Calling all SL-1200/1210 owners!

[Gromit]

Marco - the new'un seems to be loosening up now and background noise is definitely quietening down. Don't think it's had much use (previous owner reckons a few hours tops) so perhaps it just needed using?

I've ordered a Sumiko h/s but if you're happy letting me have a play with an AT one it'd be briliant. Don't know how long it'll take for the Sumiko h/s to arrive and my borrowed 1210's got to go back next week. My own 1210 didn't come with a h/s as it was fitted with an unused Ortofon Concorde Night Club E cartridge (which'll be up for sale as I don't have an MM input).

For the time being I've just placed the Ringmat on top of the Techy mat which has brought a 'blimey' reaction from yours truly. Works damn well in fact, surprisingly so.

Current plan..

1. Arm re-wire
2. Achromat (I loved what this does on the TT's I've heard it on)
3. Isonoe feet

[Marco]

Hi Richard,

You can have the headshell for nowt, mate - in fact I will send you two of them so you can decide which one you like best (one is shorter in length than the other). PM me your addy and I'll send them off to you. You will then be able to assess the difference whilst waiting for your Sumiko to arrive

Btw, make sure you remove the small rubber washer between the headshell bayonet fixing and the tonearm - it sounds better without it (this was the original subject of the thread many pages ago!)

I would also strongly advise you to buy an SDS Isoplatmat. The Achromat is excellent for providing an ideal interface with the record but it doesn't dampen resonance in the platter as effectively as the SDS, which is why I use both. The difference in sound quality when both are in use is significant.

I'm with you on the arm rewire, as it is essential. If you would like to borrow a brass counterweight balance to replace the standard one, like Rich and me use, I can send you one along with the headshells. It does make a fairly substantial difference, and along with the rewiring and headshell replacement totally transforms the performance of the stock tonearm.

I wouldn't be in a big hurry to buy Isonoes, as the effect they have is quite subtle (at least it is in my system) considering their relatively high cost. If you're serious about trying these I could give you a loan of mine at some point and you can decide for yourself if they're worth the money or not.

Hope this helps

ATB,
Marco.

[Gromit]

That's great Marco - PM sent.

Edit: Oh....and here it is in its unfettered glory:

[Marco]

No worries, mate. I'll get that organised for you

It's looking good - nice and 'clean'!

Marco.

[Gromit]

No worries, mate. I'll get that organised for you

It's looking good - nice and 'clean'!

Marco.

Thanks.

The deck's pretty much spotless - it was quite dusty when I got it (reckon it's stood doing nowt for a long time) but it may as well be brand new, bar a couple of tiny scratches on the lid.

[DSJR]

Marco, a question please?

I had it on very good authority that the headshell washer is there for good reason - it breaks up resonances in the joint, rather than directing them elsewhere.

I appreciate Grahams HiFi were selling ADC headshells by the dozen way back and recommending removing the washer. I just preferred it in place with a Linn LVV arm...

Perhaps it's another Linn "judgement" applying only to their products...

[Gromit]

Marco, a question please?

I had it on very good authority that the headshell washer is there for good reason - it breaks up resonances in the joint, rather than directing them elsewhere.

Interesting point - something that has crossed my mind. I think it's worth having a play, seeing as I've a couple of hours' QT on my own this afternoon.

[scoobs]

The KAB modified arm is damped utilising a fluid trough, additionally the Zupreme headshell that I use has 2 lugs (as opposed to the one on the standard) that dock very snugly with the bayonet, I feel the rubber ring in this instance is overkill. Got to be worth playing about with on a stock arm though.

[Marco]

Marco, a question please?

I had it on very good authority that the headshell washer is there for good reason - it breaks up resonances in the joint, rather than directing them elsewhere.

I appreciate Grahams HiFi were selling ADC headshells by the dozen way back and recommending removing the washer. I just preferred it in place with a Linn LVV arm...

Perhaps it's another Linn "judgement" applying only to their products...

Hi Dave,

Welcome back! I thought you had abandoned us

I wouldn't dispute your assertion in the slightest - my comments are based purely on experience of the results in my system, however I think Scoobs makes a good point in his last post.

My advice is to 'suck it and see', as is always the case with these things. Incidentally the difference, should one be heard, is quite subtle so anyone trying this tweak shouldn't be expecting night and day differences.

I'll be interesting to hear what Richard thinks

Marco.

[Gromit]

Well whaddaya know??

Didn't get chance to do much listening with the rubber inserted (ooer) yesterday but did spin a couple of records this morning. Conclusion?

One example I can say, without question, where there was an improvement: 1st movement Shostakovich 11 - huge string sounds, over which there is laid a lone trumpet. Without the grommet it tends to spit slightly, as though the sound breaks up. With, and it gains body and grows in volume more consistently without break-up. Will leave it in place now for a few days then remove it to re-check the findings. Quick A-B's aren't always the best way to judge stuff IMHO.

I've also found it's possible to tighten the fixing more firmly with the grommet in place, so it may even make for a more solid coupling. Who knows.