Not particularly. (Although avoid the Mk1, as it's not Quartz PLL) Buy on condition and if it's a Mk2 or Mk5, (far and away the most common) plan on rewiring the arm.
I hear this faint hum even when the platter isn't spinning. Is that from the transformer being in the turntable?
From the table itself? Most likely yes. Does it stop when you switch off or unplug it? If so, then yes.
And that hum is getting into the music as well...
And that hum is getting into the music as well...
That's not necessarily the transformer, but there's an easy test - is the hum louder when the cartridge is closer to the spindle (inner edge) than the outer edge? Lift the arm towards the end of the record but before the autoreturn brings it back.
Some cartridges are more susceptible than others to picking up hum from the transformer or drive motor. If that happens to be the case, a different cartridge may solve things. However your hum problem could very well be caused by something else.
I have a SL-1200MK2, they are worth it if you can find one. The normal going price is $300-800 depending on condition. Just be patient and wait for a good deal, you already have a decent turntable. I was extremely lucky and got mine for $20 at a hamfest.
I have a SL-1200MK2, they are worth it if you can find one. The normal going price is $300-800 depending on condition. Just be patient and wait for a good deal, you already have a decent turntable. I was extremely lucky and got mine for $20 at a hamfest.
$20 oh my! 🙂 In my dreams 🙂. I could always sell my SL-D2 after I get the 1200, for like $150 mabye $200.. it's in really nice shape with dust cover that isn't broken. I got the SL-D2 for $25 from flea market a few years back.
EDIT: I could actually get $75 alone for the Technics OEM Head shell since it can work on the SL-1200 🙂
EDIT: I could actually get $75 alone for the Technics OEM Head shell since it can work on the SL-1200 🙂
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The noise doesn't get worse when I move the tone arm closer and closer to the spindle. It's not all bassy either.. kinda noisy too. I'll have to unplug the turntable to make sure it isn't the pre.
That sounds more like an open ground or loose connection. Make sure your ground wire is hooked up. Also make sure your headshell is on tight, and the contacts are clean. If it is either of these issues touching the tone arm almost always makes the hum much louder.
Sometimes noise can be caused by proximity to other equipment, try moving your turntable or re-routing your cables.
Also keep an eye out for any of the Technics SL-1000 series MK2 turntables, some of them use the same tone arm and motor as the SL-1200MK2. The only downside is they lack the heavily dampened plinth and platter of the 1200.
Some of the high-end Denon quartz locked direct drives are arguably just as good as a Technics as well. I recently picked up a low-end DP-15f that is really impressive considering how cheaply constructed it appears to be.
Not quite. 😀
The SL-1000 is the name for an SP-10 with a Technics plinth (SH-10) and arm (usually an EPA-100)
The SP-10 are in a different world of performance than the SL-1200, which is to say that they are arguably the best turntables made, ever.
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Light dimmers or fluorescent bulbs in the room can also cause a humming or buzzing type of noise
through the speakers.
Yes. Generally speaking the Mk2 versions of the SL-1xxx series are the Quartz PLL motors, the same as the SL-1200Mk2 and subsequent.
I don't mind spending a couple grand (or more) if need be on a SP-10 and good arm. As long as it is in very good condition and I can resell it for what I paid for it. Basically I could use it for free and get all my money back out of it if something unfortunate happens in life later on. I just hate buying things for a few thousand which are only worth a few hundred years later. 🙂. Seems like an SP-10 would be a good investment no? Trick is sourcing one for a good price. I wouldn't know what to look for. I see they come with various control units, plinths and arms.
Not that many right now. I have like 50, but of them 20 I really like. Working on getting more records, if you have any suggestions for particular presses of albums let me know 🙂
The ones I listen to regularly right now which I like:
1) Dire Straits Brothers in Arms & Making Movies
2) Jim Croce albums
3) Bob Marley Legend
4) Edie Brickell Shooting Rubberbands
5) Rush Permanent Waves & Moving Pictures. Their albums before Power Windows were in the Analog Realm..I want to get more Rush albums.. amazing how good they sound on vinyl and how bad they are in CD quality losses rips I have.
Off all of the above I think I am impressed most with Brothers in Arms LP, with respect to sound quality coming from the table.
The ones I listen to regularly right now which I like:
1) Dire Straits Brothers in Arms & Making Movies
2) Jim Croce albums
3) Bob Marley Legend
4) Edie Brickell Shooting Rubberbands
5) Rush Permanent Waves & Moving Pictures. Their albums before Power Windows were in the Analog Realm..I want to get more Rush albums.. amazing how good they sound on vinyl and how bad they are in CD quality losses rips I have.
Off all of the above I think I am impressed most with Brothers in Arms LP, with respect to sound quality coming from the table.
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Did a bit of searching and it seems the SP-10 that are available usually are
just turntable without plinth or arm. Definitely not plug n play.
I wish I had the skills to undertake an SP-10 project. Sounds like a lot of fun though.
Dennis
just turntable without plinth or arm. Definitely not plug n play.
I wish I had the skills to undertake an SP-10 project. Sounds like a lot of fun though.
Dennis
Pre-made bases are available on ebay, or a local carpenter can make one for you.
Here are some templates.
Technics SP10 - Manual - Professional Direct-Drive Turntable Motor Unit - Vinyl Engine
To mount the arm, use the template for that arm, which specifies a certain distance
from the turntable's spindle to the axis of the arm's horizontal pivot. Drill the
appropriate size hole at some point on that circle so the arm has plenty of clearance
all around, and so the cue can raise the arm throughout the normal playing region.
It's much easier than building an amplifier, and it won't blow up on you.
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