Turntable dilema

[Bigman80]

Not knowing much about the new Techie, how does it compare to a used or NOS 1200 with a handful of the typically suggested mods so often discussed in the Techiepedia Forum? Does the pricing of the 1210 offer more value? My first thought was a 1200 and some mods, because that would allow him to invest a smaller amount now and have a fairly clear upgrade strategy as funds allow, but perhaps now that the new model is an option the consensus over the last few years in no longer the smart course of action...

BTW, auditions will often cause much frustration. The combo of varying electronics, speakers, rooms and setup expertise will certainly affect what you hear. It's tough drawing meaningful conclusions about the table's contribution to what you hear. IMHE, the Clearaudio tables, even expensive ones, never create the emotional connection to the music that I hope for vs. others of similar cost. But that's me and my 50+ year old left-handed ears. YMMV. Cheers,
Spencer

The problem with NOS 1210/1200 and modding it, is, it requires ability. I'm not suggesting the OP doesn't have the ability to remove and replace PCBs etc, just that we didn't establish his technical ability.

The arm on the new technics is superior to the one on the old 1210/1200's, I believe the WOW/FLUTTER numbers are better too.

The new one also hasn't been sat in a box somewhere in unknown conditions.

If the OP is happy to do some modding, then great value can be had in the used market. If not, there's a new one out there for him.

[bonus]

Sevenoaks have a display model for £1099, £200 off the list. Ill go in to Brighton this weekend and see if I can get a demo, I understand what you mean about confusion over demos etc. I had thought of that. I am OK with mods and great at burning myself with a soldering iron, I used to repair answerphones and fax machines back in the day and I am a technical person; I just know sod all about HiFi... but hopefully that will change

[sbank]

Check out a few threads on the Techiepedia Forum. You'll know pretty soon whether or not the used/mods route is for you or not...I think it's kinda fun just doing the simple stuff even, like changing mats, center clamps, feet etc. and knowing that you've got a table good enough to let you hear all the differences. If you can update capacitors etc. you are playing in the Premier League.

[Bigman80]

The only thing that concerns me about the Techy mods is that it gets VERY expensive.

I'm pretty sure one of the upgrade bearing makers has knocked it on the head too.

By the time you've modded the PSU, bearing and other bits, you may as well have just bought a new one built by the professionals.

Just my two pence worth btw.

Marco has modded his to death and claims performance to challenge the SP10, whilst I dont doubt the claim, it would have been cheaper to buy an SP10, Probably spent the price of a SP10 MK3.

[dwhistance]

Just to offer a very affordable alternative to the Techie's, etc. how about buying a Lenco GL75 and putting it in a new plinth like the ones currently for sale here or from Moldova on Ebay? Last time I looked they were still very affordable. Add a secondhand tonearm and you have a really good deck for very little money. Then if the urge strikes they are easily, and compared with a Techie, cheaply modified to take them to another level entirely. Just a thought!

David Whistance

[walpurgis]

How about buying a Toshiba SR-370 and not having to do anything to it?

[donmarrese]

Just to offer a very affordable alternative to the Techie's, etc. how about buying a Lenco GL75 and putting it in a new plinth like the ones currently for sale here or from Moldova on Ebay? Last time I looked they were still very affordable. Add a secondhand tonearm and you have a really good deck for very little money. Then if the urge strikes they are easily, and compared with a Techie, cheaply modified to take them to another level entirely. Just a thought!

David Whistance

I totally agree, (nothing to do with the fact I have 4 gorgeous L75's ready to be sold...) formidable performance for the price; here's the recipe..

1. Get ur self a birch Ply plinth..(errm..I think I know who's got one of those..ME!)
2. Get yourself a decent a chrome buttoned ex HMV toplate that has been serviced...(I've got one of those too!)
3. Get yourself a Carbon fibre "Fat arm" from Brian28 on Lenco heaven
4. Source a decent Cart like a Denon 103...(MC but works blindingly well with the arm...(I know cos I've got one..)
5. Get Brian28 to assemble it for you..(not expensive BTW)
and you'll have one of these ...

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/in...?topic=28314.0

Simples ...

[Bigman80]

Must say, I heard Firebottles totally standard Lenco at the Bakeoff recently and it really surprised me. This is a good shout but that arm needs to go, oh and the plinth, oh and the.......

Just kidding.

Just to offer a very affordable alternative to the Techie's, etc. how about buying a Lenco GL75 and putting it in a new plinth like the ones currently for sale here or from Moldova on Ebay? Last time I looked they were still very affordable. Add a secondhand tonearm and you have a really good deck for very little money. Then if the urge strikes they are easily, and compared with a Techie, cheaply modified to take them to another level entirely. Just a thought!

David Whistance

[walpurgis]

These days, it's actually nice to see a Lenco that hasn't been 'upgraded'. The standard GL75 and GL78 can sound very nice indeed, fettled and set up well.

(Oh yes, and the same applies to the original Thorens TD160 with TP16 arm, also very capable)

[donmarrese]

Must say, I heard Firebottles totally standard Lenco at the Bakeoff recently and it really surprised me..