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

That’s on sale for 369$ right now too

 

It looks really good, but no adjustments for capacitance. A must for me.

 

I did the separates with AVR for a while.
I noticed a bigger improvement going with integrated amp built for 2 ch playback.
Denon's and others on here would be good options.

https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...s-amps/integrated-amps/1.html?brand_f[]=DENON

 

The poster has one cart and even if he gets a second I don’t think capacitance loading is really going to be a major concern. The Darlington recommended also doesn’t have capacitance loading. I think either phono would do them well, and any stage with capacitance loading is probably 2-3x the cost of what’s being recommended so far.

EDIT: their cart suggests 100-200pf. We know the GR has around 32pf, the Parasound is at 150 and I think the Darlington defaults to 100, so before cables it’s 132/182. Assuming they have low capacitance cables in their system they would still be at/under the recommended range.

 

I have a grado Green mounted on a second head shell at the moment. It’s an older one that I only really run on 45’s or scuffed albums. Looking at the at ml 540/740 as future options. Currently using stock cables that came with the GR as I read they are a descent low capacitance cable.

 

Adjustable capacitance is only important when running a wide range of cartridges or when you just like to nerd out with electronics

 

Stock cables are something like 80pf, so even if you dropped down to a Blue Jean LC-1 (12pf per foot) or similarly low capacitance cable you can knock off ~50pf right there.

I'm not gonna make the case that having the option to load capacitance isn't a decent idea, but for your system right now I think you're better of saving money on a totally capable phono than buying a $1200 phono or something just to have capacitance.

Especially with MC carts, where capacitance is less an issue--you could grab the Parasound and an AT MC cart for under a grand, which would be about the same as any phonos with capacitance loading.

EDIT: And I don't wanna sound like a shill for the Parasound, I'm just speaking from experience that it was a more than sufficient addition to my system. There are plenty of decent options at your disposal.

 

You don't need to spend $1200 to get a good phono stage with capacitance adjustments.

 

I see the project phono box ds3 has a ton of adjustability for $500. Looks like that, the darlingtons or the para sound are good options all in ballpark same price range. I really appreciate all the opinions, thanks again

 

Even the regular Phono Box S2 has a ton of adjustments, including capacitance. It's only $199.

 

I own the DS3 B, which is basically the same as the DS3. It sounds really good except tonally its neutral to slightly coolish, which isn't a good match for the Technics 1210GR (which is also neutral tonally). The Phono Box S2 Ultra, which I also have, is neutral to slightly warmish in tonality (which is better match for the Technics GR).

 

Pro-ject Phono Box S3B has all the adjustments on the front and is cheaper than the DS3B.

 

Just to be clear about the Darlington Labs phono:
You can request XX amount of capacitance and gain when ordering a unit, so if you mean to run AT carts then you could ask for 50pf or less and maybe 40db gain.

This would be plenty AT friendly, you can always add capacitance (but you can't take it away) and you can always use a sut for a MC.

 

I read up on all suggested pres and I’m pretty sure I’m going to pull the trigger on the Darlington mm6. Thanks again for all the input, awesome forum.

 

Actually, it's the S3 B and the DS3 B

 

Ditto when ordering from Graham Slee.

 

Sorry if this has been answered before, but I can't find the answer after some searching.

Anyone know which size Michell clamp fits the 1210GR? The shorter "R" model, or the normal one?

 

I’m using Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL phono stage adjusted to 50 pF with AT VM750SH and I’m very pleased with it.
MX-VYNL is a bit more expensive than Pro-ject DS3B, but a good choice too.
Musical Fidelity | MX-VYNL Phono Stage

 

Both variants covered here
Record Clamp | Accessories | Michell Audio

 

Looks nice. I have the KAB clamp and really happy with it. Besides the built-in level, I wonder how the better looking Mitchell compares

KAB Electro Acoustics http://www.kabusa.com

 

I just wasn't sure which one "fit" the GR spindle.

 

I've read people use the 'R' version, which should work even if stacking mats leaving less spindle exposed.
I have a total of 7mm in stacked mats and I can still squeeze the KAB clamp on, FWIW.

 

Maybe the KAB is worth a look as well, especially as the price is a bit lower.

 

You want the "R" for the Technics. I use it and I love it.

 

Regarding the phono preamp discussion. I chose the Musical Fideliy LX-LPS because of it's ability to load MM capacitance at whatever one wants. Natively the capacitance is basically nill per MF support. Thus, one can add plugs to get whatever value one wants. On the MC side, resistance starts at 100ohm internally and again one can add plugs to get to whatever one wants above that.

I like this sort of flexibility as I can just order plugs from Parts Express along with caps/resistors to suit my needs. For a cheap preamp, this is feature is nearly unheard of. The newer LX2-LPS works the same way from my understanding but does not come with any plugs but they are easy to get and make up yourself. The original version can also be run off a 5V cell phone battery pack as it uses micro usb.