The Technics SL-1200 GAE/G/GR general questions thread

Ha! Yeah, I've got some Shure cartridges that came with a little 2 gram weight that I suppose can be used as a shim. Looks like the plastic one pictured up-thread might be better because it wouldn't change the weight so much.

 

Rumors are Technics is bringing a new DJ turntable to the, erm, table, in 10 days at CES. It could be the MK7 or a small player for 7" records only. Let's wait and see.

 

The Mk. 7 is the 1200GR.

 

Technically it's the GAE, if seen that way. But they may keep the GAE/G/GR as audiophile models and continue the perceived "dj line" with MK7. We'll see in 10 days, the event is called "Technics 7th", held on the 7th day of 2019. Its the 40th anniversary of MK2 btw. So far just speculations, but highly "suspicious".
CES 2019: Technics reveals event focusing on legendary SL-1200 turntables
"So, Technics hasn't been shy of announcing new products at CES, and with a party lined-up to celebrate the Technics SL-1200, we can't help but put two and two together."

 

I would say the GAE/G is more like the SP-10 Mk. 2.2 with the SP10R being the SP10 Mk. 4 and 1200GR being the 1200 Mk. 7.

 

No wonder the new 1200's are built like tanks. I am sure this has been posted before but the attention to detail in the Mfg process is amazing.

Each unit hand made by one person, no assembly line, and for the G/GR models only 15/25 units are made a day. May explain why some here are waiting for their GR's

The making of: Technics SL-1000R

 

Question for owners here: dustcover or no dustcover? I don’t have cats or kids that I would be nervous about.

 

Do you have dust?

 

Off when in use, on when not.

 

Up when in use, down when not.

 

Down all the time except when changing an LP. It's entirely possible that music playback quality is compromised slightly but it sounds so good I don't care about that.

All my LPs have been RCM cleaned & I want to keep the surface as dust free as possible. Stylus & record wear is caused more by abrasion with crud in the grooves than friction between diamond & vinyl.

 

The dustcover is on when the table is idle, but I remove it completely when spinning LPs.

 

As to dustcovers, always down, whether at rest or playing records. I don't buy into the claim that they hurt playback. Certain not on any system I've owned or own currently.

 

You beauty, this was the article I was trying to find the other day about 1200 production. I KNEW it was What HiFi, but didn't realise it was in an article for the 1000, hence I couldn't find it

 

I've always thought of the turntable as a boat and the dustcover as a giant resonance sail

 

I read people making similar claims on audio forums, I've just never actually experienced it first hand.

 

....or a no relevance old-wives-tale?

 

I agree, always down. I would have thought that, if anything, it would aid playback and help diminish sound from the speakers being picked up by the cartridge.

 

Perhaps my ear/gear is not at the level of those that can "hear" their covers, but I would think that if it is adding feedback then your issue is with isolation, not the cover?

 

I upgraded to a diamond dustcover that helps to tighten the bass and the higher frequencies really shine. For only $999 it was a bargain. Comes with golden hinges for lossless connection.

 

Dustcover on all the time on my GR, it's quality and doesn't detract from the look of the table, unlike say the cheap Rega lids.

 

Dust cover should always be in down position when in play. To understand why, tonight, with dust cover remaining up, place a record on your turntable and play. Then, turn off all lights in the listening room and direct a flash light to the turntable spindle. This illuminates airborne dust particles being drawn to the spinning record. Seeing this you will clearly understand the need for the dustcover being placed in the down position when playing records. If concerned about the cover's static electricity pulling up the cart, discharge the cover by spraying it with distilled water and blot, not rub, with a micro-fiber cloth. BTW, the Technics operator's manual recommends playing records with dust cover down. I'm sure, with dust cover attached and in up position it acts as a resonance amplifier.

 

Recently bought a 1210GR with an Ortofon 2M black. It has replaced a Project Classic with a Benz Silver element.

After two weeks I can say that the 1210GR plays in a different league. This could be my last turntable

The surface noise of the Black is not an issue. Compared to the Benz it has disappeared

 

I see a lot of people getting 1210 rather than 1200 recently. I wonder if they're making more 1210 than 1200.

 

The 1210 is available from Guitar Center, often at a steep discount. Wider distribution and better price.