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

Nope. All mounted to the bottom of the top plate:

Probably won't fit though, since the shapes differ quite considerably, for example an MK7/M7L:


Oh btw, the "BMC" stands for Bulk Moulding Compound, which is a type of heavy synthetic rubber that comes on the 1200G/GR and the original 1200s.
The MK7 comes with a glass fiber reinforced ABS bottom half.

 

Just my opinion but the BMC base on the GR is totally fine. IME the biggest dampening flaw on the deck is the lack of plinth dampening as seen in the photo above. With the volume turned up, stylus down on an LP rapping my fingers on the BMC base does very little to add noise into the chain. A good knock on the plinth in the same scenario can cause the platter to ring. If I was going to mod one of these decks that's probably one area I'd look at, fairly common mod for older Techs.

 

Actually, the G has BMC as well as another layer of “heavyweight class rubber.” The GR only has the BMC.

 

I got the (a ?) Ortofon test lp. No dedicated separation tracks only the 1000 Hz L and R.

Better results, average of 3 L/R sets each a 15-20 sec averaged samples:
Avg 151 mV, 8.7 mV, -24.8 dB
Ch balance 0.43 dB
Delta between each ch separation value ~0.3 dB

All readings were consistent:
147 to 153 mV
8.5 to 9.1 mV
Bal 0.43 to 0.45
Delta 0.1 to 0.4

 

How would you mod it?

 

Some people with older Technics tables add dampening material under the plinth, like Technics does for the platter. Theoretically this would further impede noise entering into the cartridge from airborne vibrations, dust cover shutting, etc. I highly doubt it would an audible contributor to the sound of the table, but I do think it’s a weak point in the design that may be worth investigating if I was to do any mods to address dampening. Honestly I don’t anticipate doing so as stock is live-able for me in my environment.

 

Thanks. I hear what you're saying. Replacing the base would make a bigger difference in the MK7/100C/1500C turntables because they just use ABS and need a large steel plate in the bottom to tamp down resonance. And since all these turntables from GR to 100C have the same exterior dimensions, it's possible one base could fit them all (no guarantees though because they may attach differently to the aluminum top).

In any case, do you know if there are any electronics in the base of these turntables? Still hoping for an answer to my question. if anybody here knows.

 

Your question was answered at the top of this page, with pictures.

 

I see that now. Thanks.

The 1200MK7/1500C/100C would likely benefit from a rubber aftermarket base. I emailed WeatherTech to see if there's any interest in making one. I assume the 100C/1500C could share the same one.

 

OG Technics called in TNRC (Technics Non-Resonant Compound). I've their marketing literature on it somewhere IIRC.

 

I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask this, but I'm looking at a possible path to upgrade my ~10 year old Debut Carbon. Higher end Pro-Ject and Regas are on the list, as is the 1210GR. My understanding is since the switch to the Malaysian factory, QC has kinda gotten hit or miss. Particularly, it seems like the cue lever (and sometimes ton arm/gimbal stuff) can be the problem children on these tables. Does anyone know if these issues still pop up or if it's just luck of the draw?

 

Where did you hear that? A current GR should be a fine table.

 

User reviews on this forum and others. Anecdotal to be sure, and Japanese GRs had their fair share of complaints, too.

 

My thought process on the 1500C is if I'm already spending that money might as well just dish out the extra for a G/GR. Rega's lifetime warranty gives it some appeal if I'm spending this kinda cash also. But the aftermarket parts/repair stuff for Technics is pretty admirable as well. Sadly, finding somewhere to audition a Technics in store seems damn near impossible.

 

QC issues can interfere with any new purchase, fear of these so called issues isn't really justified.
I would choose a GR over either tables mentioned, I went from a perfectly fine Musichall FFM 7.3 to the GR and it was a great improvement.

 

If you’re coming into a model-specific thread asking for what to buy, I think you can kind of figure out what advice you’re going to get. Same for asking “what about these QC things” when the other options you’re considering are belt-driven and some don’t even publish their W/F specs. Hopefully you can acknowledge that comparison is already a bit hypocritical to start with.

This is not intended to be dismissive, just that the things you’ve brought up are a bit controversial here already (Malaysian vs Japanese manufacturing, etc), so I’d encourage reading through this thread first to help answer some of your questions.

 

I have read through this (and other) threads. I've auditioned the P3 and X2, but haven't had an opportunity to try the Technics in person. I was looking for specialized input, which is why I posted in here.

 

Best advice is to buy from a reputable dealer with a good return policy and decide for yourself. In general, I wouldn’t be turned off by anecdotal reports of poor qc on some units. There are enough glowing reviews of technics tables on b&h, crutchfield, music direct, amazon, etc. to allow you to buy with confidence. And if you get a lemon, send it back. I say this as a critic of the move to malaysia.

 

Yeah there's a couple nice hi-fi shops near(ish) to me but they only sell the usual hifi brands (VPI, MoFi, Pro-Ject, Rega, Avid, etc) so I'll likely end up going with Crutchfield or someone if I purchase the Technics.

 

and people dissatisified or wanting a moan are more likely to get online than the other 99 who are enjoying their music and tables..........

 

Got it. Seems a little low. Will let you know if/when I check mine.

 

Isn’t that just the same thing with a different name?

 

exactly
They are the same level of quality

How many Ferrari or Porsches are in the shop within a few months of purchase?
More than a few.

 

I don't know. IIRC, Technic's claimed TNRC was an evolution of their plinth compositions. I'd think there would be a related patent were that the case. I haven't looked.

All the material I've seen has been marketing material, so...

 

Read the return policy. Typically Crutchfield has a pretty good one. Buy and home audition. There aren't that many Technics dealers nationwide, unfortunately. Many of us had to purchase online with the option of returning.