Another Technics SL-1200 mkll turntable mod

[audiostar]

Index This is a wonderful mod.

 

[vinylkid58]

There's some interesting stuff there, thanks for posting.

jeff

 

[audiostar]

I think this mod is from member Qwin.

 

[6L6]

His SL-1200 modifications are nothing short of amazing. It's really closer to "Building a new turntable using a Technics motor."

I'm currently corresponding with him about this mod - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/238618-technics-sl-1200-dc-power-supply.html

 

[Voicecoil]

I thought I went overboard with my 1200.
The JKWynn is unbelievable.

 

[audiostar]

What are you cooking? wow, very nice. more pictures please. details. What did you do to the turntable?

 

[Voicecoil]

Thanks audiostar.
This was my progression:
Started modding a very clean stock 1200. Added strobe disabler, dc rectifier and sorbothane feet from KAB. Also tonearm rewire and damping.

Then got a great deal on a Nottingham Interspace SE (seen in background).
1200 sat idle for a very long time.

Then a Clearaudio Stradivari cartridge came my way and I picked up a 12" Nottingham arm and built an arm pod for it.

Next I started plotting a complete custom build starting with a VPI Classic platter and bearing.

Seeing all my spare parts together, I got the crazy idea to sit and center the VPI platter on the 1200 platter (cork/rubber mat between), turn the 12" Nottingham arm to the proper spindle to pivot distance and voila!
I was actually shocked to hear how incredible it sounds.

I've only lived with it for a few weeks and I'm a little concerned that the Technics bearing can't handle the weight.
Bearing upgrade may be the next step.

 

[audiostar]

Voicecoil,

Are you considering the Mike New bearing? An effective upgrade is an external power supply offered by many. I am sure you can't go wrong with one by davefl from
Landfall Systems. The details are in the thread Technics SL1200 internal brackets, regulator and external power supply.

 

[Tattoo]

The first thing I would change on a SP1200 is the arm. A nice SME with a good cartridge on the SP1200 is hard to beat.

 

[Voicecoil]

Definitely considering the Mike New bearing. A little expensive though.
I may try to mod/upgrade the stock bearing. Many seem to have had success with that.

I mostly agree with Tattoo that the stock 1200 arm is the weakest link.
The arm tube stinks. Very thin and resonant. Stock tonearm wire/pcb are nothing special either.
The arm bearing system is IMO very good. Damping the armtube and a rewire will yield noticeable improvements (and increase arm mass so check cart compliance).
You can also go the Funk Firm route and change the armtube completely.

...or replace the tonearm. I like the Jelco 750d on the 1200.

Next biggest improvement I found was damping the "ringy" platter with platter mats. I found the copper and aluminum ones best, then rigid graphite composite. Even 1/4" thick cork was very good.

 

[audiostar]

A lot of audiophiles have done the external power supply mod. There are a lot of reviews or comments on this. Go the diy route or buy the external power supply from a vendor. Research this carefully.

 

[audiostar]

Voicecoil,

You may want to use Michigan Maple under your turntable. You will find a lot of good comments about Michigan Maple.

Tweakers' Asylum: REVIEW: Michigan Maple Michigan Maple Platform Accessory by the analog kid

 

[audiostar]

A discussion on wood.

Tweakers' Asylum