Modified SL 1200 sonic value/cost question...

[jky999]

Long-time lurker, rare poster. This is mainly directed to people who have completely tweaked their SL1200. I'm at a crossroads with my SL1200. What started out as a return to vinyl has turned into something else. I've got a 1200 with a Mike New bearing, TS psu, TS armboard, SME 309, Lyra Delos, Oyaide MJ12 and their clamp. I'm running it balanced out to my phonostage. It is properly grounded according to all the advice here. I'd like to reduce surface noise and some hum.

So, I'm at the point where I'm not sure if I should put more money into the table or just get something that is great without tweaking because of resale value.

So do you guys feel as if the sonics of your tweaked 1200 put it at a level that is way beyond what you could buy stock?

I'm considering going with a Hynes psu, MN base plate, Funk or MN platter, and possibly a Transfi arm if I continue along the 1200 upgrade path.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Sonically, I value a cohesive, immediate, dynamic and lively sound. A first row wall-of-sound is the goal. Highly articulated bass is also something I love.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Joe,
Would you mind shooting over to the Welcome section (http://theartofsound.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15) to introduce yourself to the forum please?
It was requested of you when you got your email to confirm your registration.
Just start a new thread & tell us a little about yourself, your hi-fi & favourite music. Apart from keeping the nagging moderators off your back, it's a sure fire way of getting a warm welcome from the other members of the community.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[jky999]

No problem. I just posted my intro over there.

[bobp]

So, I'm at the point where I'm not sure if I should put more money into the table or just get something that is great without tweaking because of resale value.

So do you guys feel as if the sonics of your tweaked 1200 put it at a level that is way beyond what you could buy stock?



In absolute or relative terms? I bought new 1200mk2, sold tonearm and feet and bought Jelco 750D, tonearm board, aftermarket collar, copper mat, Iso-noe feet and Nagaoka (Jelco) cable.

The total cost was in the range of $1300, not factoring in my lost time while researching components and DIY.

For $1300 I could hardly buy better STOCK NIB table.

However, I could easily buy the same or better quality if there is no financial limitation. I guess comparison starts at $5K and up.

There is another option - for $1300 I could buy better Stock. but 30 year old.

For example, my Micro Seiki is stock and very competent, but old. It could die any day. I bought two Technics motors and one spindle for spares, so it will probably last longer than me. And two Technics motors cost a fraction what Origin Live motor would cost, not to mention more expensive brands with no spare motors in sight.

What route to take? It's individual call. Mine was to have reliable, serviceable NEW table that will last next 30-40 years, the best I could afford.

I believe that I have brought 1200 to the max within reason and that everything else is overboard.

No matter how you pimp 1200 it will never become SP12. 9" arm will never become 12" or tangential.

Just my $0.02

[WOStantonCS100]

...No matter how you pimp 1200 it will never become SP12. 9" arm will never become 12" or tangential...

But... ...I have a tangential arm on mine. ;)

[bobp]

But... ...I have a tangential arm on mine. ;)

Or, your tangential arm turntable has Matsushita direct drive motor? :)

In any case, respect ! Good example to follow.

[WOStantonCS100]

Or, your tangential arm turntable has Matsushita direct drive motor? :)

:lol: That may be a good way to put it. Certainly, by the time I get done modding one of mine (including a new plinth), the only thing that will be left is the drive system. Still, I really like the 1200 for what it is... ...in stock form; a very compact, very reliable and good sounding TT. I hope to keep a couple on hand, completely stock, just for reference (and because... ...it's a 1200).

[chris@panteg]

Hi Joe

How happy are you with your modded Techie as it stands ?

I've gone down the Vantage Audio upgrade path which is possibly the most cost effective or cheapest ? But I've made my mind up not to spend any more on the 1210 itself , I'm now looking at the possibility of getting an SP10 ! As a project initially ,then when ready using my 309 and whatever cartridge ? But that's just me , I want to keep the 1210 though ! Perhaps getting another stock arm for it.

[jky999]

Hi Joe

How happy are you with your modded Techie as it stands ?

I've gone down the Vantage Audio upgrade path which is possibly the most cost effective or cheapest ? But I've made my mind up not to spend any more on the 1210 itself , I'm now looking at the possibility of getting an SP10 ! As a project initially ,then when ready using my 309 and whatever cartridge ? But that's just me , I want to keep the 1210 though ! Perhaps getting another stock arm for it.

I'm very happy with it. I also see the posts abt the triple regulated Hynes psu and the Ebony armboard and it gets me thinking. The problem is that I'm on the verge of digitizing my vinyl collection and this is something that I'd only like to do once. It's a worthwhile but tedious project.

I'm also not as familiar with vinyl as some other parts of the audio chain, so it's hard for me to assign the proper weight to certain claims.

[chris@panteg]

I'm very happy with it. I also see the posts abt the triple regulated Hynes psu and the Ebony armboard and it gets me thinking. The problem is that I'm on the verge of digitizing my vinyl collection and this is something that I'd only like to do once. It's a worthwhile but tedious project.

I'm also not as familiar with vinyl as some other parts of the audio chain, so it's hard for me to assign the proper weight to certain claims.

In that case might I suggest the only thing to change is the PSU for the PH or the MCRU ? As you already have the oyaide mat ! No need for any more tinkering really.

[Canetoad]

No, it's based purely on the number of SL1200/1210 decks made.

[Dingdong]

So you didn't bother to check availability of parts then.:doh:

If you refer to my earlier post I believe that some spares will become only available by stripping old decks. Have a look at the circuit and search for some of the ic's.

[DSJR]

I think that's what he meant - stripping loads of tatty old ones out for parts. IC's can last decades without issue though - at least 40 years for early op-amps for example..

[Canetoad]

If I need an IC in 30 years I'll only be looking for 2nd hand circuit boards to get one off. Given that ICs are very reliable (probably the reason it's hard to get replacements :)), I doubt I'll need to as mine will still be working fine.

Besides, I'll probably be dead. :lol: