Keep the SL1210 or move it on?

[Lee Henley]

Ive been pondering for a while now as to wether to keep the MK2 or change it for something else or go down the upgrade route.......

Ive been considering a used LP12, a new Rega RP6, a used Gyrodec SE, a used Marantz / Clearaudio TT15S1 or possibly something else I may have missed!

The MK2 was my first TT and over the past years have found myself like others buying quite a bit of vinyl and really enjoing it so much so my CDQ hardly gets used, I even went and made my own wet record cleaning machine so I guess I have the bug!

Ive not heard a modified SL1200/1210 so wouldnt know what to expect if I forked out the money doing the upgrades, the only thing Ive done to mine is to change the mat to a Herbies (didnt like the Achromate I had) and changed the feet to some Sorbothane type. I use a Denon DL110 cartridge in a standard arm.

So what do you reckon would be my best option and if anyone in the West Midlands has a modded Techie would it be possible to come and have a quick listen ?

Any help much appreciated

Lee

[Tarzan]

Lee, in many ways you have answered your own question twice, stating you have bought much more vinyl and hardly listen to your CDP much now?

The Techie is one of the most upgradable decks out there, and also one of the most musical - l had two high end T/T now and none could hold a candle to the Techie in terms of drawing you into the music.


All in my humble opinion, room and system:)

[MartinT]

Lee, you already seem to be enjoying your Techie and have bought more records, a sure sign of happiness. The upgrade path would seem to be the way for you to go. If someone from the Midlands offers, try to get a listen to a modded one.

[kininigin]

Keep it.

Mod the shit out of it.

Enjoy it. :D

[Wakefield Turntables]

+1 to modifying the shit out of it. :lol:

[Lee Henley]

I'm going to have a listen to a few decks and will assess the situation then. All being well at the weekend I will have a Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck in the house to have a listen too.

Cheers

Lee

[Macca]

Lee, in many ways you have answered your own question twice, stating you have bought much more vinyl and hardly listen to your CDP much now?

The Techie is one of the most upgradable decks out there, and also one of the most musical - l had two high end T/T now and none could hold a candle to the Techie in terms of drawing you into the music.


All in my humble opinion, room and system:)

I echo those sentiments. Also if you are not using an after market headshell like the Sumiko then get one as this is a significant and cheap upgrade.

[walpurgis]

Definitely a cartridge upgrade first in my book. A good rigid headshell too.

If you're used to a DD turntable you'd probably find a belt drive unit just not dynamic or tight sounding enough.

A Garrard 301/401 might suit though, if you can put up with the rather 'industrial' feel of the controls, which may come as a shock after the Technics.

[Lee Henley]

I'll give the NAS a try just to see what they sound like. If this doesn't tick the boxes for me I might go for an Inspire Monarch Junior with the 12" arm. I heard one at Whittelbury this year and liked it. I'm going to have to save a few more pennies though

[Lee Henley]

Definitely a cartridge upgrade first in my book. A good rigid headshell too.

If you're used to a DD turntable you'd probably find a belt drive unit just not dynamic or tight sounding enough.

A Garrard 301/401 might suit though, if you can put up with the rather 'industrial' feel of the controls, which may come as a shock after the Technics.

What cart would you recommend, it would have to be a MM type or H/O MC?

[John]

I think most here will recommend the 1210 modify You really need to hear what a modified one can do before you decide to take what ever path you wish
Are you unhappy with the 1210 if so what do you think you missing
The other decks will not respond as much as the 1210 to modifying so depends on what level you wish to take things

[walpurgis]

What cart would you recommend, it would have to be a MM type or H/O MC?

That would depend on a few factors.

How much you'd want to spend, whether you buy new or get better value by buying a good used cartridge, what system components you'd match it with to have the right sound balance, etc.

I don't have experience of current MM cartridges, as I've used only low output MCs for years. However, you won't go far wrong with an MM from Audio Technica or Nagoaka as they've always sounded good. I didn't include Ortofon, I know they are respected, but I've never quite been happy with those I've had and I would not use a Shure or Goldring again.

Or, buying used, I'd suggest a Denon DL-160, so much better than the DL-110. I don't like high output MCs as a whole, but the DL-160 is very sweet and musical. Alternatively, you could look for a vintage ADC they are great cartridges. You can still get replacement styli for these and they sound beautiful. Models to look for are the XLM III and 10E Mk.IV which will both work in modern arms. The sound quality from the 10E Mk.IV is on a par with the Denon DL-103R, I was using both of these in my system and they actually sounded quite similar. i.e., very good indeed.

[Lee Henley]

I think most here will recommend the 1210 modify You really need to hear what a modified one can do before you decide to take what ever path you wish
Are you unhappy with the 1210 if so what do you think you missing
The other decks will not respond as much as the 1210 to modifying so depends on what level you wish to take things

It would be nice to hear one

[Lee Henley]

That would depend on a few factors.

How much you'd want to spend, whether you buy new or get better value by buying a good used cartridge, what system components you'd match it with to have the right sound balance, etc.

I don't have experience of current MM cartridges, as I've used only low output MCs for years. However, you won't go far wrong with an MM from Audio Technica or Nagoaka as they've always sounded good. I didn't include Ortofon, I know they are respected, but I've never quite been happy with those I've had and I would not use a Shure or Goldring again.

Or, buying used, I'd suggest a Denon DL-160, so much better than the DL-110. I don't like high output MCs as a whole, but the DL-160 is very sweet and musical. Alternatively, you could look for a vintage ADC they are great cartridges. You can still get replacement styli for these and they sound beautiful. Models to look for are the XLM III and 10E Mk.IV which will both work in modern arms. The sound quality from the 10E Mk.IV is on a par with the Denon DL-103R, I was using both of these in my system and they actually sounded quite similar. i.e., very good indeed.

Will have a look round

Many thanks for that

[RobbieGong]

Hi Lee, What Andy said in ealier post 'The Techie is one of the most upgradable decks out there, and also one of the most musical - l had two high end T/T now and none could hold a candle to the Techie in terms of drawing you into the music.' is very true. Add to that the fact that the Techie responds to even basic upgrades ie: headshell, Issonoe feet and decent cart. After which you'll be itching to go the full hog ie Mike New bearing, external power supply, better arm (maybe a better tonearm cable) armboard and platter upgrade. At which point your Techie will likely be sounding seriously good indeed. There are more than enough options for feet, arms, platters and external power supplies so do your homework here ie: checkout this link in Techiepedia http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19656 which covers threads and posts covering most things / upgrades Techie related. Follow your heart in terms of the route you take as you'll most likely have a pull towards certain upgrades like most of us here, hence our upgraded techies tend to be fairly individual / unique. It may not be cheap but take your time and have fun :), there'll be pain and joy along the way but it will be worth it.

[Lee Henley]

Hi Lee, What Andy said in ealier post 'The Techie is one of the most upgradable decks out there, and also one of the most musical - l had two high end T/T now and none could hold a candle to the Techie in terms of drawing you into the music.' is very true. Add to that the fact that the Techie responds to even basic upgrades ie: headshell, Issonoe feet and decent cart. After which you'll be itching to go the full hog ie external power supply, better arm (maybe a better tonearm cable) armboard and platter upgrade. At which point your Techie will likely be sounding seriously good indeed. There are more than enough options for feet, arms, platters and external power supplies so do your homework here ie: checkout this link in Techiepedia http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19656 which covers threads and posts covering most things / upgrades Techie related. Follow your heart in terms of the route you take as you'll most likely have a pull towards certain upgrades like most of us here, hence our upgraded techies tend to be fairly individual / unique. It may not be cheap but take your time and have fun :), there'll be pain and joy along the way but it will be worth it.

I have considered the upgrade route and still am, my only thing is that the financial outlay kind of out weighs buying something else such as a Monarch Junior and on looks alone the latter wins hands down. I heard the Monarch and thought it was incredible one of the best TT's I have heard to date, I dont think anyone sitting in the room at the time would disagree with me.

