Getting Started

[jwr159]

Hi All:

Have been happily listening to stereo system using a DAC and Mac computer for a number of years now. But have the analog bug now.

Recently I started researching turntables on the Internet. I came across the KAB web site, read, and was intrigued. I even called Kevin and we spoke at length about the Technics SP and 1200 tables. What an eye opener! I did not take long to convince me a 1200 table was the way to go, especially compared to an entry level Rega, Music Hall, etc. After some more Internet searching, I came across this forum, which is an incredible source of information for upgrading and tweaking these tables to make them near world class, at a reasonable cost, at least by high-end audio standards. I was hooked. I search and luckily found a mint SL1210 mk2.

I would like to upgrade the stock table. I have spent much time reviewing various posts on Techiepedia. So much information, and chices, it is hard to digest and sort it it all out. Would appreciate any feedback from others who have been down this same road before me.

Here are the issues bouncing around my head.

1. Power supply: The easy choice for me is to send the table to KAB for the power supply upgrade. But what about the Paul Hynes or Vantage Audio power supplies? Is either significantly better?

2. Stock arm upgrade: Should I have KAB upgrade the arm as well? I realize the upgrades will be much better than stock, but replacing the arm altogether will probably happen sooner rather than later. Spending $300 for the stock arm upgrade will therefore likely never be recovered. Suggestions?

3. Replacement arm: Besides the Jelco 750, what are choices are there under $1500 (new or used) for an MC cartridge, if I decide to upgrade?

4. Cartridge: Will probably start out with the Denon dl-103r cartridge. I have a very decent (diy) MC phono stage. What else should be considered in this price range?

5. Platter mats: what the best bang for the buck choices out there?

6. Isolation: Isones, Techniboots, Vantage, which option works best? Which offers the best bang for the buck?

Well that’s it for now. Platters and/or bearing replacements are always a possibility, but that will be down the road.

Look forward to learning and figuring out the best way to proceed. Very much looking forward to participating in this forum.

Many thanks.

jwr

[synsei]

Hi Jim,

Although my SL1200 sports quite modest upgrades I can honestly say the best 'bang for buck upgrade' for me so far has been the Vantage Audio feet. At £25's (roughly $40's) they are an absolute bargain and they perform as well (some say better) than the Isonoes. I noticed a lowering of the noise floor and harder hitting transients. For example drums are tighter and have more impact and realism whilst cymbal hits shimmer naturally. There is more focus to the soundstage and more depth. I'm sorry, my descriptive skills are lacking however the differences between the VA feet and the standard Technics items are very apparent.

My deck is fitted with a Paul Hynes SR3 off-board power supply and the difference this unit has made to the overall sound of the SL1210 is utterly staggering. Bass has gone from being almost one note to having huge depth and texture. Again, timing has been improved massively and with orchestral music in particular the deck is capable of reproducing the orchestra with massive scale. To use a simile, it is like going from standard definition 4:3 TV to full 1080p. I can't comment on the KAB power supply as I have no experience of it, but any decently designed off-board supply will improve massively on the stock in-board unit ;)

[jwr159]

Synsei:

Thanks kindly for the reply.

Have read up on the Vantage Audio feet. Seems as if there is near agreement that these work better than the Isones.

I am still debating which power supply. The KAB is the least expensive and easiest to implement. But if the Hynes supply is significantly better, then for a bit more, it would be the way to go, although I would have to install it myself. Others on this forum, like Marco, have moved on from the Kab supply to Hynes. I assume they did so for a reason, better results.

[jostber]

The Mike New bearing is a great upgrade that makes a difference as well:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/tags.php?tag=mike+new+bearing

I like the Oyaide record mat too:

http://www.oyaide.com/ENGLISH/AUDIO/products_category/analog/pg632.html

[joniakaidiot]

Synsei:

Thanks kindly for the reply.

Have read up on the Vantage Audio feet. Seems as if there is near agreement that these work better than the Isones.

I am still debating which power supply. The KAB is the least expensive and easiest to implement. But if the Hynes supply is significantly better, then for a bit more, it would be the way to go, although I would have to install it myself. Others on this forum, like Marco, have moved on from the Kab supply to Hynes. I assume they did so for a reason, better results.

Hi,
Did you see Frankyc2003's thread about externalising the stock PSU?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22954

That might be interesting thing to start with - in case you're familiar with soldering etc.

Inspire Hi-Fi sells "Inspire Acri-Mat" - SL1210 version seemed to be about £30.
I'm going to try that one out myself.
I haven't heard any reviews of it, though.
Reasonably priced at least.

[chris@panteg]

Synsei:

Thanks kindly for the reply.

Have read up on the Vantage Audio feet. Seems as if there is near agreement that these work better than the Isones.

I am still debating which power supply. The KAB is the least expensive and easiest to implement. But if the Hynes supply is significantly better, then for a bit more, it would be the way to go, although I would have to install it myself. Others on this forum, like Marco, have moved on from the Kab supply to Hynes. I assume they did so for a reason, better results.

I've been compairing the Isonoes vs the VA feet , and I'm afraid I can't come to a definite conclusion ? So the Isonoes are staying on my 1210 and the VA feet will go back onto my SL-QL1 , which I'm quite happy about as the Isonoes would look ridiculous on the QL1 .

[jwr159]

Franky, yes I have seen that thread about installing an external power supply. It seems straight forward.

The KAB external supply is $US 250 installed + shipping costs.

The Hynes and other supplies are more expensive, but if they offer better performance, then I am OK spending the extra and installing myself. Most of this forum are located in the UK, and consequently, it is easier to source upgrades locally. For me in the US, KAB is the only choice I know of, unless I have a power supply shipped over sees. In any event, I have an email in with Hynes. I will get pricing info and then make a decision.

All great feedback. Thanks for all the input.