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View Full Version : Just bought an SL-1210MK2 on Gumtree - need some pointers?



Tim
27-02-2018, 22:59
I'm looking at my new (to me) 1210 that needs a little sprucing up and plan on doing the following, but could do with some pointers;


Isonoe feet
Strip out the pitch control slider, fill it in and have the chassis painted.
Armboard to take a Michell TechnoArm
Funk Firm Achromat

I understand you can have an ebony armboard made for a Rega arm, but forget who does these?

Any other things relevant?

Seems pretty good, some light cosmetic scratches but the buttons have very little wear compared to many others I've seen, the motor seems solid and the bearing appears OK too. The arm lift is sticking, but I only need it as a motor unit, so not a problem as this is coming out. Dust cover needs some TLC so wondered what is best for polishing this up, seem to remember something about motorcycle helmet visor polish? Also the rubber base, any tips for rejuvenating that at all, like automotive back to black or something - any good? I won't be going as far as a new bearing or power supplies, I just want something to play my records, but it won't be my main source.

Thanks chaps and looking forward to spinning some records for the first time in many years. About time, as I've been buying records at gigs for a few years now, but with nothing to play them on! :mental:

:cool:

Marco
27-02-2018, 23:06
:worthless:

;)

Get yer camera out, shweety!

Marco.

P.S Does it *have* to be a Tecno Arm you're fitting, or can we talk you out of it? Speedy Steve is yer man for ebony armboards.

walpurgis
27-02-2018, 23:10
:worthless:

;)

Get yer camera out, shweety!

Marco.

P.S Does it *have* to be a Tecno Arm you're fitting, or can we talk you out of it?

Yes. Rega arms and their derivatives like the Tecnoarm are not great on a Techie.



.

Tim
27-02-2018, 23:10
I already have a TechnoArm Marco, bought it from Nigel (vinylspinner) some time ago. But open to suggestions?

Pictures . . . surely you know what a 1210 looks like? :lol:

I'll take some when it's had a bit of a clean. Very dusty at the moment.

Marco
27-02-2018, 23:21
I already have a TechnoArm Marco, bought it from Nigel (vinylspinner) some time ago.

Pictures . . . surely you know what a 1210 looks like? :lol:

I'll take some when it's had a bit of a clean. Very dusty at the moment.

Lol - always good to see exactly what yer beasty looks like, so get it polished [and no, not *that* one:D]

The Tecno Arm is a good arm, but I'm not a big fan of it on a Techy, as the combo can sound a little 'etched' and clinical. There are other T/Ts which suit it better.

What cartridge will you be using? You'll need something with a bit of tonal warmth to balance out the 'zingy' signature of the Tecno Arm.

Marco.

Tim
27-02-2018, 23:32
Nagaoka MP110 was the plan and my budget range - don't forget I don't need a hot rod, just a pleasing additional source.

My acceptance bar is likely to be way lower than you guys, don't forget I have no huge expectations, having not run a turntable since the 80's (Ariston Q-Deck). This is going to exceed that by some margin I expect ;)

walpurgis
27-02-2018, 23:38
I don't want to put a damper on things, but being realistic, in my view I'd sell the Tecnoarm. They fetch decent prices. Then look around for something that will bring the Techie to life and get the most out of chosen cartridges.

I may be biased, but swapping from a Rega arm (or two), standard and upgraded on the Techie to my Mission 774 was like opening a curtain onto the sound. Everything came together and the 'musicality' and transparency came back.

Also, the Linn LV-V works surprisingly well on a Techie at no huge cost. Certainly better than the standard arm. And it is happy with quite decent MC carts fitted.

There are plenty of other good arm options too.

Marco
27-02-2018, 23:42
Yesh, but don't be surprised when you start getting into it if your "expectation bar" gradually gets raised higher...;)

Have you bought the Nagaoka yet or are you open to other suggestions? It's a decent enough choice, but there are other options :)

Marco.

Tim
27-02-2018, 23:46
No not bought anything yet, other than the deck and I already had the TechnoArm, which has been rewired by Johnnie at Audio Origami.

