1200 mk 2 newbie - PSU?

[teekoh]

After replacing the tone arm on my 1200 mk 2 is the next logical step (most gains to be had) removing the transformer/power supply with an external one? I was always confused what is the difference between a transformer and a psu?

Also what is a regulator and why do you need one?

It seems like many people have the Paul Hynes SR7 but on his website they only list the SR2 and SR3 as options. Is the SR7 the most popular because it provided the greatest gains? If not is their another PSU you would recommend?

Thanks for the advice and sorry if this has been rehashed many times. I wasn't able to figure out how to search for forum posts only in the Techiepedia and typing Technics Power Supply didn't come up with anything...

[CageyH]

It all depends on your budget. The SR7 is at the top of the range.
I have the more humble Long Dog Audio PSU available from MCRU.

[mikeyb]

Timestep version for sale in the classifieds would do the job nicely.

[Dubster68]

I am using a Time Step HE II and have no complaints. Good upgrade to the Techie:)

[teekoh]

Timestep version for sale in the classifieds would do the job nicely.

Looks good but seems like its made for the UK only 220V and I would need 120V for Canada.

[teekoh]

Technically speaking what should one be looking for in a replacement power supply? How many volts or amps? How do you know if its any better than the stock PSU?

Would this work? --> https://www.teddypardo.com/powersupplies/teddy5-3.html

There is one for sale locally but I have no clue if it's compatible with my Technics 1200 mk2

[Stratmangler]

Technically speaking what should one be looking for in a replacement power supply? How many volts or amps? How do you know if its any better than the stock PSU?

Would this work? --> https://www.teddypardo.com/powersupplies/teddy5-3.html

There is one for sale locally but I have no clue if it's compatible with my Technics 1200 mk2

That PSU is suitable for a Squeezebox Touch.

[teekoh]

That PSU is suitable for a Squeezebox Touch.

I had to look up what a Squeeze box touch was haha. Ok so why are the Long Dog, Timestep, and Paul Hynes better and do they make a 110/120v N. American version?

Also any thoughts on this idea I read on another forum: "My problem is some after market PSUs have the regulator in the external box which really is not a good idea at all as regulator should be as close as possible to whatever they are regulating the supply for, in this case the turntable. One method I have heard is make a good dc psu and retain the internal regulator"

[teekoh]

Thanks for all your insights so far. Do you guys know what is the difference between these two MCRU power supplies?

https://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/power-supplies/380-technics-sl1200-1210-linear-power-supply.html

and

https://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/power-supplies/293-power-supply-for-technics-sl1200-1210.html

Also any preference between MCRU and Paul Hynes SR3?

Thanks again

[Spectral Morn]

Kenny

Have a read at this http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com/24/12/2015/absolute-power-power-supplies-for-the-technics-12001210-paul-hynes-designs-origin-live-long-dog-audio/

All the companies as far as I know can do an American/Canadian voltage version.

[Cycleallday]

Thanks for all your insights so far. Do you guys know what is the difference between these two MCRU power supplies?

https://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/power-supplies/380-technics-sl1200-1210-linear-power-supply.html

and

https://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/power-supplies/293-power-supply-for-technics-sl1200-1210.html

Also any preference between MCRU and Paul Hynes SR3?

Thanks again

There are two versions of the MCRU item (the other costs £285). Both are made by Longdog Audio who was a member on this site a while back and seemed to be well respected from the postings I found. I got the impression he sold them on the forums before MCRU came onto the scene. Others may chip in on this and give some comment on his work. There is also a website for longdog audio if you do a search.

Mel

[teekoh]

Kenny

Have a read at this http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com/24/12/2015/absolute-power-power-supplies-for-the-technics-12001210-paul-hynes-designs-origin-live-long-dog-audio/

All the companies as far as I know can do an American/Canadian voltage version.

Wow Neil that was an amazing and thorough review. That must have taken a long time thanks for that! After reading Nick Gorham's explanation using the idea of the Roman God of Janus (the two faced god) I finally understand what a regulator actually does!

Did you find the bass in the SR3 more overwhelming than the Long Dog? I do also prefer that relaxed effortless sound you mentioned was a strong point of the Long Dog. I guess I have to figure out how the PSUs would synergize with my set up. --> Technics 1200 mk2/Nagaoka mp110/Audiomods Classic 2 tonearm/Rega Brio R/PMC twenty.21 speakers. I'm thinking The PMCs could use more bass but wondering if neighbours might not appreciate the extra grunt. I think I'm leaning towards the Long Dog for its balanced approach. It's also cheaper than the SR3 now.

[CageyH]

Out of interest, what is wrong with the KAB PSU?

[teekoh]

Out of interest, what is wrong with the KAB PSU?

Good point, I wonder if anyone on the forum has any experience with it? It's definitely the least expensive out of all the options.

[teekoh]

I have another question for you guys. I did a test to try and hear the hum of the transformer with the Technics turned on and the stylus on an LP without it spinning. What I noticed was when I have my amp turned to normal listening levels which is when my volume knob is turned 1/4 of the way I don't hear any audible hum. However when I turn it 2/4 of the way I hear the hum very clearly. My question is if I can't even hear it under normal listening levels is their any point in upgrading/removing the stock PSU?

[Stratmangler]

You're missing the point about the transformer.
ALL transformers hum - it's due to mechanical vibration.
That mechanical vibration does have a negative effect on tracking ability.
Take the transformer away from under the platter, and a big part of the problem goes away.