[Tarzan]

I have considered the upgrade route and still am, my only thing is that the financial outlay kind of out weighs buying something else such as a Monarch Junior and on looks alone the latter wins hands down. I heard the Monarch and thought it was incredible one of the best TT's I have heard to date, I dont think anyone sitting in the room at the time would disagree with me.

Was that at Whittlebury?

[Lee Henley]

Was that at Whittlebury?

Yes

[Ammonite Audio]

Price aside, what is the difference between a Monarch and Monarch Junior?

[Tarzan]

l believe Jr is £2.5k Senior is £4k, and the latter sounds amazing, not heard the Junior.

[John]

The nice thing with the 1210 you can upgrade in stages Talk to someone like Matin T he can guide you through this and try and visit either Marco or Martin first before you go down another route
Ifypu forking out £2500 then I would also hear the Salvation and every other deck you can hear brfore deciding

[Marco]

What does the Monarch Junior consist of/look like - does anyone have any links to pics or info?

I'd just like to see what you get for your money (or what the differences are between that and the Senior) before advising Lee.

Marco.

[Lee Henley]

Maybe Keith from Purite can help out here?

[Marco]

Hi Lee,

Yup - we just need some more info on what the differences are between both Monarch T/Ts at their respective price points.

I think it's important that you take time to consider all the options before taking the plunge one way or the other, as this is something you want to get right FIRST time :)

Marco.

[Tarzan]

What does the Monarch Junior consist of/look like - does anyone have any links to pics or info?

I'd just like to see what you get for your money (or what the differences are between that and the Senior) before advising Lee.

Marco.


When l was dribbling listening to the Senior at Whittlehury, the Inspire man said that Junior had a less specced PSU, did not have the Aluminium band that Senior had its plinth, and was a generally less well specced in the plinth area:scratch:


Did not get to hear Junior, but was on static display and just looked a bit smaller in size,still looked cool though- but that Senior T/T:stalks::stalks::stalks:

[RobbieGong]

Hi Lee, The Monarch Senior is a beautiful turntable with the SL12XX at it's heart just like the Junior. The Senior is a fair bit more. If you are at all able to listen to the Junior next to a 12XX that has had a couple of grand spent on it for fairness, that would be good. Secondly, follow your heart, probably most of us here have. You'll know deep down if you fancy a Junior, It's looks etc or upgrading a SL12XX. I've decided to go the latter route because that has always been the pull from the heart for me. I've spent a over a couple of grand now and wait in anticipation to see what I've actually got once all the upgrades have been installed and will most definately feedback here. I cant say it enough - By all means do a bit of homework, get a listen, follow your heart and take a punt :)

[Marco]

When l was dribbling listening to the Senior at Whittlehury, the Inspire man said that Junior had a less specced PSU, did not have the Aluminium band that Senior had its plinth, and was a generally less well specced in the plinth area:scratch:


Did not get to hear Junior, but was on static display and just looked a bit smaller in size,still looked cool though- but that Senior T/T:stalks::stalks::stalks:

Cheers, for that, Andy. Does the Junior come fitted with a tonearm - if so, what is it? We also need to know how much a Junior costs :)

Marco.

[Audioman]

What does the Monarch Junior consist of/look like - does anyone have any links to pics or info?

I'd just like to see what you get for your money (or what the differences are between that and the Senior) before advising Lee.

Marco.

No picks but have seen but not heard. A full SL1200 in a plinth rather than just the electrics as in the full Monarch? - looked to be standard Technics platter. Can't recall if they replaced the arm. Frankly found their modded Lenco more interesting that was being played at the National hi-fi show. (Sounded great with SME M series arm.) The Inspire web site does not have the new models on it as yet. I can only imagine there is a limited supply of these models unless Inspire have aquired a large supply of donor decks.

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/66593_530480290311971_897445538_n.jpg

Picture found - Platter is only superficialy like Technics own and arm is obviously seperate. Looks like it could be better value if the £2.5K price is correct as other parts are similar to the Monarch. Not sure the toggle control is a good idea and must have added considerably to the cost.

Paul.

[Ammonite Audio]

Cheers, for that, Andy. Does the Junior come fitted with a tonearm - if so, what is it? We also need to know how much a Junior costs :)

Marco.

