Calling all SL-1200/1210 owners!

[Marco]

The Isoplatmat weighs 475g, which is considerably heavier, although without comparing both I've got no idea which one dampens the platter more. From your description it seems the SRM is doing a pretty good job. Which mat improves the sound more overall is of course also open to question. Anyway, regardless, the SRM appears to be another viable option to consider.

Marco.

[Mike]

Mikey, what are you bothering with Isoplatmats for when your deck's not even up and running yet!

I'd lend you mine no problem but I fear I might not see it again for quite a while by the time the deck's surfaced from its box and the platter is in a position to rotate and play music via your D.I.Y phono stage



Marco.

P.S Peter, I dealt with the very same lady.

Two points.

1. The rubber mat is rubbish.

2. It IS out of the box and running!


Erm, fair point about the phono stage though, the deck may be running but theres still no music yet.

[Marco]

I didn't realise you'd found the energy to lift it out and plug it in - nice one!

It was the third point I was of course referring to. When you're in a position to judge the effect of mats give me a shout and I'll fire off the Isoplatmat for you to try

Marco.

[Mike]

Ta.... I'll let you know!

[Marco]

No worries. I seem to be the resident Technics T/T accessories on-loan service these days

Marco.

[NRG]

Two points.

1. The rubber mat is rubbish.

2. It IS out of the box and running!

About bloomin time!


One point, how do you know the rubber mat is rubbish if you've not played anything yet...

Don't be too dismissive about the original mat. I've tied many combinations of mats on that deck, my Lenco and the SP10 and whilst it comes down to personal choice in the end, on all of them the original mat stayed! I tried so many I lost count including DIY versions, the Isoplatmat, the Achromat, cork etc.

The Lenco sounded best with the original mat and a layer of that anti slip matting for plates on top. I found the deck you have was best with the original mat and a cork one on top.

Others have found the Garrards also benefit from keeping the original mat so don't be too dismissive! I know you'll have fun experimenting! (Watchout for changes in VTA due to excessive thick mats )

[Marco]

Hi Neal,

You're of course entitled to your opinion but, no offence, if you think the stock rubber mat supplied with the SL-1210 is anything other than crap when compared to an Isoplatmat or Achromat then I'm seriously worried about your ears and/or the sonic signature of your system!! All it does is muddy the sound, cork or no cork

Marco.

[Mike]

One point, how do you know the rubber mat is rubbish if you've not played anything yet...

Ok, I'll confess. I'm 'judging a book by its cover' to a fair extent, and going on (long) past experience. I've never been a fan of rubber mats in general.

BUT!... If I don't get hold of something for comparison I'll never know!

[mistygreenandblue]

Misty,

I agree with Guy's observations. Modifying a stock 1210 is a much safer option. Also, having heard both decks on various occasions there isn't much difference in performance, IMO, between a fully KAB modified SL-1210 and an SP10. Perhaps an SP10 has slightly more weight but that's about it - given the same arm and cartridge their musical presentation is virtually identical.

Marco.

Hi Marco,

If one took a basic 1210, what in terms of upgrades makes the most difference on the sound quality ladder?....Sit aside the arm mods - I'm more interested in a SME or modded Rega arm sat on the motor unit....How much difference does the p/s make?....I noticed in one thread either here or at PFM that Richard (Dunn) had mentioned he was looking at making a p/s for a TT....His products seem to be well priced and easily available, unlike KAB across the pond....Even though I have contacts well placed over there, customs are a wild card...I tend to ask many (on the surface stupid questions) and then quietly go and make my purchase without a lot of fanfare....I'm not sure I can do this with a TT, simply because messing around with tonearms and cartridges is not my normal hunting ground....so even more stupid questions on the horizon....

[NRG]

Hi Neal,

You're of course entitled to your opinion but, no offence, if you think the stock rubber mat supplied with the SL-1210 is anything other than crap when compared to an Isoplatmat or Achromat then I'm seriously worried about your ears and/or the sonic signature of your system!! All it does is muddy the sound, cork or no cork

Marco.

Sweeping and dismissive statement! My ears and system are just fine, thank you As you weren't present during my mat experiments you would not be aware of the results. I've not heard the 1210 so can't comment but I found the original mat on all the three decks I had at the time damped the platter best and in combination with others provided the best sound. So