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

The difference in weight is probably very little; it's the same model as the Technics headshell.
I've weighted another variant of the Technics headshell (M5G) that has the threaded hole for an additional headshell weight on top, just like your example has.
The difference was less than 0.4 grams:

Stock silver Technics SL-1210M5G headshell

Stock Technics SL-1200G/GR headshell


The main difference is that it doesn't have azimuth adjustment, but that's not an issue if you don't need it.

 

I wouldn't assume that another shell with the same design is the same weight as a Technics shell.
Looks can be deceiving.

 

I know... I just think that it's reasonable for this model in particular to assume.
I've weighted a Reloop variant and an AT variant in the past that also weighted close to 8 grams.
They're all just made of aluminium, no special graphite, magnesium or any other exotic material.
The dimensions are more or less exact copies.
At least there's not a reason to assume that it'll do any harm, but if you want to know if all things are optimal, you can always either weigh the total mass or do a tonearm resonance test.

 

I just found the old Reloop headshell and I suppose you're more or less right, it's 9.95 grams including wires, which is almost 25% heavier compared to the Technics headshells, but still a very light headshell, since most designs are over 10 grams:


For example: the 2M Black I use is mounted on an Ortofon LH-6000 headshell, which is spec'ed at 13.5 grams (and that's not even remarkably heavy).

 

Yup, really hard to best a Technics shell if lightweight is what you seek. They are different!

 

Aparently... The world of turntables is full of surprises haha
That's what makes measuring interesting, to separate facts from fiction!

 

Well, the only other headshells I have are pioneer ones and those do feel significantly heavier.
the shure v15 (iii) should be alright on that arm I'm assuming, I can let you all know if it is not for sure!
Why might I need azimuth? I've never had that option.

 

Azimuth is needed when the cantilever isn't 100% straight or the tip isn't glued 100% vertical on the cantilever.
I've never really bothered with azimuth, but some people do it for every cartridge, to get closer to perfection.
To me, that's just bordering OCD

 

One time after cleaning the stylus, i hear an unbalanced sound. I checked and, yes, a tiny twist in the cantilever.

The headshell with azimuth saved me from a new stylus.

 

Interesting, so that's what I'll do if I bend the stylus by accident rather than panic! thanks!

 

So reading your post, I guess my shure v15 (iii) won't be going in the technics shell without a spacer which I don't have?
I have it mounted in another shell which works great on another turntable. Is this not going to be the case on the technics arm? haven't got it yet.

 

another way to "raise" the tonearm is using a thicker mat ... the "normal" technics rubber mats are 3 / 4 mm but they made another with 6 mm. This mat can be hard to find, buy i use a cork mat under the stock mat when i need 2 o 3 mm more.
Also it's very easy to change the mat when you change the headshell in the tonearm, if you have many cartridges with different heights.

 

Hello,

I just have a quick question to you about 1200G.

When you change the speed settings from 33 rps to 78 rps can you hear a very subtle sound level increase produced by the turntable? You need to be very close to the turntable in order to hear it.

Please let me know whether that is the case for you too.

 

Why would this be a problem, do you listen to music that quietly?

I hope you realise that the tiny sound produced by a cartridge needs boosting by a phono stage, preamp, amps and speakers!

(no change at any speed on my 1200G even with ear against 1200G platter).

 

I can hear nothing when switching to and from 33 to 78.

 

Thanks for letting me know!

 

When the turntable is “cold” and hasn’t been used yet for the day I can hear a very faint sound if I put my ear up to the ‘table with it spinning. After a few minutes it goes away and is silent.

These have a self-lubricating shaft that seems to take a few minutes to warm up. For reference, my turntable has been in use for about three years now. I mentioned it to Kevin at KAB and he thought it was normal.

 

Perhaps I'm deaf, but I checked mine cold.

 

I concur, a very quiet sound can be heard in the beginning at my 1200G too, but I have to put my ear close to the platter to be able to hear it.
No difference between speeds.

 

Faint...like whooshing of air. Nothing to be concerned over anyway.

 

just got the 1200gr,
really confused about the strobe dots. When playiing an lp they all move other than 0 dots second from botom. Is this normal? totally blind so can't do much about pictures, what dots should/shouldn't move? there is no setting where they are all still...

 

Your turntable is operating correctly.

Choose a different speed, then notice that the 33 1/3 dots are moving but a different row is still.

Different rows of dots for different speed settings.

 

I'm thinking of a 1200G as the next upgrade and keep my current 1200GR for 78's. What cartridges are you using with the G?

 

Just saying hi as nice to meet another fan of 78s, they're my main interest!

 

thanks for putting my mind at rest!