Marco
28-02-2018, 00:06
Ok, if you can trust my judgement and fancy a *total bargain*, then try and win this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-STANTON-680EE-STEREO-CARTRIDGE-IN-ORIGINAL-DISPLAY-TIN-INSTRUCTIONS/173172290503?hash=item2851df73c7:g:PQEAAOSwz7NajZZ 1

They don't make them like that anymore, as modern Stantons aren't the same, but the 680EE was a cracker (easily as good as some £300-500 MMs produced now), and that one looks NOS and pretty minty. Stantons and Techies are a match made in heaven, and the tonal characteristics of this vintage model will marry well with that of the Tecno Arm.

The Stanton in question will certainly blow any budget MM cartridge produced today out the water, and be comfortably superior to the Nagaoka you were considering :cool:

Marco.

Tim
28-02-2018, 00:10
That'll be OK in the arm I have?

Macca
28-02-2018, 00:13
I've had the MP11 and the Stanton 681EEE on mine and I'd go for the Nag on balance although both are good. The Nag is more 'sumptuous'.

Tim
28-02-2018, 00:16
The Nag is more 'sumptuous'.
Part of my reason for considering it, a friend has one and I like how it sounds, especially next to the 2M ones in the same price range.

That's a good word :)

Marco
28-02-2018, 00:18
That'll be OK in the arm I have?

Yeah, sure. Later on, you can also have fun fitting various 'exotic' styli to it, and increase the performance further. It should be lovely on female vocals :)

Marco.

Tim
28-02-2018, 00:20
It should be lovely on female vocals :)
Ahh, my achilles heel . . .

Marco
28-02-2018, 00:23
I've had the MP11 and the Stanton 681EEE on mine and I'd go for the Nag on balance although both are good. The Nag is more 'sumptuous'.

Your MP11, though, is sonically superior to the current MP110. They're not the same animal. A nice NOS 680EE will sound both sumptuous and dynamic, in order to bring vinyl recordings nicely to life.

If Timbo can score that one on ebay for under £100, he'll be laughing....

Marco.

Tim
28-02-2018, 02:01
Got myself a Rega armboard on the way, watched a load of YouToooob videos and I'm happy I can strip it down, clean it and then decide if I paint it myself or get it powder coated professionally? Probably the latter. So I just need new feet, a mat and cartridge (checking that Stanton out Marco, ta) and I'm good to go after copious amounts of elbow grease on the lid.

Certainly oodles of information on how to restore one, which was the deal breaker in deciding which way to go. Wanted something robust, but easy to repair/maintain if needs be - didn't fancy farting around with belts, idlers, springs and whatnot.

So cheers chaps, I'll take some pics along the way if I can find my camera, still got everything packed in crates and stacked up in the spare room! Tis all good for now, if I decide to tinker more Geoff, I might try a different arm, but I need to see if I'll actually use it first, before investing more than the bare minimum. Most mods would end up costing me more than I paid for the deck, so baby steps ;)

Audio Al
28-02-2018, 05:42
Look here and scroll down a bit

http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com/21/04/2015/uptown-funk-the-funk-firm-upgrades-for-the-technics-12001210/

Marco
28-02-2018, 09:13
What are we supposed to be looking for, daftee?

Marco.

Marco
28-02-2018, 09:23
Got myself a Rega armboard on the way, watched a load of YouToooob videos and I'm happy I can strip it down, clean it and then decide if I paint it myself or get it powder coated professionally? Probably the latter. So I just need new feet, a mat and cartridge (checking that Stanton out Marco, ta) and I'm good to go after copious amounts of elbow grease on the lid.


No worries, mate. Keep us posted on how things go, but do try and win that Stanton! :)

Marco.

Tim
28-02-2018, 09:23
I've no idea, but I did scroll down quite a lot! Good page - lots of info there, I met Arthur from Funk on Saturday, really nice guy.

Thanks Al.

Marco
28-02-2018, 09:26
I've no idea, but I did scroll down quite a lot!

Me too... If only we were blessed with the ability to mind read, eh?:eyebrows:

Marco.

Macca
28-02-2018, 09:49
Your MP11, though, is sonically superior to the current MP110. They're not the same animal. Marco.

The MP110 is the new MP11 so it should be the same or maybe even marginally better. You can fit an MP110 stylus to the MP11. I upgraded from that to an MP50 with MP500 stylus which is the one you have heard on my deck.