Simply removing the stock PSU and putting it in an external box makes a noticeable, and worthwhile difference.

[Marco]

Indeed... Also, removing that large lump of ferrous metal (and its subsequent deleterious magnetic effect) from directly underneath where the cartridge exists, when records are being played, results in a significant sonic improvement!

Marco.

[teekoh]

Ah I see good points Chris and Marco. Hmm anyone with experience using the KAB PS1200GX?

[Marco]

I used the original KAB PSU, which was very good indeed, and a significant upgrade over the stock PSU. Kevin's a great guy to deal with, too! :)

Marco.

[teekoh]

By separating the regulators into two boxes would the Long Dog "Step Two" have better results compared to the KAB or is it hard to tell the difference?

[Audio Al]

Just move your original power supply into a external box :)

I had big problems with a AT120e cart on a 1210 , the nearer the cart got to the power supply the louder the hum , Went the external route and no hum

[1200reasons]

which of the common commercial PSUs allow you to keep the original power switch (and LED), and which don't. My 1200 has mechanical hum (particuarly audible with headphones). I'd like to sort it out, but I think I've seen some PSU designs that disable the power switch and transfer the on/off control to the PSU- not what I want

[Stratmangler]

If I'm not mistaken, all the commercially available PSUs perform rectification duties off board, which means that all you'd need to do is connect one of the legs to one side of the switch, and the other side of the switch to the input. you'd need to find out which legs by metering them out.
You will also need to remove the bridge rectifier from the control board, and a couple of diodes as well.

[Marco]

Hi Hugo,

When you say 'LED', do you mean the strobe light? If so, unless you simply like the look of it or use the strobe function, it should also be disabled, as it adds noise to the circuit, which deteriorates sound quality, hence why KAB produce their strobe disabler board (which I have fitted to my T/T): https://www.kabusa.com/sx1200.htm

Any off-board PSU I've used with the Technics (KAB, Timestep and Paul Hynes), is designed to be left switched-on 24/7 (with the on/off switch located on the PSU itself), thus the Start/Stop switch on the turntable remains activated and performs as normal.

Marco.

[1200reasons]

Excellent. Looks like I was mistaken regarding the power switch

Personally I'd like to keep the strobe- Mostly for the functionality, but partially because i wouldn't be able to surpress the "something's missing/broken" feeling. Have you tested the strobe for noise Marco? I can only imagine that your 1200 is very revealing

[Marco]

Hi Hugo,

The effect of the strobe light, in that respect, will be subtle, but for me it just seemed like 'good housekeeping', in the same way as not using a mains distribution block fitted with neon lights. Also, I'm not into aspects of the Technics that make it look like a 'DJ deck', so I was happy to find a way of disabling the strobe light.

Plus, with a Mike New ETP platter, which has no strobe markings on it, the light no longer fulfils any function. When I can be bothered, the pitch control lights will be going too, for the same reason! In fact, the whole pitch control will be disabled and a new bespoke plain 'piano black' top-plate installed instead :)

My Techy is very much tuned for audiophile performance, so any 'extraneous fripperies' are simply not needed or wanted.

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Hi Hugo,

The effect of the strobe light, in that respect, will be subtle, but for me it just seemed like 'good housekeeping', in the same way as not using a mains distribution block fitted with neon lights. Also, I'm not into aspects of the Technics that make it look like a 'DJ deck', so I was happy to find a way of disabling the strobe light.

Plus, with a Mike New ETP platter, which has no strobe markings on it, the light no longer fulfils any function. When I can be bothered, the pitch control lights will be going too, for the same reason! In fact, the whole pitch control will be disabled and a new bespoke plain 'piano black' top-plate installed instead :)

My Techy is very much tuned for audiophile performance, so any 'extraneous fripperies' are simply not needed or wanted.

Marco.

+1 and for the same reasons, although the pitch controls will likely stay on mine simply because I've had too much downtime with upgrades and so on. When she's next up and running it will be for years of playing and enjoying music only - can't bare anymore downtime pain.

[Qwin]

The strobe light offers no function on a technics SL-1200. Its a toy as you can not adjust the speed. All it shows is whether the pitch fader is correctly calibrated.
The speed is quartz locked, monitored and adjusted several times a second by the motor control circuit.
The pitch fader, cons the speed monitoring circuit, allowing +/- adjustments, but if correctly calibrated should be the right speed at zero (middle).
If the pitch fader is removed, speed monitoring is more accurate as there is no override calibration necessary and the deck monitors itself, so the strobe is surplus.

When removing/disconnecting the strobe LED's you need to remove the grounding transistor from the board, which is the main noise generator not the LED's themselves. This component rapidly switching and grounding the LED's causes them to flicker at the right frequency and still operates if they are removed, so it has to go too.

[guardofmagog]

Good point, I wonder if anyone on the forum has any experience with it? It's definitely the least expensive out of all the options.

Hi. Sorry to be a bit late on this but I do have a KAB PSU and i really like it. What is nice is it disabled the internal PSU but you can be reactivate it anytime. It is easy to do A to B comparison and it is incredible how this cheap PSU improves sonic. On top of the strobe disabler, this PSU improves the internal regulator. Definitively money well spent and Big Bang for your buck. I do not see the need to change for "bigger" and more expensive PSU.

The turntable keeps all the on off button function.

Eric.