Which techie?

[alcarmichael]

Hello all and welcome to my first thread (barring my 'Hello' thread) :)

I have spent many hours researching which turntable will be my first deck, after initially deciding on a Rega Planar 3 to get me started, this forum has single handedly convinced me I should instead by buying a Technics SL1210. What are the difference between the various marks? Do these differences matter when I'll quite probably be modifying the deck anyway? Basically - which version should I be buying?

[Macca]

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Faudio-heritage.jp%2FTECHNICS%2Findex.html

Anything from the 1200 series, the MK5G was the last incarnation and is supposed to have better wiring. 1200 and 1210 are the same deck really, but the 1200 is silver and the 1210 black.

EDIT - click the 'Turntable' icon on the link

[Stratmangler]

The Mk2 is plentiful.

[alcarmichael]

Anything in particular I need to be looking for when purchasing second hand?

[alcarmichael]

The Mk2 is plentiful.

This is good news as they're much more reasonably priced than the Mk5G.

[Daniel Quinn]

Anything in particular I need to be looking for when purchasing second hand?

Yeah a Pink Triangle :lol::lol::eyebrows:

seriously though , it seems to me that every technics owner on this site as a modified techy and there are few who would call it hifi in its store bought form . So it would be useful if those recommending could list must have upgrades and costs before this DJ deck becomes hifi .

p.s - there is a link on AOS to a bbc world service auction were a significant number of techy's are going cheap .

[alcarmichael]

I've been advised I need a head shell, cartridge and mat to begin with.

Thanks for the advice - can you point me in the right direction of the link?

[Macca]

Yeah a Pink Triangle :lol::lol::eyebrows:

seriously though , it seems to me that every technics owner on this site as a modified techy and there are few who would call it hifi in its store bought form . So it would be useful if those recommending could list must have upgrades and costs before this DJ deck becomes hifi .

p.s - there is a link on AOS to a bbc world service auction were a significant number of techy's are going cheap .

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1030&page=13

post 123

[Daniel Quinn]

its called BBC equipment sell off in the blank canvas section

[Marco]

seriously though , it seems to me that every technics owner on this site as a modified techy and there are few who would call it hifi in its store bought form . So it would be useful if those recommending could list must have upgrades and costs before this DJ deck becomes hifi .


The fatal mistake you're making is that it was NOT originally a DJ deck. Do some proper research first, before spouting bollocks! ;)

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

seriously though , it seems to me that every technics owner on this site HAS a modified techy and there are few who would call it hifi in its store bought form . So it would be useful if those recommending could list must have upgrades and costs before this DJ deck becomes hifi .


The 1210 was never "hi-fi", whatever that means. I'd love for you to give me the definitive definition so you could clear up your point. Secondly, no, "hi-fi" store that I can recollect has sold a 1210 in many years. Additionally, listing upgrades is pointless. How do I know what you want from a TT? Not having the ability of telepathy can in some instances prove a disadvantage :rolleyes: Each individual must define what they wany want from the 1210 and this determines cost. Finally, there is an option to "search" threads, so any potential owner can do there own research.

[alcarmichael]

OK - I've been offered the following:-

An '09 model, with Timestep psu and SME armboard (no arm) mint condition hifi use only.

and:-

A MkII, about 5 years old, domestic use only. Immaculate condition. It's currently fitted with an Origin Live Rega RB250 with internal/external rewire and OL counter-weight. It's the current 3 point mount model, and has an armboard to match. I also have the original Technics arm boxed up and never used.

What would you guys say the value of these two would be and which of the two would you prefer?

I realise this is very subjective, some people may prefer one deck over the other but as I say I'm a complete novice and any advice is appreciated.

[Marco]

The 1210 was never "hi-fi", whatever that means.

Never mind that, what does "it seems to me that every technics owner on this site HAS a modified techy", mean? :lol:

:scratch:

Marco.