Wakefield Turntables
28-02-2018, 09:52
I had the Technoarm on my 1210 and didn't like it very much (just my opinion). It may well have been the cartridge, an Ortofon Rohman I think. But, good luck with your project.

Tim
28-02-2018, 09:56
Haha, anymore Rega fans out there . . . :lol:

Well I have it already and I'm not changing it unless I really hate it - don't forget guys, I have nothing to compare it with so am likely to be a lot less fussy :eyebrows:

I just want to play some records and have a bit of fun, as I have nowt at the moment.

Marco
28-02-2018, 10:00
The MP110 is the new MP11 so it should be the same or maybe even marginally better.

Yes, you'd think so. Sadly, however, it's rarely the case these days, as cost cutting in production, thus quality suffering, is often the reality, making older versions of the same cartridge often the best. I could cite numerous examples of this.

However, your point on being able to upgrade the stylus is a good one. Of course, that can also be done with the Stanton - detachable styli is one of the fun aspects of MM designs! :)

Marco.

Macca
28-02-2018, 10:01
Rich B has/had a Rega arm on his SL1210 and it sounded mint. So I don't think you have much to worry about.

Marco
28-02-2018, 10:03
... don't forget guys, I have nothing to compare it with so am likely to be a lot less fussy :eyebrows:

I just want to play some records and have a bit of fun, as I have nowt at the moment.

Yeah, I think that's a good and valid point, and one which will almost certainly result in you enjoying what you hear when you put the whole shebang together. Worry about changing arms *much* later, if at all! ;)

Marco.

Tim
28-02-2018, 10:08
Exactamundo Marco - I'm not a critical listener like you guys are, I just enjoy the music and the lyrics, that's the most important thing for me when I listen to music (except Jazz), the lyrics.

Having said that, good thing to have in the back of my mind too if it piques my interest, I can always go forward and knowledge is power.

Baby steps, so go easy on the newbie ;)

Macca
28-02-2018, 10:08
Yes, you'd think so. Sadly, however, it's rarely the case these days, as cost cutting in production, thus quality suffering, is often the reality, making older versions of the same cartridge often the best. I could cite numerous examples of this.

However, your point on being able to upgrade the stylus is a good one. Of course, that can also be done with the Stanton - detachable styli is one of the fun aspects of MM designs! :)

Marco.

I've not compared the old range with the new range but you may be right. It was a lot cheaper to buy a used MP50 and fit a new MP500 stylus than to buy a new MP500 cartridge plus stylus so that's what I did.

Tim, I could post you over a Stanton 681EEE for you to have a go with if you like? It maybe has 50 hours on it tops so it should be working fine. The Achromat is a good choice, that is what I settled on after trying a cork/butyl, Technics felt, Technics rubber and that one with the little nodules sticking up (can't remember what that is called). The Achromat is the only one that actually improved the sound rather than just changed it.

CageyH
28-02-2018, 10:10
I can tell you that the Funk mods work very well on a Techie.

Tim
28-02-2018, 10:17
Martin, that's a great offer and I would love that - would give me some kind of baseline.

Thanks a bunch, I'll keep it very clean for you too :eyebrows:

Later chaps, off to Bristol as I have a gig tonight and stuff to do beforehand :cool:

Marco
28-02-2018, 10:20
I've not compared the old range with the new range but you may be right. It was a lot cheaper to buy a used MP50 and fit a new MP500 stylus than to buy a new MP500 cartridge plus stylus so that's what I did.

Tim, I could post you over a Stanton 681EEE for you to have a go with if you like? It maybe has 50 hours on it tops so it should be working fine. The Achromat is a good choice, that is what I settled on after trying a cork/butyl, Technics felt, Technics rubber and that one with the little nodules sticking up (can't remember what that is called). The Achromat is the only one that actually improved the sound rather than just changed it.

Nice gesture, and a good plan I think :)

Honestly, Martin, you know how much I piss around with these things, and experience has consistently shown that cartridges produced in the 'heyday of hi-fi', not just vinyl, and here I'm talking anytime from the late 50s to late 80s, in general, sound superior to their modern counterparts.

