How good is a fully upgraded Technics SL-1210mk2 compared to other high end TT?

[allthingsanalogue]

As great as my Technics SL1210M5G was, my Rega RP10 with the Lyra Delos is in another league But, the time I had with the Technics sure was fun...

Glad you're enjoying the RP10 with the Delos, I bought an LP12, also with a Delos. It's a fantastic cartridge isn't it!

[nthall]

I think the biggest plus of 1200/1210s are the availability of new and used parts. They sold a ton of them.

Even a moderately modded one will outperform the speakers, and amplification in a modest system. I think they are perfect for someone just getting into the hobby. It's a table that can be modified and tailored to work with just about any combination of components, or speakers.

A TD-124 or 301 can do the same thing, but come with a steeper cost of admission.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[ChrisKemp]

Glad you're enjoying the RP10 with the Delos, I bought an LP12, also with a Delos. It's a fantastic cartridge isn't it!

Congrats on the LP12! Yes the Lyra Delos is one heck of a cartridge! So dynamic and musical. The RP10 is also a fantastic deck, and a significant upgrade from my SL1210M5G w/ Isokinetik Silver Melody arm, Isonoe feet, Mike New Bearing, ETP Platter and MCRU PSU. I did not even hope to think that the Rega RP10 would be that much better; and the 1210M5G I had was a fantastic deck.

[DSJR]

Both the techie and RP10 should have totally opposite sonic priorities I think. neither are *wrong* as the vinyl itself will dictate the ultimate standard ime, but the fact they give different presentations tonally doesn't surprise me at all. A pal had a lengthy dem on an RP10 (Apheta?) recently and didn't like it as the sound was too lean for him. I suspect a properly sorted techie would have more 'pace' and 'drive' but maybe the bass will be reproduced in a different manner (I'm trying to be careful and respectful here) depending on siting, which I feel is important on all these in-suspended decks.

A shame the Hyperspace and Dias are so waf-unfriendly (I'd have included the TW Raven, but I think it's all but tripled in UK price in the last ten years). It's my opinion they sound better than 'all of 'em...' especially when a Decca Gold or above is fitted - cough...

[hiwattnick]

I also believe that the modding / upgrading of a Technics 1200 can be a fun journey in itself, which can be very rewarding in itself. I have been slowly upgrading my Technics SL1200 M3D for years now. Some upgrades & mods are more obvious than others. Some upgrades seem to partner up too. Part of the fun is the ride there. At least it is to me.

[drrd]

Trouble with mods is that often these parts come from small scale manufacturers with rather high prices for what you actually get. Small companies however do react quicker (or come and go) meaning you get to tweak a good design from a large manufacturer who isnt going to update their product for years.

WRT OP question, if the comparison high end TT happens to be a 1200G/GAE then in my experience the modded 1210 is now well beaten. All the tweaks are just no match for what Technics has done in ground-up re-engineering the motor system.

[Marco]

WRT OP question, if the comparison high end TT happens to be a 1200G/GAE then in my experience the modded 1210 is now well beaten. All the tweaks are just no match for what Technics has done in ground-up re-engineering the motor system.

Hi Russell,

Interesting... Can I ask which modded 1210s you've heard, and if they were demo'd in the same system as the 1200G/GAE, in order for a meaningful comparison to have been conducted?

Although I haven't tried it yet, I'd expect my own modded 1210 to comfortably compete with the new Technics. Indeed, if anyone's got one and fancies a wee bake-off, let me know!

Marco.

[chris@panteg]

Trouble with mods is that often these parts come from small scale manufacturers with rather high prices for what you actually get. Small companies however do react quicker (or come and go) meaning you get to tweak a good design from a large manufacturer who isnt going to update their product for years.

WRT OP question, if the comparison high end TT happens to be a 1200G/GAE then in my experience the modded 1210 is now well beaten. All the tweaks are just no match for what Technics has done in ground-up re-engineering the motor system.

Hi Russell, have you got the G model then or are you saying you've had extensive listening?

[drrd]

I picked up a 1200G in April this year so had plenty of time to compare with my 7 years owned and modded 1210. To be honest though it was obvious from day 1 that the new deck is an all round better design. Since then I've just enjoyed it and not really given a thought to comparison with the 1210.

I have had experience with 1210s going back about 27 years so I have some appreciation of what they sound like stock and also with swapped arms, bearing, psu and mats. Havent heard a 1210 with an aftermarket platter though.

I've kept the SME V I had on my old 1210 and put it in the 1200G so I'm not against modding I just think none of the mods really addressed the issues that Technics themselves have addressed in redesigning the motor system. The 1200G sounds simply more stable and sorted. Only my opinion but I would recommend people hear one before investing heavily in a 1210 these days, especially as 1210s cost so much now.

[Ammonite Audio]

Hi Russell,

Interesting... Can I ask which modded 1210s you've heard, and if they were demo'd in the same system as the 1200G/GAE, in order for a meaningful comparison to have been conducted?

Although I haven't tried it yet, I'd expect my own modded 1210 to comfortably compete with the new Technics. Indeed, if anyone's got one and fancies a wee bake-off, let me know!

Marco.

Maybe soon