SL-1210 upgrade path

[Pete]

Hi Folks,

So here is my vinyl rig so far:

Technics SL-1210 Mk5
Kab psu
Kab Strobe disabler
Cardas rewired tonearm
Zupreme headshell w/lp gear leads
Mk5 gold cable with copper eichmanns
Funkfirm 5mm Achromat
sitting on a 2" thick myrtle wood base

Denon DL-160 cart set up to Baerwald alignment

DIY Nelson Pass Pearl Phono stage

Grover UR8 rca ICs

Denon AVR-3808Ci (currently acting as the premp)
Adcom GRA-5400 Power Amp (borrowed)
Odyssey Candela Tube Pre amp (Dec 31st)
Odyssey Stratos + stereo amp (Dec 31st)

Paradigm Reference 100 v.4 speakers

So far the system sound very good to me. Probably take a leap once the Odyssey components arrive.

What do you think I should do next as far as the turntable is concerned?

Should I spike the TT into the myrtle block, or do isonoe feet?

How much more can I get out of the stock arm?
If I upgrade arms, there seem to be many choices, in no particular order:

SME 309 ($1300) or M2-9 (??)
Origin Live Silver Mk 2 ($650)
Jelco SA-750D ($450)
Reworked Rega 250 ($350)

What arm would you recommend, and why?

I see that one member makes custom weights for the stock arm.
Is this a way to go forward with the stock arm.

Or should I think about a cart upgrade before ditching the stock arm?

Cheers,
Pete

[muffinman]

Hi Pete,
how long have you had the deck in its' current form?
just wondering if you've had time to fully appreciate all your improvements and therefore get the full benefits of your proposed upgrades
fwiw - i think marco will tell you to get the jelco. your cardas should be pretty easy to shift if you like the new'un
(you may hear about the 103 also)

[Pete]

I've had the deck probably for about six months is its current configuration.

Only recent change, was putting in the Adcom amp vs. the Denon receiver's amp. Huge leap in sound quality. That spurred my to buy the Odyssey pre and stereo amps.

I honestly like the sound right now.
But as always, you don't know what you're missing till you hear it

[Pete]

Anyone have any comments? Marco?

[Marco]

Hi Pete,

Sorry for the late reply but I've just noticed this - will come back to you tomorow in some detail when I have more time

Marco.

[John]

Remember hearing the Odyssey pre and power along with the Loriel speakers a few years back nice gear. Unable to comment around the 1210 but below is a good link
http://www.sl-1200-mk2.com/

[Pete]

Dave has a special going in January for the SME 309 arm.

I am tempted, but I would like to hear of any SME 300, IV or V owners who mounted them on a Technics SL, and their results.

[sastusbulbas]

Not heard what the SME does in a Technics, but an SME 309 or IV is what I intend/would like to fit to a Technics 1210 when I get round to selling some stuff and a few other things. I would rather have an SME 309 than any Rega or such.

Aesthetically the 309 would look superb and is a great arm and probably going to give you 90% of the IV in that type of deck, the 1210 "may" hold back an IV slightly but who knows?

Thing is though the SME Technics combo may sound a little sterile and clinical?

[Dave Cawley]

The SME 309 would be great at £799.00 in our Christmas sale http://www.soundhifi.com/SME/index.html

Dave

[Arlequen]

Remember hearing the Odyssey pre and power along with the Loriel speakers a few years back nice gear. Unable to comment around the 1210

I just put on sale both Odyssey Audio gears you were describing
Very good SS preamp and amp .. and super fine phono section MM/MC too

Speaking about the SL1200 .. I have had and still own a loved SL1210 for many years and I strongly suggest to set up the cartridge leaving the stock arm but using the MintLP Best Tractor.
It changes totally the way to sound .. going from a good TT to a very super good TT
I suggest to buy this tractor before to change its stock arm.

http://www.mintlp.com