£2500 without arm, or £2999 with Inspire X200 12" arm. See http://www.inspirehifi.co.uk/inspirehifi/12_2_files/pricelistapril12.pdf

[walpurgis]

If you're ever near Chesterfield, drop by the Inspire works (I'm ssuming its still based there). Robert Isherwood, the boss is a nice chap and has a small show area there. I'm sure you'd be given a cup of coffee and a listen to his products. Its an interesting place which also has all sorts of 'classic' Hi-Fi bits and pieces tucked away here and there.

[Marco]

£2500 without arm, or £2999 with Inspire X200 12" arm. See http://www.inspirehifi.co.uk/inspirehifi/12_2_files/pricelistapril12.pdf

Cheers, Hugo (and Paul, for the pics). That's exactly the info I needed. I'll chew it over now and compile a suitable answer for Lee to his query. One thing is certain, the Junior is a much more tempting proposition with the 12" Inspire arm (which on the surface offers great value), so the advice I give will be based on what the Techy modification route offers at up to £3k.

However, at some point someone will have to listen to both Inspire T/Ts and compare them against modded Techies at their respective price points, just to find out what the score is. I'm almost tempted to advise Lee just to get a Junior (or a Senior, if he can afford it), so that such an exercise can become a reality! :)

Marco.

[Ammonite Audio]

Comparisons between these Inspire decks and a modded Techy would be most interesting, but these turntables do look like reasonable value when you factor in the cost of modding a Techy with new bearing, platter, PSU, feet, armboard etc. And you end up with something that looks quite handsome!

I'm sticking with my Thorens :)

[RobbieGong]

Personally I do think modded Techies look handsome, especially once you remove the djish platter.

[Audioman]

Can I remind those interested that the Monarch decks are also in competition with this - (priced between the two models).

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/554357_530471426979524_1760553886_n.jpg

Looks even tastier and can vouch for great SQ with an SME M series. The later is a valid alternative to another modded Rega. I just wonder how valid the various Rega modded designs now are given that Rega have upgraded all their arms (202, 303, 606). Best sounding 'Lenco' I have heard. Label suggests Inspire are calling it 'Enigma'.

Also note the new Audio Technica (SL1200 replacement?) deck sitting to the right.

[DSJR]

My tuppence worth, which may be all it IS worth...

You have a Techie already and the sonic upgrade path has been very clearly mapped out for you by many people here (and in the US with the KAB mods). Much as I love the Spacedeck and the way it has with vinyl playback, I can well understand you wanting summat "different." The Monarch Junior does look like a re-plinthed techie and with the original platter having a rather careless (in the pics) strobe-shaving, which isn't going to address the ringing this already damped item exhibits (or possibly even the regulation issues).

I'f I'm wrong in the above I apologise, but if you can stand the looks of the Techie as-is, I'd really be inclined to look at feet, mat, platter (I like the Funk one since it weighs much the same as the stock one, allowing the original bearing to be used for now at least) and basic supply upgrades.....

Another deck worth looking out for is possibly the new Funk model, as long as the thing can be made to a high, reliable and repeatable standard. I think production issues can be sorted on most PT's and subsequent models and once stable, I think they tend to stay that way (I'm going back to Tarantella days - when working right and properly sited it was a great and lively little thing and service was never an issue on the iffy ones we sometimes had).

[chelsea]

I may have to sell my voyd this week lee if of any interest.

[Tarzan]

If you're ever near Chesterfield, drop by the Inspire works (I'm ssuming its still based there). Robert Isherwood, the boss is a nice chap and has a small show area there. I'm sure you'd be given a cup of coffee and a listen to his products. Its an interesting place which also has all sorts of 'classic' Hi-Fi bits and pieces tucked away here and there.


Oops nearly forgot, l believe that they do home dems too:cool:

[Marco]

Lee, having carefully considered this, and wanting to help you make an informed decision as possible, would you like me to bring my Techy down to your place and you can have a listen to what's possible when the Techy is modded to its limits?