That was the main reason why I recommended that particular Stanton to Tim, as it was NOS. Trust me, the modern ones are UTTERLY DIRE in comparison! :spew:

The only *real* progress that's been made since said heyday, in the cartridge world, is in stylus tip and cantilever engineering.

Marco.

julesd68
28-02-2018, 10:23
They don't make them like that anymore, as modern Stantons aren't the same, but the 680EE was a cracker.

How interesting - I've got one! I have no idea how I came by it, just had it in a box and ignored it, thought it might be junk!

Tim - if you would like to try it send me a PM dude ...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4615/39822660874_7ec1956dc8_c.jpg

Tim
28-02-2018, 10:26
Guys

:grouphug:

Now I really must dash, seeing I, Tonya shortly on way to Bristol - will get back later Jules/Martin.

Marco
28-02-2018, 10:26
Ha - nice one Jules... That's the benefit of a vibrant and friendly forum community! :thumbsup:

Never presume that anything vintage in hi-fi is 'junk' ;)

Marco.

Audio Al
28-02-2018, 11:03
What are we supposed to be looking for, daftee?

Marco.


The FF arm Head Daftee :)

RobbieGong
28-02-2018, 11:46
How interesting - I've got one! I have no idea how I came by it, just had it in a box and ignored it, thought it might be junk!

Tim - if you would like to try it send me a PM dude ...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4615/39822660874_7ec1956dc8_c.jpg

Top man Jules ! :thumbsup:

Macca
28-02-2018, 14:28
Nice gesture, and a good plan I think :)

Honestly, Martin, you know how much I piss around with these things, and experience has consistently shown that cartridges produced in the 'heyday of hi-fi', not just vinyl, and here I'm talking anytime from the late 50s to late 80s, in general, sound superior to their modern counterparts.

That was the main reason why I recommended that particular Stanton to Tim, as it was NOS. Trust me, the modern ones are UTTERLY DIRE in comparison! :spew:



Marco.

Oh well the one I have is a modern one, bought it new about 5 or 6 years ago. Maybe it was longer ago than that, I lose track.

Marco
28-02-2018, 14:47
That should be ok, although I suspect that the NOS one on ebay would edge it. In terms of dire, I was referring mainly to their current 'DJ-style' cartridges.

The vintage ones come fitted with Stanton's legendary 'Stereohedron' stylus, which makes all the difference. See here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STANTON-881S-CARTRIDGE-amp-GENUINE-STANTON-D81-STEREOHEDRON-STYLUS-IN-DISPLAY-BOX-/273054271904?nma=true&si=SpjJsJdBeD4FWz7Gxwra5y4vsYA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Marco.

Macca
28-02-2018, 16:19
That should be ok, although I suspect that the NOS one on ebay would edge it. In terms of dire, I was referring mainly to their current 'DJ-style' cartridges.

The vintage ones come fitted with Stanton's legendary 'Stereohedron' stylus, which makes all the difference. See here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STANTON-881S-CARTRIDGE-amp-GENUINE-STANTON-D81-STEREOHEDRON-STYLUS-IN-DISPLAY-BOX-/273054271904?nma=true&si=SpjJsJdBeD4FWz7Gxwra5y4vsYA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Marco.

The 681EEEa fine line I think. I've got a couple of their modern DJ cartridges, they are good fun but only with the right sort of music. No subtlety at all.

Tim
02-03-2018, 13:13
:worthless:

Not sure why you need any more Techy porn Marco, but OK. Completely nothing done to it yet, so it's very dirty. The lid isn't as bad as it looks, mostly a thick layer of grime but I'm probably going to replace it with one of the Iconic Audio lids anyway, as I'm not mad about the bubble above the tonearm bearing.

So, some before shots . . .

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/38762630570_d7dbab308e_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4676/38762630910_4cca494fe4_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4628/40530075182_d04e70dcff_b.jpg

I'm happy with it, as all I needed was a motor unit and it was less than they normally fetch on Gumtree/eBay. I kinda feel it was meant to be too.

I thought on a whim I'd look on Gumtree to see what they were going for now, as I was considering buying a new one, or a Pioneer PLX-1000 . . . not really thinking of buying, just curious to see what they were fetching. Anyway, this was 9pm. There were a couple within a 50 mile radius, but there was one listed locally in Cardiff, about 25 minutes from me and the seller had posted it at 8pm that night. I was round his house by 9.30 and it was in the back of the car by 10:00. There were also two other enquiries whilst I was there.

