Newbie With The Mod Bug SL1210 MKII

[HD Goofnut]

For my two-penny worth I would also recommend the Funk Achromat. I tried many mats from cheap rubbish to some expensive exotica. The Achromat was by far the best. I’ve tried a 1210 with power supply removed but did not feel there was an audio improvement over my own 1210 so left that bit alone. Isonoes are worthwhile and definitely improve the suspension over original feet. Replacing the bearing while making a small improvement, I did not feel was worth the expense if original bearing is in good condition, however I did replace the bearing to a Mike New product which is now getting a bit harder to obtain.
As for the arm, cartridge, you pays your money and and takes your choice, don’t forget to account for arm board. A good idea is to speak to Hugo at Ammonite Audio of this parish. He has a wealth of experience.

Hi Clive.

Good to hear I am on the right path with a mat and feet. The bearings are original but don't seem in poor condition. One from Ian or one of Mikes would be nice but I fear I am too late to the party to pick one up.

Arm wise I want to stick with on the fly vt. So anything along those lines. Modded original arm or something else as long as it keeps the vt.

Cart wise I am looking at the Audio Technica AT33EV Cartridge but an still undecided on a headshell.

I'll look for Hugo too, thank very much

[HD Goofnut]

Hi Richard.

Moving the PSU is of interest but I must ask how much difference is there between the likes of Paul Hynes and the one Robert posted the ebay link to?

I'm new to modding the SL1210 but i'm not new to SQ or being an audiophile geek

I know there is a lot of snake oil out there and don't want to get unnecessarily*bitten. If both will do the same job and both are equally and well built with the same outcome I don't see any point in paying extra for clever marketing and a name.

[6L6]

The advantage in moving the PSU is because the previously internally mounted transformer is now removed and away from the rest of the table. It's also beneficial to have no mains AC in the table. Is it a worthwhile upgrade? Absolutely, unquestionably. Heck, DIY it, works great, lasts long time. There is no magic in the PSU itself.

Here's what I suggest for upgrade -

PSU
Mat (acromat or cork)
Feet (Merely placing stock feet on vibrapods is wildly better than just stock, no idea why. I have and recommend Isonoes)
Re-wire stock arm. (The stock arm is much better than you expect, I never should have gotten rid of mine... )

In my experience you can make the SL-1200 compete with most anything out there, it's a simply wonderful table. This cannot be said enough, and it will stand on it's own quite well compared to any audiophile tables out there today, and simply bury most of them. I also think that changing the arm is not worthwhile, if you are dying to have a go at various arms, start yourself down the SP-10 path and don't look back.

[CageyH]

I disagree that changing the arm is not worthwhile. My Funk FX-1200 works wonderfully well on my SL1200.

[6L6]

I'm not saying it's not worthwhile. I am saying that in my experience, it's not worth the bother as whatever arm you want to use will be put to significantly better effect on a SP-10.

[Wakefield Turntables]

You'll not push a 1210 further than this... https://theartofsound.net/forum/show...1210+gonna+fun

[CageyH]

I'm not saying it's not worthwhile. I am saying that in my experience, it's not worth the bother as whatever arm you want to use will be put to significantly better effect on a SP-10.

But an SP-10 is about £1k before restoration.

[HD Goofnut]

This is where I am at the moment with my list.

- Audio Technica AT33SA Dual Moving Stereo Cartridge
- Micro Seiki MA-505 Tonearm & Headshell
- Magna Audio Ebony Armboard
- Oyaide BR-12 Turntable Mat
- Isonoe Audio Isolation Feet
- MCRU Regulated Dual Output Linear Power Supply or the SR4 Power Supply

The amp is a Trio KA-6000 and the speakers are B&W DM4.

[RobbieGong]

This is where I am at the moment with my list.

- Audio Technica AT33SA Dual Moving Stereo Cartridge
- Micro Seiki MA-505 Tonearm & Headshell
- Magna Audio Ebony Armboard
- Oyaide BR-12 Turntable Mat
- Isonoe Audio Isolation Feet
- MCRU Regulated Dual Output Linear Power Supply or the SR4 Power Supply

The amp is a Trio KA-6000 and the speakers are B&W DM4.

I honestly cant argue with any of that

[Wakefield Turntables]

This is where I am at the moment with my list.

- Audio Technica AT33SA Dual Moving Stereo Cartridge
- Micro Seiki MA-505 Tonearm & Headshell
- Magna Audio Ebony Armboard
- Oyaide BR-12 Turntable Mat
- Isonoe Audio Isolation Feet
- MCRU Regulated Dual Output Linear Power Supply or the SR4 Power Supply

The amp is a Trio KA-6000 and the speakers are B&W DM4.

Look into an Ikea bamboo chopping board with decent spiked feet. You'll probably spend less than £50 and will notice a difference.