Thanks for the welcomes, all - and sorry for the delay in replying regarding the other bits in my system. My first experience with the Techie (like many, I suspect) was as a DJ. I rarely play out anymore, but I still like to mix at home, so I currently run my 1210s into a late-model Bozak CMA-10-2DLA rotary mixer. At the moment, I'm content to retain the signature sound of this classic mixer, but I am also aware that I could see major improvements investing in some external phono preamps.
From there, I am driving everything with a Consonance Opera M100SE integrated tube (valve) amp. For those not familiar with it, I would say the Consonance is less "tube sounding" than most other options, but offers a big soundstage and pretty impressive clarity. I have had the amp for over 12 years, so moving onward and upward is on my mind.
For speakers, I have been running a pair of B&W 602 S2 monitors, again for over a decade. These have been tireless workhorses for me, and I have enjoyed the transparency and detail they bring for a really reasonable price. Again, looking to move to something different (and hopefully better) this year.
As for the mods I have made over the last year or so to my 1200s, I have opted to keep one deck relatively stock for now so that I can compare against new mods I am making to the other. Thus far, I have added:
KAB PS-1200GX external power supply
KAB DC1200 regulator
KAB SX1200 strobe switch
KAB TD1200 fluid damper
KAB/Cardas SuperFlex tonearm rewire
KAB/Cardas SpiralAir interconnects
KAB Poly-Metal Mat with the original thick rubber mat
Mike New Bearing
Mike New Bearing Base Plate (I have yet to install this, as I still need to remove the transformer for proper clearance; I would still like to retain use of the original on/off switch, however, and haven't figured out how best to do this...)
I generally run a Denon 103R cartridge in an Uwe ebony wood body and use a Bob's Devices CineMag step-up transformer, but I also recently bought an Audio-Technica ATN-150MLX MM cartridge. Obviously, I don't attempt to mix with either of these.
Ultimately, I either want to bring the second deck identical to the first, or take it down a completely different upgrade path altogether - still deciding on that one.
As for what I listen to, I would say perhaps 50% is electronic music of one form or another (house, downtempo, lots of other stuff), 30% jazz (mostly bebop, hard-bop, west coast cool, bossa, female vocals), and the rest a mix of rock, hip-hop, classical/opera, and just "other."
Anyways, thanks again all for welcoming me to the forum! I'll try to be better about timely replies.
Best,
Paul