I wanted a bit of a skanky one, as I knew I was going to tidy it up. I also quite like the fact it's had a life as a working deck. The seller gave me a demo of his DJ mixing skills with his second deck - he was really into it which was pretty neat to see.

julesd68
02-03-2018, 17:38
That's a very clean carpet Tim! :lol:

Macca
02-03-2018, 17:52
Man you have to keep the lid with the bubble - that's an iconic part of the Technics.

Looks to be in good cosmetic condition for a deck that has worked for a living.

Tim
02-03-2018, 20:07
Haha, it should be clean Jules, it's only been down 3 months!

I'll give that some thought Martin, I'll see how the lid cleans up with some headlight polish and reappraise if I keep it or put it on eBay. It's not going to be a stock table though, most likely going to remove the pitch control/stylus target light, fill them in and paint it over. Still pondering that one though.

Yeah, it's not in bad nick actually, its very dirty though, but you'd expect that - it looks cleaner in the pictures, but there's grime everywhere - mind you that's my OCD clean brain talking ;)

Macca
02-03-2018, 22:19
If you are going custom that's a different matter. Anything goes. You could get one of these, the gold one is cool:

https://rework-dj.com/product-category/faceplates/deck-faceplates/technics-1200-1210-mk2/

Tim
03-03-2018, 00:34
Quite like the brushed stainless steel one in silver.

Tim
03-03-2018, 11:28
All stripped down and ready for a face lift, just need to decide what to do - powder coat or paint? I fancy filling in the pitch fader and target light, which would make powder coating tricky I believe, but I'm not sure as I've never done it before. Anyone have experience of powder coating over filler?

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/40547707772_71e0d65a75_b.jpg

Audio Al
03-03-2018, 11:31
I would not fill in the pitch slider , disconnect the wiring yes , I think you will affect the sale value should you decide to sell it on at a later date , And HEY its traditional since the 70s , keep the retro looks ;)

Maybe have a drop in oblong plate powder coated the same colour if the slider recess is a issue for you :)

walpurgis
03-03-2018, 11:33
Unless you find a heat resistant filler, you won't be able to powder coat.

Tim
03-03-2018, 11:43
Unless you find a heat resistant filler, you won't be able to powder coat.

That's what I thought Geoff, I could fill and paint it myself too :scratch:

Quite a few more bits than a Rega!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4658/40590368601_5c8ef19a13_b.jpg

walpurgis
03-03-2018, 11:52
I'd stick with a good automotive enamel finish plus lacquer, unless the TT is going to get hard use, then powder coat may be best.

CageyH
03-03-2018, 11:53
If you want a clean look, then look at removing the strobe, the pop up light and the pitch slider.
Alternatively, live with the looks and put the money into making it sound better.

Tim
03-03-2018, 12:01
I'd stick with a good automotive enamel finish plus lacquer, unless the TT is going to get hard use, then powder coat may be best.

I think you could be right Geoff, it's definitely not going to get any hard use and would be a much cheaper option with some automotive paint.

Primalsea
03-03-2018, 12:19
You can clamp the top plate face down onto some old kitchen top, or something else flat, with sheets of 125 micron mylar under the holes you want to fill. You can then pour in some epoxy resin. This will still require some sanding and top filling to get the finish perfect, but it will get you most of the way there.

I tried spraying my Leak ST20 with automotive paint but the modern paints are rubbish. Next time I will use proper old school cellulose paint.

Tim
03-03-2018, 12:24
You can clamp the top plate face down onto some old kitchen top, or something else flat, with sheets of 125 micron mylar under the holes you want to fill. You can then pour in some epoxy resin. This will still require some sanding and top filling to get the finish perfect, but it will get you most of the way there.
Now that's a top tip, thanks Paul :thumbsup:

Primalsea
03-03-2018, 12:27
Now that's a top tip, thanks Paul :thumbsup:


Oh, forgot to say. Use gloss mylar. The epoxy won’t stick to it. Use runny epoxy too liky uou buy in the dual syringe , not the putty stuff.

