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Greetings,
Just trying to decide what mod to perform first to my trusty 1200MKII
I'm only thinking of arm damper and the rca phono upgrade but have seen an RB300 arm on a 1200 somewhere.Which one first? the Damper or the RCA upgrade and is the RCA upgrade difficult and 2) Sonically evident?
With limited soldering skills I'd really like to upgrade the rca's but feel that the stock wiring is par for the course vs. the stock RB300's wiring which is what is on my P3.
I'm happy to say that right now, with my new Micro Ace MO MC the 1200 is leagues beyond the P3 with clearaudio Aurum Alpha Wood rig with my jd-9a phono pre.
I've got a spare headshell that I will be mounting the Aurum on within the next few days to compare the sonics vs. the P3 with same cart. I'm not really that optimistic for the P3 as right off the bat, firing up the 1200 was like listening to an old friend telling an engaging story that we both knew...I just like listening to her tell it.
With all the years behind me as a mobile DJ, the Technics has that certain "something" - it's no wonder it's still an industry standard to that regard - but listening to her in an audiophile capacity just brings a smile to my face.
Maybe it's the cart and deck combo but whatever it is...I'm smitten again!
Thanks for listening to me on my soapbox...it's just too good not to share!
and thanks in advance for any tips/suggestions re: the KAB mods.
Follow Ups:
I would get those Isonode feet first, and then replace the stock mat. The damper will not give you a dramatic sound improvement, although the trackability of warped LPs will be much better.
...it's an excellent addition, stick with the stock arm ( if it's in good nick ) it's good and easily adjustable. Think about rewiring later...
Greetings from Rob in the UK.
Hi,I have to agree with tubes about leaving that arm in place. I suppose if you already have the Rega arm, then $80 or so for the Origin Live armboard might not bee too bad of an investment. Besides, you could easily sell it, I'd bet, if it doesn't float your boat.
Unless you're having cartridge mismatch issues, I personally would opt for the screw-down clamp first. Clamping really transformed my DENON DD but its spindle won't accommodate the clamp I was using with 180 gm records, so I went the way of trying different mats. I ended up with the cork SpotMat and am very happy with it.
I would suggest asking KAB directly for advice, but I think if it were me, I'd go with the clamp first.
Just my 2 cents, and no -- I am not a '1200 owner -- BUT I wish there had been such a mod available for my DENON.
Origin Live's website has arm boards for the SL-12XX tables for Rega arms. They go for $65 if memory serves.
HenryA 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
a modded RB300 on the 1200? Personally, I think the stock 1200 arm is great for many reasons but the main reason is for the detachable headshell! Cart swapping 101 made easy by the Technics 1200.The other significant reason is for the on the fly VTA adjmt.
Not much more to add OR IS THERE???
My Benz Micro Ace "suggests" a med to high mass tonearm...go figure!
have no urge to use it. The stock arm, especially with the damper, works fine with a wide range of carts. I have everything from high compliance MMs to low/medium compliance MCs and all work with the SL-1200 arm.
HenryA 12-gauge shotgun is the ultimate arbiter of disputes - G. Gordon Liddy
The Rega has better flesh in the midrange. The highs are equal. Bass goes squarely to the Technics arm.Do the RCA jack so you can run better IC's. Olddude55 and Henry loved the damper.
Use your money to upgrade cartridges. I think a DV10x5 would be a great cartridge or a Denon DL160.
suits my needs better than the Dyna or the Denon. I almost went with a 10X5 recently however I got a heck of a deal on the Benz.I know the Benz has A LOT to do with the gorgeous sound I'm getting now so I'm thinking it's a great match to the 1200 vs. the aforementioned Dyna or Denon...however, please don't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong! Striving for the upper eschelon of the champagne system on my beer budget!
BTW, how "easy" is the RCA upgrade???
TIA
"...however I got a heck of a deal on the Benz.".
I know you did :)Have you tried the Ace on both the P3 and the 1200 yet? I'd like to know which you like better.
It seems like you're one of many who think the 1200 beats the pants off the P3. I wouldn't mind a chance to shootout that 1200 with the Ace against my P3 with a DV20XL sometime...
Now, I never had great results with the Ace in my system, but it might have been bad synergy with my Clearaudio Basic phono stage. Sounds like that Jolida is something special.
When I replaced the Ace with the 20XL I also replaced the Basic with Dynavector's P75 phono stage and it's making some pretty sweet music.
Hey Jacob!
Welp, as you can see, the Benz is being put to good use!I took your advice about trying out the Benz in the 1200 and !VIOLA! here I am!
I'm really interested to hear a Dyna with the P3 so we'll have to set up a vinyl session (it's PG rated I swear!) one of these weekends so you can haul the P3 over to my place. The Jolida's got the flexibility to handle the different carts too!
Let's make it a point to touch bases soon and grab some seat time with the cart swap!
Best Regards and Happy Listening...most importantly, Thanks for the great deal on the Benz!
currently have the AT OC9MLII and the DV Karat 17D2 MKII. I give the slight edge to the DV.
I have had the Ace and it sounds great but not a "great" tracker, it is a very good tracker but not great.
One reason I'm averse to getting away from the OC9MLII and 17D2 carts is that they are known for being quiet on less than optimal vinyl surfaces.
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