How good is a fully upgraded Technics SL-1210mk2 compared to other high end TT?

[walpurgis]

I have no desire for another deck based on audio quality alone.

Not sure I follow Kevin. For what other reason would you buy one?

[CageyH]

Aesthetics.
Engineering quality.
Design.

[walpurgis]

Aesthetics.
Engineering quality.
Design.

Fair enough. They are good criteria, but I personally put the sound first and ergonomics some way behind and as long as the thing won't fall apart, I don't worry too much about the engineering. The aesthetics & design don't concern me.

[ChrisKemp]

If there is one thing the Technics won't do, is fall apart

[walpurgis]

If there is one thing the Technics won't do, is fall apart

Depends how high you drop it from!

[CageyH]

Fair enough. They are good criteria, but I personally put the sound first and ergonomics some way behind and as long as the thing won't fall apart, I don't worry too much about the engineering. The aesthetics & design don't concern me.

It has to pass the Mrs H approval test.
I find the weights on the Michell Orbe mesmerising. You can sit there and watch it for hours.

The point is that my Technics is producing a pretty good sound. It's not as tweaked as some other members of the forums decks, but I think that to improve the sound, you'll have to spend thousands. So, if we take value for money as the no.1 criteria, as long as you can live with the industrial looks of an SL1200, I think it's hard to beat. Mine has been upgraded over two years and I have enjoyed the journey. I'd love to hear it up against some serious competition, and then compare the expenditure on each deck.

Of course, if money is no object, then I would probably want a hyperdeck or something similar.

[topmetom]

I have a rega p3, people tell me the techie would beat this for sound quality though? What do you think?

[ChrisKemp]

I agree, but what is so great with the Technics is that I can upgrade in steps. So yes, when it's fully modified it will cost £2000+ but for me that is easier than buying a TT that cost £2000+. Also I plan to buy an Audiomods arm or maybe a Micro Seiki MA-202, and if I choose to buy a different TT in the future, I can use the Audiomods arm on the other TT. If I upgrade the tonearm I will keep the KAB arm with the Fluid Damper.

[CageyH]

I think a modified techie would, but in standard form both offer a different type of sound.
It's a question about which one you prefer.

[CageyH]

I agree, but what is so great with the Technics is that I can upgrade in steps. So yes, when it's fully modified it will cost £2000+ but for me that is easier than buying a TT that cost £2000+. Also I plan to buy an Audiomods arm or maybe a Micro Seiki MA-202, and if I choose to buy a different TT in the future, I can use the Audiomods arm on the other TT. If I upgrade the tonearm I will keep the KAB arm with the Fluid Damper.

Just check that if you are planning on the Technics specific Audiomods arm, that you can remove the arm board. My understanding is that it is a drop in unit. After what I have heard from my deck, I would encourage people to try a Funk arm. I am really impressed with what AK has done with my standard Technics arm.