MikeMusic
04-03-2018, 12:26
I found RDC screw in feet better than Isonoes with Techniboots. (Shame as I had only just bought them)

Have a Funk Firm platter, not mat I ought to sell if you are interested

Speedy Steve on this very forum for al your ebony needs

No one mentioned Mike New bearing......

Tim
04-03-2018, 12:59
I found RDC screw in feet better than Isonoes with Techniboots. (Shame as I had only just bought them)
Have a Funk Firm platter, not mat I ought to sell if you are interested
Speedy Steve on this very forum for al your ebony needs
No one mentioned Mike New bearing......

Thanks Mike, I thought Mike New bearings were out of production?

Still weighing up the feet situation, but have moved away from Isonoes now (not mad on the oil rig look), preffering Ken's (Qwin) sorbothane 50MM dome idea. I'm trying to keep the costs down initially, need to see if I'm going to be playing a lot of records first - if I do, I can always take it further with arm-boards, bearings etc. I suspect I'm going to be happy enough just doing a few tweaks and playing the odd LP, so it doesn't need to be a hot-rod. Could be interested in your platter though, I'll PM you later.

I'll probably mod the power supply though, seems easy enough to move it away from the turntable. Lots of DIY power supply threads in the Techopedia. The main reason for choosing a Technics really, easy to work on, numerous upgrade options and heaps of information to help you along - I mean it's a Techie forum isn't it ;)

Seemed a no-brainier when I gave it some thought, if it's good enough for Marco and MartinT, then that'll do for me. I've heard Martin's and hope to hear Marco's too one day.

Marco
04-03-2018, 20:33
Thanks Mike, I thought Mike New bearings were out of production?


Not only that, but after some discussion, Mike refused to renew his trade subscription for this year (which had been reduced to a measly £25 per annum, as a favour because he wasn't selling much anymore).

As such, his account has now been closed (along with his posting rights rescinded), so unless he has a change of heart, or wishes to rejoin in a non-trade capacity, and discuss topics other than just those involving his own products (something he hasn't done here since joining), unfortunately you won't be hearing from him again on AoS.


Still weighing up the feet situation, but have moved away from Isonoes now (not mad on the oil rig look), preffering Ken's (Qwin) sorbothane 50MM dome idea. I'm trying to keep the costs down initially, need to see if I'm going to be playing a lot of records first - if I do, I can always take it further with arm-boards, bearings etc. I suspect I'm going to be happy enough just doing a few tweaks and playing the odd LP, so it doesn't need to be a hot-rod. Could be interested in your platter though, I'll PM you later.


Ha - and that's when the 'rot' sets in! :eyebrows:

No issue with your idea of rejecting the Isonoes, and Ken's solution is as good as any. Much depends on what you're sitting the T/T on, the signature of the T/T itself and its constituent parts, and the type of sound you seek to achieve.


I'll probably mod the power supply though, seems easy enough to move it away from the turntable. Lots of DIY power supply threads in the Techopedia.


That one's defo a no-brainer! Actually, in terms of SPPV, it's probably one of the best mods you can do to the Techy. The stock PSU is fine, once housed in a separate box and prevented from interfering with the cartridge above.


Seemed a no-brainier when I gave it some thought, if it's good enough for Marco and MartinT, then that'll do for me. I've heard Martin's and hope to hear Marco's too one day.

We'll defo do that soon! Btw, did you win that Stanton? It went cheaply! :cool:

Marco.

Tim
04-03-2018, 20:54
I didn't bid on the Stanton Marco, what with two very generous members offering to help out ;)

Re the feet, I have an idea that should work with 50mm sorbothane and is pleasing to the eye, as it's got to fit in my room. If I'm going to put a turntable in the lounge, it can't be an ugly duckling - you know me ;)

The external PSU is something I think I can do myself quite easily, been pouring over schematics and looking at the transformer and PCB today. Just going to keep the 32v ac output from the transformer to pins 1 & 2 on the motor PCB, assuming I'm correct in my assumptions thus far? Haven't got the multimeter out yet. Might try the 21v dc mod later, but as I've said I want to do the minimum to start with (cost wise), as it will be pointless if I only end up playing LPs once or twice a week.