Then you can use the experience to help you make your decision. All the advice in the world on forums can't make up for some practical listening experience :)

You're only in the west midlands, so not too far away from me. Just let me know if you're up for it, and we'll take it from there :cool:

Marco.

[Mika K]

What a great offer!

Marco, you wouldn't care visiting northern Finland also? You know they say that now withteh internet and all the world is getting smaller and smaller.. ;)

[Marco]

Lol - funnily enough, we're planning to visit Finland sometime soon (perhaps next year), so it would be good to meet up. Can't promise to bring the Techy, though! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[Mika K]

Whoa! Just let me know when visiting the northern playground :)

Even if not able to meet in person perhaps can share some insight what to do here or where to visit if you only have time for some things related to AoS activities like music or some interesting gear..

[Lee Henley]

Lee, having carefully considered this, and wanting to help you make an informed decision as possible, would you like me to bring my Techy down to your place and you can have a listen to what's possible when the Techy is modded to its limits?

Then you can use the experience to help you make your decision. All the advice in the world on forums can't make up for some practical listening experience :)

You're only in the west midlands, so not too far away from me. Just let me know if you're up for it, and we'll take it from there :cool:

Marco.

That's a kind offer Marco, I'm currently trying a NAS Spacedeck with the heavy platter upgrade, must admit I'm quite smitten by it, such a lovely sounding deck

I will see how things pan out and let you know

Thanks

Lee

[Marco]

Hi Lee,

No problem, dude. It's a genuine offer, so if you're up for it, just let me know. In the meantime, good luck with the Spacedeck :)

Marco.

[chris@panteg]

That's a kind offer Marco, I'm currently trying a NAS Spacedeck with the heavy platter upgrade, must admit I'm quite smitten by it, such a lovely sounding deck

I will see how things pan out and let you know

Thanks

Lee

Hi Lee , I wouldn't be surprised if you fell in love with the spacedeck , I had a dem of one some moons ago , I couldn't find fault with it ? Sounded sublime to me , I don't know why I didn't buy one ?

[Ammonite Audio]

I often rue the day that I sold my Spacedeck/Heavy Kit/Wave Mechanic. :(

[Lee Henley]

I often rue the day that I sold my Spacedeck/Heavy Kit/Wave Mechanic. :(

It's got the heavy kit but not the wave mechanic, odly enough there's no mat on it, seeing as its only on loan I've dropped my herbies mat on, works slightly better than directly on the platter!

[Ammonite Audio]

It's got the heavy kit but not the wave mechanic, odly enough there's no mat on it, seeing as its only on loan I've dropped my herbies mat on, works slightly better than directly on the platter!

The graphite platter is designed to work without a mat of any sort, and that's how I always used mine; however what works best is usually best! The Wave Mechanic does add to the musicality of the deck, and is well worth the investment (it also allows speed to be adjusted very precisely). The only weak aspect of the Spacedeck is that the armboard can easily be set out of true with the main chassis, so if an arm other than a unipivot is used, there can be azimuth errors. Not a great problem to deal with, but something to watch out for.

You've given me an itch to get a Hyperspace, but I mustn't! My TD124 is all that I need!

[Marco]

Have you listened to your ST-80SE yet, Hugo? :)

Marco.

[Ammonite Audio]

Have you listened to your ST-80SE yet, Hugo? :)

Marco.

The ST-80SE and I are separated by 160 miles, so no, I haven't listened to it yet. Just received a set of Tellurium Q Black Phono cables (courtesy of MCRU) to use between it and the phono amp. Until all the gear and I are reunited, I'm concentrating on getting the TD124 up to peak working order.

[Marco]

No worries, matey, although it would be killing me to know what it all sounds like. I can't stand not being able to play with new toys! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[Lee Henley]

Had a bit of an interesting session last night, Phil (Ocean Obsession) came over to my house with his Pioneer PL71 equipped with an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and a Ortofon SPU. We initially played the NAS Spacedeck with a Benz MC20E2 cart, this is fixed into a modified Origin Live Rega arm just to give a flavour of the sound.

The deck was changed to the PL71 with the bronze cart, initially it was evident that more bass was present, with slightly less rolled off highs, I had a feeling that the bass could have been washing away some of the higher level detail. We swapped the cart to the SPU, a slightly warmer presentation with a bit less bass.