[DSJR]

Yeah a Pink Triangle :lol::lol::eyebrows:

seriously though , it seems to me that every technics owner on this site as a modified techy and there are few who would call it hifi in its store bought form . So it would be useful if those recommending could list must have upgrades and costs before this DJ deck becomes hifi .

p.s - there is a link on AOS to a bbc world service auction were a significant number of techy's are going cheap .

Daniel, I don't know how old you are, but i was there selling the predecessor techie decks (SL110, 120/1200mk1 etc etc) and can assure you that they were causing ructions back then, since in all the traditional areas such as wow, flutter and (tweaked) rumble measurements, they were as good or far beter than any of the popular competition, which by then was predominantly belt driven. The level of feedback on some of these early technics models left a lot to be desired and even they, to get the rumble figures, used to hang them on cotton threads so as not to be disturbed by footfall or whatever.......

In the UK in the late 70's, when I understood the 1200mk2 first came along, we in the UK had put up with annual changes in models ranges from Technics and despite the inferior performance at the time, decks like the Rega DID give much greater musical satisfaction when playing back iffy 70's rock/pop cuts. The LP12 revolution was in full swing and we at KJ W1 were also selling Systemdeks, Michell and Logic turntables too. The far eastern sourced direct drives being put to one side in this market at least.

Now, I don't know what was happening in other markets, but popular top end decks back then were the Audio Labor (Germany) and a whole host of fancy belt/thread driven decks from the US were gaining ground in the new, flash and increasingly expensive "Top End" over there. We had the Linn/Naim stranglehold which your mate Richard Dunn rails against so often - he's not altogether right, but he's not in the slightest wrong either, it was hard to impossible for the competition to get a look in, although Rega wasn't really competition to be fair and he isn't the only one to be shafted this way...

As for Pink Triangle TODAY, how many are still working? I've seen many with damaged bearings without a hope of a decent performance, blown power supplies and in the early ones, really shoddy internal build. I do appreciate a good one with SME V (in my personal experience) can sound stupendous and VERY close to the master, but I'm not sure how many of these are around nowadays...

The SL1200mk2 was DEFINITELY aimed at the HiFi market on launch, and it's thanks to the DJ fraternity taking it under their wings, often fitted with Ortofon Concord style pickups, that it lasted so long in one form or another. Much of what "we've" learned about the mk2 onwards, can be copied across to earlier non-quartz examples as well as others of the better direct-drives still running - mats, feet, headshell choice etc., and if you're happy to do some fettling of the original design, it's possible to tidy it up into a very good modern HiFi grade vinyl spinner (I'm ignoring the extremely costly supply, bearing and platter upgrades for now).

In fairness, Rega haven't sat on their laurels either and an RP3 is probably a very good deck with much better pitch stability etc than previous pre 2000 models. Their aftercare service is beyond measure and replacement parts if ever needed, are cheap too..

[Wakefield Turntables]

Never mind that, what does "it seems to me that every technics owner on this site HAS a modified techy", mean? :lol:

:scratch:

Marco.

Articulation.... strong point.... :please:

[Daniel Quinn]

The fatal mistake you're making is that it was NOT originally a DJ deck. Do some proper research first, before spouting bollocks! ;)

Marco.

As a point of order , when making a humorous[?] mischievous comment it is clearly not necessary for said comment to found upon a 100% historical accuracy it must merely have a semblance of meaning to the audience . Accordingly to subject said comment to such a test is illegitimate .

the absence of nuance leads to tryanny and a job on the Daily Mail .

[Marco]

Sure, Dennis, feel free to spout whatever ill-informed shite you like, in the name of humour! :D

Marco.

[alcarmichael]

Any chance we can drop the handbags guys? This is not a great introduction to the forum for me and if it continues I may be reduced to tears.

[RobbieGong]

Any chance we can drop the handbags guys? This is not a great introduction to the forum for me and if it continues I may be reduced to tears.

Totally agree - Lets give the guy a really helpful and useful steer like we always usually do :)

[Macca]

OK - I've been offered the following:-

An '09 model, with Timestep psu and SME armboard (no arm) mint condition hifi use only.

and:-

A MkII, about 5 years old, domestic use only. Immaculate condition. It's currently fitted with an Origin Live Rega RB250 with internal/external rewire and OL counter-weight. It's the current 3 point mount model, and has an armboard to match. I also have the original Technics arm boxed up and never used.