All good fun though and kept me out of trouble whilst we were snowed in :)

Marco
04-03-2018, 21:07
I didn't bid on the Stanton Marco, what with two very generous members offering to help out ;)


Indeed, but did you not read what I wrote about that? Both those are new-ish items, and whilst fine, are unlikely to be as good as the NOS item on ebay, fitted with a better stylus... Never mind, you can try them (or one of them), and if you like the Stanton's general sound, you can always go for a NOS one later :)


Re the feet, I have an idea that should work with 50mm sorbothane and is pleasing to the eye, as it's got to fit in my room. If I'm going to put a turntable in the lounge, it can't be an ugly duckling - you know me...


I get ya, but do also consider that the 'oil rig' effect is only really evident when the T/T is situated quite high up from your listening position. It's much less of an issue lower down.


The external PSU is something I think I can do myself quite easily, been pouring over schematics and looking at the transformer and PCB today. Just going to keep the 32v ac output from the transformer to pins 1 & 2 on the motor PCB, might try the 21v dc mod later, but as I've said I want to do the minimum to start with (cost wise), as it will be pointless if I only end up playing LPs once or twice a week.


Yup, all good stuff :cool:

Marco.

Tim
04-03-2018, 21:15
I thought the one Jules has was the same, a Stanton 680EE - or have I cocked up :doh:

Marco
04-03-2018, 21:21
Yes, but like Macca's, its also a fairly modern item (you can tell by the colour of the stylus housing). Like I said, either will be fine for you to have a listen, but if you like what you hear, you can do better by going for a NOS version.

Marco.

Wakefield Turntables
04-03-2018, 21:23
I experimented extensively with Sorbothane and found that it just completely sucked out any emotion in the music. Tried it as a platter mat, a bearing dampener, feet, pcb mounting cushions...... all sorts! Good luck.

Tim
04-03-2018, 21:30
OK, homework for the future then - need to get it refurbished and assembled first. I've stripped, completely dissembled and cleaned every single part except for the bearing so far, just need to sort the cabinet out. Going to remove all the extras with LEDs and fill in the holes - it'll be a absolute marvel if it ever runs again ;)

Tim
04-03-2018, 21:32
I experimented extensively with Sorbothane and found that it just completely sucked out any emotion in the music.
You weren't playing The Smiths again were you?

Marco
04-03-2018, 21:36
OK, homework for the future then - need to get it refurbished and assembled first. I've stripped, completely dissembled and cleaned every single part except for the bearing so far, just need to sort the cabinet out. Going to remove all the extras with LEDs and fill in the holes - it'll be a absolute marvel if it ever runs again ;)

No worries, if you want to experiment with bearings, check out the IanMac ones (details in Techiepedia), as they're likely to offer the biggest bang for buck.

Marco.

Tim
04-03-2018, 21:55
check out the IanMac ones . . .
Sent him a PM this afternoon, should he make some more ;)

(been in and around the Techiepedia most of the day!)

Wakefield Turntables
05-03-2018, 20:13
You weren't playing The Smiths again were you?

HA! No.. I hate the smiths!!!

Tim, how far do you intend to go with this 1210 as we can offer you numerous cheap or virtually free tweaks to improve the effectiveness of the 1210. I see that you've removed the top cover which protect the motor from under the platter. I'd leave that off and I would fill in all the screw holes with something marine resin, that way you are removing several surfaces which potentially can transmit vibration to the bearing. Additionally, any ideas what you'd like to do with the bearing? There are a few mods which can be done very very cheaply to minimise vibration getting into the bearing from the bearing bit and additionally from stopping the bearing transmitting vibration into the PCB! You might also want to think about how you are going to stabilise the bearing. Something like a bearing base plate is quite useful. I'm more than happy to help with this one if you really really want to get the most from the deck. :eyebrows:

Tim
05-03-2018, 20:40
Ooo look at that Andrew post number 7,000

:champagne:

Spectral Morn
05-03-2018, 20:43
Yes. Rega arms and their derivatives like the Tecnoarm are not great on a Techie.



.

