-
Hi Mike,
Interesting... The superb quality of the motor unit was always the reason why I bought the SL-1210, and thus it formed the basis of my embarking on the project of modifying the Technics to become a truly world-class turntable.
Your fundamentally superb modifications, such as the bearing and (forthcoming) new platter have (and will) be instrumental in the above becoming a reality!
Marco.
P.S You have a PM :)
-
I was told that the deck is made in huge batches and then stockpiled while the production line is diverted to other duties. A long time ago I was told this and I can't remember whether it came from an ex-technics UK sales manager or not...
I doubt Technics themselves thought the deck would have lasted in production this long..
-
The reason that the SL1200 MKxx sells for the low price it does, is that the amortisation of design and tooling costs has long since ceased. I do not believe that anyone would undertake a design of this type again and expect a return on investment, predicated on the relatively short production runs to be expected. The whole secret of the excellent speed and stabillity of the motor lies in the clever design of the 16 pole radially magnetised isotropic ferite magnet and the 12 pole coil assembly which in turn is switched by the 8 pole rotor acting on three position sense-coil pairs.
I put out a call for quotes for a similar magnet but was told the tooling and magnetising setup would not be viable for anything under about 5,000 units. This is why all the units made today are belt drive, the simple motors are cheap and easy to buy in.
-
Hi Mike,
Interesting stuff! I've seen that information mentioned before, but it's good to have it succinctly summarised in a single post - one to save for future reference, me thinks :)
I've always said that the SL-1200/1210 should only be viewed by audiophiles/turntable enthusiasts as a superb motor unit surrounded by some 'free bits' which allows the playing of records to an 'adequate' standard.
However, it's only when those 'free bits' are modified and upgraded that it then becomes a high quality hi-fi turntable - and when modification is taken to the highest level (as with your bearing and platter mods, along with PSUs, tonearms, etc) a rather serious one at that!
Marco.
-
A shame Technics didn't develop this version of their motor unit as an OEM product, as they did in the early days with varying results (great at best, speed-hunting disaster at worst).
-
-
Well done Hamish. Are you going to start with just swapping the main motor PCB?
-
Yeah, have had a few chats with dave and mike on vinyl engine and have come to the conclusion it's a integrated circuit issue... Dave has said he can fix my old pcb too so I will end up with 2 working tables... I already have a buyer for it too... So happy days... I should only loose maybe £30 for my balls up, so I'm pretty chuffed ... To top it off I will end up with a lid for mine for cat protection, and as those go or around £30 all in all i'm on to a winner!
-
Excellent Hamish ' happy days indeed
i must say you've had some bad luck lately ' now perhaps you can settle down and just enjoy playing records:)
-
It's always the way with me and hifi... Great luck or shit out of luck...
