Yes I have, that results in what sounds to me like high pitched computer noise, probably because the computer and all associated stuff is on a different extention to my audio gear.
Setting the AS the same as the VTF is a good starting point. From there I would watch Peter L's videos about anti-skate on YouTube and try setting that way. I don't recommend the blank record method as that will only tell you if the anti-skate works or not, and lead you to crank it up too high. The truth is there is no perfect AS setting because skating force varies across the LP. What we want to do is try to keep the stylus centered in the groove and not use too much or too little AS, because that can make a stylus wear unevenly. RE: the stylus jerking at the lead-in, you may need to adjust your AS but also practice lowering the cue lever more slowly and more gently. The cue lever on most 1200s works a bit differently than some other turntables (different range of motion) and appears to use a lighter weight silicone in the mechanism. Further, depending on the cart + headshell you are using you may need to adjust the tonearm lifter. The manual has instructions for this.
AS corresponding to the VTF is a good point to start with. For accurately setting AS, test records with dedicated test tracks are available. A single test tone/music which is equally loud on both left and right (mono) may also work, assuming the cartridge azimuth is set correctly. While playing that test tone, adjust the AS until the test tone is equally loud on both channels.
I've been very happy with my SL1200GR, which I purchased in December 2019. My current amp, an NAD 3020, is on the fritz and I'm starting to think about a new amp. Anyone here paired their Technics with a tube/hybrid amp in the ~$2K range? For speakers I'm using Triangle Titus bookshelfs. I think I'll eventually venture into Harbeth or maybe Dynaudio. The cartridge on the Technics is an Ortofon 2M Black.
My SL-1210GAE has arrived. I'll weigh-in with my thoughts and comparison to the SL-1200G soon. In the meantime, here are a a few photos. Strobe light off!
I really want one of those. Looking forward to any comparisons to the 1200G. My next upgrade from my 1200GR would be the 1200G. Is the cover clear like regular G series or is it a little smokey to match the black. Probably just the shadows and lighting in the pictures
So, here a few superficial differences I immediately noticed when comparing the SL-1210GAE to the SL-1200G: 1. The feet are different. The SL-1210 GAE feet are much more compliant, with a soft gel-like material inside. 2. The VTA/tonearm height mechanism feels a bit smoother in its operation, and has more travel. It goes almost a 1mm lower than "0" and at least .5mm higher than "6." 3. The headshell is different. The G headhsell, on the right in the photos, has a smooth flat black paint with no logo and a longer finger-lift, whereas the SL-1210GAE headhsell (on the left) has a pebbled paint, a Technics logo, and a shorter finger-lift. It lacks the "made in Japan" text on the underside as well.
Nice! About the headshell: at first, I thought it looked like a headshell I once bought in a DJ store (I bought two actually) but no, I checked and mine has longer finger-lift. The logo looks nice, but I've been using the GR no-logo original.
It looks the same, except anodized black. I think the photos don't really do it justice. It has a very high-quality look, like the previous GAE/G.
Very nice! But where is the strobe LED off switch? And have you already checked if the platter is flat?
I didn't measure the platter with my runout gauge, but it appears visually flat. The strobe on/off is actuated by a long-press on the pitch x2 button. When you start the turntable even with the strobe "off" it will illuminate for a few seconds when play starts and then fade off again. It's pretty cool!
I didn't weight them, but they feel about the same weight and it is listed in the manual as 7.6g, same as the other one. Not that it couldn't still be made in Japan, but it is not marked like all the older ones were.
Thanks. At this weight, you just can't tell by holding them. And call me old school, by if made in Japan ain't listed, then it's made elsewhere.