Phil suggested we put my SL1210 into the arena, this was initially played with my Denon DL 110 cart, not a bad presentation and one that is acceptable, the bass not so strong as the ones on Phils deck. We played the Bronze cart in the SL1210, back came the bass, in my room the Bronze probably has a bit too much bass for me, it certainly digs deep into the recording and fetches out those low frequencies.

Before going back to the NAS Phil wanted to hear ST James Infirmary on the PL71 with the Bronze cart, I gladly obliged, this is not a very heavy bass track but overall a nice presentation.

Ok, then back to the Spacedeck with the Benz cart, at this point before play commenced I was seriously considering a new cart for the SL1210 as opposed to buying the NAS. Upon dropping the needle on to the vinyl of St James Infirmary it became evident that the NAS produced a far tighter sound, neither relaxed or up front, in my opinion just right, the whole presentation was far more coherent, the background noise was minimal and the soundstage was wider and deeper. There was also alot more space around the instruments and the shimmering details in the cymbals could be heard more. I would also say that there was no loss in any pace with the NAS and the timing was spot on.

To conclude and go back to what the OP has asked and again in my limited experience the far more expensive turntable is an improvement all be it in this case with a much cheaper cartridge on trial, it would have been nice to have tried the bronze in the NAS but the deck does not belong to me and fr better words I did not want to interfere with the current set up.

The conclusion was both myself and Phils findings, I think Phil has gone away pondering the idea of upgrading his PL71!

Rest of my system is

Totem Forest Speakers
Eastern Electric M88 Integrated amp
EAR 834 Phono stage, extremely modified
Chord Epic speaker cables

The NAS has the heavy upgrade kit on it

Many thanks to Phil for making this happen
Lee

[OneyedK]

I use a Denon DL110 cartridge in a standard arm.
Keep the arm, change the headshell. I'm using it now in a 14g Nagaoka headshell. Oh yes, sound comes close to the 103R now!

[OneyedK]

Totem Forest Speakers
:stalks:

[the engine]

I have a Technics SL1200 and a gyrodec and to be brutally honest after new feet...new mat..new support, etc...I can't see any amount of cash bringing the technics up to the standard of the gyrodec. And I really have tried with an open mind .But it's not gonna happen.
The gyrodec is still ahead by a country mile....sorry folks but I'm just being honest and as un biased as I can . And I really was excited by the possibilities of the Technics when I bought it..but it quickly became obvious that when a gyrodec can be had for a grand or so then it would cost far more to get a Technics even close.

[Macca]

I have a Technics SL1200 and a gyrodec and to be brutally honest after new feet...new mat..new support, etc...I can't see any amount of cash bringing the technics up to the standard of the gyrodec. And I really have tried with an open mind .But it's not gonna happen.
The gyrodec is still ahead by a country mile....sorry folks but I'm just being honest and as un biased as I can .

That is fair enough comment. I would say that it depends to an extent on the sort of music you listen to. The Technic's forte is bass depth, slam and timing. Also I note a lot of the Technics fans here, including me, use loudspeakers that are on the large side and do proper bass, thus making the Technic's performance in this area more obviously superior.

Those who prefer light classical, folk, girls with a guitar stuff on small speakers in the near field will not appreciate the trade off required, I think.

[Audioman]

That is fair enough comment. I would say that it depends to an extent on the sort of music you listen to. The Technic's forte is bass depth, slam and timing. Also I note a lot of the Technics fans here, including me, use loudspeakers that are on the large side and do proper bass, thus making the Technic's performance in this area more obviously superior.

Those who prefer light classical, folk, girls with a guitar stuff on small speakers in the near field will not appreciate the trade off required, I think.

The Gyrodec isn't lacking in bass unless your a total bass freek. Also depends on arm and cartridge used + phono preamp. If you need more bass try SME/Orbe combo - still a lot cheaper than the more extreme techie mods. Also more air around notes and better soundstaging v the added slam of best DD or idlers. I suppose a TD 124 would be a good compromise between the two approaches. I think utimately a Gyro with a good arm/cartridge combo is a more cost effective solution if you don't want or can't afford the ultimate in SQ. Certainly well capable of doing justice to full range speakers rather than just bookshelf models. Also does justice to rock as well as acoustic music.

