My SL1200MK2 has all of the KAB mods and it is a damn nice package. I think it sounds better overall that my VPI HW-19 Mk3 with SME Series III. I am having no mistrakiing issues with my fully damped arm using four different cartridges. Headshells. The suggestion to consider Sumiko or LP Gear azimuth adjustable ones is something I have been contemplating too. My concern is that these head shells are much heavier than the stock Technics or the KAB version. A popular option for an arm upgrade is an SME 309. Try to get your hands on a copy of the February 2015 issue of HiFi World (UK) covering a bearing upgrade. The same company also offers a platter upgrade. In short you can take your SL1200MK2 a long way further. Kevin at KAB is extremely knowledgeable about this product, is very easy to work with the his modifications make these tables very, very good.
Upgrade from Technics 1200 MK2? $1-$1.5k budget
I'm faced with the option of selling the 1200 and buying another table, or spending for KAB upgrades. I'd like to explore a new table in the $1k-$1.5k price range rather than upgrade the 1200. The table must provide a good base upon which to upgrade.
I'd stick with the technics, but the tonearm is way to "fiddly" for me. There is way to much play in the headshell attachment area. The 2 screws on the bottom, and the single pin / bayonette style attachment are just to imperfect (maybe this is an advantage to some?). It seems like the slightest bump on the ortofon headshell, and I have to play with the azimuth. Also, i'm quite tired of dealing with ever so slight tracking issues. Very frustrating...
For completeness sake -- Stock 1200, AT120E/T, Baerwald protractor setup, 1.4-1.8 VTF, anti-skate 1.0-2.0, VTA at 0 (I have the thicker 1/4" technics mat). The setup is dead spot on, yet I still have tracking issues.
The VPI traveler jumps out at me as a good option. Likewise, Rega RP6, Clearaudio Concept (or SE). These are at the top end of my budget. The RP3 is around 1k, but all the reading I've done suggests that it might be a lateral move from the 1200. Pro-ject 5.1 as well.
One imperative feature must be ease of use / setup. I don't want to fiddle with anything. Thoughts?
I'd stick with the technics, but the tonearm is way to "fiddly" for me. There is way to much play in the headshell attachment area. The 2 screws on the bottom, and the single pin / bayonette style attachment are just to imperfect (maybe this is an advantage to some?). It seems like the slightest bump on the ortofon headshell, and I have to play with the azimuth. Also, i'm quite tired of dealing with ever so slight tracking issues. Very frustrating...
For completeness sake -- Stock 1200, AT120E/T, Baerwald protractor setup, 1.4-1.8 VTF, anti-skate 1.0-2.0, VTA at 0 (I have the thicker 1/4" technics mat). The setup is dead spot on, yet I still have tracking issues.
The VPI traveler jumps out at me as a good option. Likewise, Rega RP6, Clearaudio Concept (or SE). These are at the top end of my budget. The RP3 is around 1k, but all the reading I've done suggests that it might be a lateral move from the 1200. Pro-ject 5.1 as well.
One imperative feature must be ease of use / setup. I don't want to fiddle with anything. Thoughts?