What would you guys say the value of these two would be and which of the two would you prefer?

I realise this is very subjective, some people may prefer one deck over the other but as I say I'm a complete novice and any advice is appreciated.

I'd go for the Mark II - this gives you the option of swapping back to the stock arm which you may prefer. The Rega arm has good resale value. Rather not get drawn on price - consider that a decent used stock MK11 on eBay will fetch around £200 and work from there.

[alcarmichael]

OK, thanks for your input.

Now the Mk2 has been offered for £500 or for an extra £100 with SoundDeadSteel Isoplatmat and Michell record clamp.

The '09 model has been offered at £350.

How would these prices influence your decision?

[Macca]

OK, thanks for your input.

Now the Mk2 has been offered for £500 or for an extra £100 with SoundDeadSteel Isoplatmat and Michell record clamp.

The '09 model has been offered at £350.

How would these prices influence your decision?

£500! - wow - maybe that OL RB250 is worth more than I thought. Otherwise that is a bit steep. Given those prices I would buy a £200 one from eBay - but then I am a skinflint ;). IMO it is important to modify a step at a time and analyse the results so starting with an already partly modded deck is a bit like jumping into the sea when you don't know how deep it is.

[alcarmichael]

Yes apparently the arm upgrade is over £500 alone.

[chris@panteg]

I would probably go for the £350 one and maybe get the stock Techie arm rewired and bolt that on , the Timestop psu does sound better than onboard psu , though that sounds good if removed to an external case ! Then again you may really like the OL arm .

[twelvebears]

The fatal mistake you're making is that it was NOT originally a DJ deck. Do some proper research first, before spouting bollocks! ;)

Marco.

+1

[prestonchipfryer]

An Achromat could be a viable alternative to the SoundDeadSteel Isoplatmat. I found the SoundDeadSteel Isoplatmat to make the Technics sound a bit flat, and at £100 extra seems a bit steep, even including the Michell clamp. Of course it's your decision but the £350 one seems ideal. Good luck. :)

[alcarmichael]

Yes I'm gearing towards the one available for £350. It seems the power supply modification is one which is highly regarded. Just waiting on some pictures of the unit.

I've been looking up second hand price of the OL RB250 and they're around the £150 mark so at £500 for the deck with this mod it seems a bit steep to me. He doesn't seem very keen to move on price either.

[Spectrum]

Some people just think cos every dj in every club in the whole world has used or is using the techie they think it was designed for them and that`s it.....a dj deck. Our survey says ` oh no` it was only adopted as such due to its torque motor design ( quote from mr wikipedia ) but in 72 it was a high fidelity deck.....see easy when you use the next best thing invented to find things out.

And i`ve only just purchased my first one 10/2012 £320 1210 mk2 fantastic condition and not a club in site, although i remember when they first came out but other commitments prevented me getting one, but now it`s here i`ve got the original parts that would have been with it and its an awesome piece of kit...........and the belt drive deck has gone at long last ( not that there was anything wrong with it) , just served its temporary purpose until the master came home :D

[DSJR]

I'm not keen on OL arms either - I just cannot understand how adding resonances and beggaring up the bearings and finish can actually "improve" the product. The donor Rega arms work fine on the right turntable, it's just that IMO the techie isn't really the right deck for one, although a medium-hardwood board may be a far better bet than the usual metal ones, since the wood may help "terminate" a Rega arm better?

The Techie arm on the 12**mk2 onwards models is a medium to lowish mass arm that isn't as suitable for the chunkier MC types as the older 1970's models were. Use a medium to higher compliance cartridge (Ortofon 2M?) in the stock tonearm (with KAB damper?) and you shouldn't go wrong to start with. Spend any excess on mat and feet (are Vantage Audio back online yet?). Not sure how important a separate power supply is with a fixed coil cartridge though..