[The Grand Wazoo]

The Gyrodec isn't lacking in bass.............. Also depends on arm and cartridge used + phono preamp.
......just a bit!

[Marco]

Hi Ivor,


I have a Technics SL1200 and a gyrodec and to be brutally honest after new feet...new mat..new support, etc...I can't see any amount of cash bringing the technics up to the standard of the gyrodec. And I really have tried with an open mind .But it's not gonna happen.
The gyrodec is still ahead by a country mile....sorry folks but I'm just being honest and as un biased as I can . And I really was excited by the possibilities of the Technics when I bought it..but it quickly became obvious that when a gyrodec can be had for a grand or so then it would cost far more to get a Technics even close.

The Gyrodec is an excellent T/T and a much more 'sorted' audiophile design than a stock or lightly-modded Techy. It also produces quite a different type of sound, which TBH, if you 'tune into' and is of great importance to your listening, then no Techy (or any T/T other than a Michell) will be able to replicate.

However, the unfortunate fact with the Techy is that you need to invest in the major (and unfortunately costly) mods before you *really* know what it's capable of, sonically. Replacing the mat and feet, and even fitting a better tonearm, will only give you a sniff of what is possible.

Basically, it takes replacing the bearing with one from Mike New, a new platter (either those from Mike or the Funk Firm) and an off-board PSU of the quality of Paul Hynes' superb designs (or similar), in order to realise the HUGE potential of the Technics SL-1200/1210. The results possible really are staggeringly good!

It will never sound like a Gyrodec (and excel in soundstaging, as it does), so if that's what floats your boat, then stay with it and enjoy, but when modded as I've outlined, it will certainly sound like one of the best turntables you can buy, at any price, especially if you get off on metronomic timing, rhythmic alacrity, effortless pace and dynamics, rock-solid speed stability (and its knock-on effect with music), superb overall clarity and highly extended, yet sphincter-tight, bass.

I recently put mine up against some established 'hi-end' turntables costing in excess of £20k, and let's say that it most certainly didn't disgrace itself....! :eyebrows: ;)

Marco.

[MartinT]

Basically, it takes replacing the bearing with one from Mike New, a new platter (either those from Mike or the Funk Firm) and an off-board PSU of the quality of Paul Hynes' superb designs (or similar), in order to realise the HUGE potential of the Technics SL-1200/1210. The results possible really are staggeringly good!

Spot on.

[the engine]

Hi Ivor,



The Gyrodec is an excellent T/T and a much more 'sorted' audiophile design than a stock or lightly-modded Techy. It also produces quite a different type of sound, which TBH, if you 'tune into' and is of great importance to your listening, then no Techy (or any T/T other than a Michell) will be able to replicate.

However, the unfortunate fact with the Techy is that you need to invest in the major (and unfortunately costly) mods before you *really* know what it's capable of, sonically. Replacing the mat and feet, and even fitting a better tonearm, will only give you a sniff of what is possible.

Basically, it takes replacing the bearing with one from Mike New, a new platter (either those from Mike or the Funk Firm) and an off-board PSU of the quality of Paul Hynes' superb designs (or similar), in order to realise the HUGE potential of the Technics SL-1200/1210. The results possible really are staggeringly good!

It will never sound like a Gyrodec (and excel in soundstaging, as it does), so if that's what floats your boat, then stay with it and enjoy, but when modded as I've outlined, it will certainly sound like one of the best turntables you can buy, at any price, especially if you get off on metronomic timing, rhythmic alacrity, effortless pace and dynamics, rock-solid speed stability (and its knock-on effect with music), superb overall clarity and highly extended, yet sphincter-tight, bass.

I recently put mine up against some established 'hi-end' turntables costing in excess of £20k, and let's say that it most certainly didn't disgrace itself....! :eyebrows: ;)

Marco.



Superbly put.:)

[RobbieGong]

+1 :)