I disagree :p

Wakefield Turntables
05-03-2018, 20:58
Ooo look at that Andrew post number 7,000

:champagne:

Didn't notice. Ahh well here's to another 7000 potentially equally crappy posts! :lol:

Tim
05-03-2018, 20:59
Going on further from the below, at this stage not too sure how far I want to take it, just want to play my records from the 70s & 80s and quite a few I have been buying at gigs, since they started popping up on merch tables again - that's where they mostly come from now, signed by the artist.

Unashamedly though, it's a good part of the reason I bought a 1210, knowing the wealth of experience here and the willingness to help noobs like me along, it is very much appreciated. As an aside, I also love what you do Andrew and always check out your 'project' threads, very inspirational :eyebrows:

Going back on topic, the honest answer is that at this point I don't know how far I want to take it, but I do feel the bearing is something that could be high up the list of improvements, after I have taken care of the basics like taking out the transformer and upgrading the mat and feet. I really like what IanMac has done, so have PM'd him, but that may never come to anything as he may not be in a position to offer any more. If I start feeling really adventurous, I wouldn't mind having a stab at what Ken (Qwin) has done either.

But firstly I'll take care of the cosmetics, then get it reassembling and running, going to be away for awhile though, so it's on hold and in a hundred pieces right now. I'm not going to go mad right out of the blocks, until I'm sure it's going to get used enough to warrant further investment.

So thanks a bunch Andrew, you might regret that offer when the PM's start to fly!

Ha ha, not mad about The Smiths meeself ;)

dajoth
09-03-2018, 08:14
Hi,

I have a 1210 that I have been messing about with. So far I have added Technoboots, an OL cork mat, a OL armboard along with a rewired Rega RB250 tonearm fitted with a RB300 counterweight and stub, and a Audio Technica at440mlb cartridge. I am pleased with the way that the sound had developed from the original 1210 setup. The Rega arm was an exciting addition. I am also looking at an external power supply and a spindle upgrade.

Currently the direction I am going is adding a couple of secondhand Rotel power amps. I want to give bi-amping a try, I want to fill the room with sound. But I imagine my greatest deficit are the soft furnishings and not great positioning in the family room.

I enjoy The Smiths!

cuddles
09-03-2018, 09:00
A good cheap tip with regards to the platter is to fill the underside with Blu Tack. It's a great way to minimise ringing. Add on a new platter mat such as this one - https://www.juno.co.uk/products/nagaoka-gl602-crystal-turntable-mat/567542-01/ and you have a cheaper alternative to investing in a new platter. Also I like the look of the original ;)

Wakefield Turntables
09-03-2018, 17:38
A good cheap tip with regards to the platter is to fill the underside with Blu Tack. It's a great way to minimise ringing. Add on a new platter mat such as this one - https://www.juno.co.uk/products/nagaoka-gl602-crystal-turntable-mat/567542-01/ and you have a cheaper alternative to investing in a new platter. Also I like the look of the original ;)

Yes and by adding blutack you will unbalance a perfectly balanced platter. Not a very good idea. Now the crystal turntable mat is an extremely good idea and happens to be what I use as my Reference mat on my 1210.

walpurgis
09-03-2018, 17:45
Yes and by adding blutack you will unbalance a perfectly balanced platter

Exactly!

moodybuilder
09-03-2018, 17:52
I've just brought the analogue studio crystal glass mat but as I still have the original platter what would you suggest to put under it, as it sits on the outer rim. Thanks in advance

Wakefield Turntables
09-03-2018, 18:06
I've just brought the analogue studio crystal glass mat but as I still have the original platter what would you suggest to put under it, as it sits on the outer rim. Thanks in advance

Nothing! It works perfectly ok just sitting on top of the platter. Why not experiment? Remember to change your VTA to accomodate the Crystal mats extra depth.

moodybuilder
09-03-2018, 18:32
Already done that thanks, it's a step up from gunmetal/copper mat and my acromat which I still believe is a very good mat, also looks mustard, but as for sound early test are very good indeed,

Dubster68
09-03-2018, 19:56
I've just brought the analogue studio crystal glass mat but as I still have the original platter what would you suggest to put under it, as it sits on the outer rim. Thanks in advance

I used this style of mat on my 1210 when everyone was saying glass is not good. How wrong they were it sounded great and doesn't need anything under it. It also looks pretty good on the Techie