue stylus for my Ortofon 2M cartridge that was pre mounted on the Technics sl-1500c and I compared them and the 2M Red is definitely a better sounding cartridge than the 2M Blue. It's much more smoother and warmer and you just want to listen to music for hours with the 2M Red. No ear fatigue or headaches while listening to the 2M Red. The 2M Blue is a very edgy and unnecessarily bright and unnatural sounding stylus. I definitely threw away $230 USD by buying the 2M Blue stylus. I used it for a little while and got nothing but headaches and ear fatigue trying to play some of my favorite music and that's not what listening to music is all about. I just took the 2M Blue off and put it in its box and it's just sitting there collecting dust. What a shame.
For those of you that have a 2M Red already installed on your turntable, don't try to upgrade it with a 2M Blue. You're throwing your money away if you do, trust me.
Unfortunately Shure is no longer making Phono cartridges which is a crying shame. I have been using their top-of-the-line m97xe cartridge for years and have had nothing but absolute pleasure with everything I play. I also have a Sumiko Pearl cartridge and the most money that I've ever spent on a cartridge, a Soundsmith Otello which are completely handmade and you have to pre-order them in most cases and the cartridge bares a price tag of $399 USD! A very unique and different phono cartridge indeed. It really shapes the sound up differently and I'm not used to that just yet so I will have to try to break that cartridge in a little more down the road.
The Technics sl-1500c turntable is a fully manual turntable with an option for a tone arm lift at the end of the record.
I believe in the theory of "less is more" so I just turned the automatic arm lifter off and just go to the turntable and flip the record over and play side 2.
Besides, if a stylus sits in the Locking Groove at the end of the side and you need to walk away from your stereo for a minute or two, it's not going to wear any of the record out and it's not going to wear your stylus out prematurely because there's nothing for the stylus to track but just a simple groove with no information in it. It could sit in that locking Groove for 10 minutes and maybe pick up a little dust and that's about it. I just lift up the tonearm and clean the stylus and put on side 2 and I'm good to go!
One major thing that is totally cool is the photo pre-outs in the back just like a lot of the 1200 series have so you can connect a better interconnect cable for an even better sound. I am using a pair of PBJ Kimber Kable instead of the in-stock cable that came along with the turntable which is actually a fine cable and does get the job done but an upgrade *really* gets the job done. Your records will sound so much better if you upgrade the interconnect cables in the back of the turntable. I would definitely upgrade the interconnect cables in the back of the 1200. You'll be amazed at how much more music you will hear with a better pair of interconnect cables.
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All said and done, the Technics 1200 series turntables are really all you need to play vinyl if you don't want to spend a ton of money. but definitely look into those upgrades. It will make a world of difference to your ears.......
AND remember, if you have an Ortofon 2M Red already mounted to your turntable and are thinking about upgrading to the 2M Blue......DON'T!!
Same. Found a nice one last year and that's it for me.
Great vid Frank. Awesome that you got your dream table!
I have lusted after one for years. I just broke out my Technics SL-3300 from the early 80's or maybe it was the late 70's, it's all such a blur...😇
I started raising kids and realized that playing records was not going to work, I could not holler at them for being kids, so off it all went into storage, and the CD buying/listening was born
I still lust after an SL-1200. How do you think it compares to the vintage SL-3300, (no quartz lock) fitted with an Audio-Technica VM 540ML/H cart?
The 1200 looks better! If I was rich I would definitely be a TT collector, they're just so damn cool looking, and if you think about how they gather and produce epic sound it just seems like magic. I have to fight the urge just to own one for having one. Interested in your opinion, or any other's that might care to enlighten me
Changing the turntable will not affect the price.
Changing the rca cables is a must and hard wiring is the best fixture....rca plugs introduce phasing .., use a platter isolation plinth and put a better power cable on it.....the difference is amazing...also don't use a felt or Cork slipmat....they sound dull. The old vestax plastic coated slip mats are by far the best sounding....a record weight/clamp also sounds really good....it improves the bass and it brings the music more together.....
Forgot to add....the feet are also rubbish and need replacing.....
The power supply isn't the best on a technics either and the older mk2 should have the tone arm replaced or at least the tonearm wiring.
My mk5g decks are highly modified....
I like a lot the way to explain, very good storyteller, excellent dude.
Much appreciated!
I have black 1200s and black 1210s. I will upgrade the rca cables sometime soon.
Hitachi HT-67 owner here, read it's comparable to the SL 1200
I also run a black SL-1200 MKII. The cart I use is the Goldring 1042. The Nagaoka MP110 is a good cart, but the 1042 is the better match with my Technics by far.
I don’t know if anyone has ever noticed it, but there seem to have been two black variants of SL-1200/1210. One is kind of greyish black and the other more common one is truly black. It’s visible on the greyish ones that pitch fader is much darker. I’m not sure whether it depended on the year of manufacture or intended market or whatever. I remember when a friend of mine bought a few broken decks to fix them himself, and one of them was actually greyish black, he actually sent me a photo of both black models next to each other, but as far as I remember those were both SL-1210’s.
I never noticed this, but someone else mentioned it as well. Very interesting.
It might be well built and satisfy you, try listening to a Rega, Linn, or get a Funk Frim upgrade for your SL1200
I don't have a 1200mk2 but I do have a Technics SL-J300R from the late 80's/early 90's It's a linear tracking direct drive p-mount turntable.
Just a look at the specs is enough for anyone to realize that this is SERIOUS gear. But it is no-nonsense, and many people are used to nonsense, hifi not being an exception...
Great video I also love your set up with your stero .
Very nice video -kudos! But…. The Black SL-1210 model was sold extensively in the USA.
I bought my black SL-1210 from KAB USA, brand new in 2004. Still have it today😎
Cheers!
As I understand it, they may have been sold in the USA, but weren't intended for the market. I could be wrong. Best way to tell is to check the country code on the back.
I have an SL 1200 MK7. The only way I buy another turntable is if it’s another Technics. I love mine.
Cool. I have been very curious about the MK7.
You were very lucky to get yours for $600 CA$. Here around $800-$1,200 even used in not so good of shape. I need 78 speed. There is a mod to have all three speeds.