Which is a Better Turntable, Technics SP-25 or SL-1200 Mk2?

My oldest brother is giving me his Technics SP-25 in excellent condition.

My current turntable is Technics SL-1200 Mk2 which also in excellent condition.

I am planning to keep only one as I have a plan to give a turntable to my other brother.

Which do you think should I keep?

 

SP-25: Entry level and silly looking.

SL-1200: High-end and classic looking.

Hmm... .

 

Keep the SL-1200 MK2

 

I though SP25 has a heavier platter?

 

It does have a heavier platter, but the SL-1200MK2 can be modified extensively.

 

Trust us--keep the SL 1200.

 

I thought the SP-25's were broadcast tables....

 

That is why the SP-25 has the heavier platter.

 

Does having a heavier platter make the SP25 a better turntable?

 

You're determined to give up the SL-1200, aren't you.

 

Not really.....

I am just wondering why a table with heavier platter is inferior.

 

For me, one, look at the SL-1200 and look at the SP-25. I guess taste is in the eye of the beholder, but come on... That SP-25 looks like something from the control board of the Star Trek enterprise.

Two, the 1200 is so much more versatile. It has more potential vis a vis modifications. You'll be stuck with what the SP-25 is, which is an entry level table with a heavy platter.

The 1200 is plenty heavy, is better looking, and gives you more options.

Again--keep the 1200.

 

Indeed. The aftermarket on replacement parts and mods for the ubiquitous 1200 is extensive.

 

The defense for the 1200 rests its case.

 

Jump straight to the SP10 series, AudiophilePhil. Mk2 or Mk3 are excellent. I had a Mk3 - a 45kg turntable with its base. Wonderful to listen to.

 

This is the other good option as far as Technics turntables are concerned.

 

Many thanks to all who have responded.

I will keep my SL-1200 Mk2 and I will give my other brother the SP25.

 

On the other hand...

no... just kidding.

 

Aww, I wanted the SP-25.
I actually REALLY like broadcasting turntables, in a disgusting, uncomfortable way, and I'm going to have to buy one with Christmas/birthday money (they're two weeks apart).

 

I guess if your point is to be generous with your brother, you could give him the 1200. That would be awfully nice. And awfully stupid.

 

So, what kind of tone arm and base/plinth does the SP-25 have?

DanG

 

I've always wondered this myself, although my understanding is that the 1200 and the SP25 were essentially the same table under the covers. The SP10 I believe is the top of the SP line, and has a pretty avid following on the internet.

Like the others say, you have easy access to mods for the 1200. I thought the KAB tonearm damper, external power supply, and strobe disabler were good mods for my former 1210-M5G. A tonearm rewire over the standard tin plated wire (M5G's had OFC wiring) is also worthwhile. TONEPub Jeff Dorgay put a SME arm on one which transformed his table into a another class (like $2K-2.5K I think it was) of table.

Sound Hi-Fi does offer the Timestep Bearings and Timestep Power Supply for the SP-25. By the time you use a custom plinth, you should be able to perform arm upgrades as well and have an exotic looking turntable you can be proud of. Just coming at it from a different angle I guess...

I've always been impressed with the beautiful custom plinths that SP owners apply to these tables. I've always thought it would be a fun project to put one in some kind of classy plinth, like obsidian, or heavily lacquered burl maple or Brazilian Rosewood and give it the bearing and power supply upgrades and better arm.

 

Very fond of the Sound HiFi guys!

 

The SP-25 cost a lot more than the 1200 when they were both brand-new. It all depends on what plinth and tonearm you got for it. But it was a great-sounding turntable, very reliable, and pretty heavy. I have one as a standby, but haven't used it very much.

 

Note the above: the SP25 was a cracker. Plenty of options to tweak by adding your own plinth and tonearm. It strikes me more as Japan's version of a Garrard 301 or 401, which of course require exactly the same and there's almost no end of plinths and arm combinations for those.

The Technics is popular, cheap and can be made to sound excellent, while also good value if you find one that's not been thrashed by a DJ. That said, myopic tendencies to overrate it against decks like the '25 are a mistake IMO. Horses for courses and all that.

And here's a Google Images link for some examples...the ones at the top are all SP25s, others crop up in the return further down.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Te...urce=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=meHZTtG-JZHm8QOBvenBDQ