2. analog
  3. 1228927977

Technics SL1200: standard overhang gauge or MintLP

Hello Guys,

Some days ago I started a thread asking the difference from the cartridge setup on a Technics SL1200 with the stock white gauge and the Baerwald points by other Tractors
Well , as I told to Tvad I bought the MintLP Best Tractor and I tried the new overhang position.
Pratically is about 2.5/3.00 mm forward respect the standard white plastic gauge point so theorically the arm is longer with MintLP setup
I'm listening this new setup and I have to say Tvad was right when he said the sonic result is much better with the MintLP setup
Not only there is much less distortion like Tvad wrote .. but there is a large improvment in soundstage more wide depth and heigh more focus
As quality of sound I'm noticeing better bass quantity just tuneful and splendid heights super fine
I strongly suggest Technics SL12xx owners to buy that MintLP Best Tractor and to reset the cartidge position if done with the standard white gauge

Thanks Tvad for your suggestion

Best wishes to EveryOne

Curio
128x128curio
rotarius
431 posts
 
It's not Stevenson but it's close if you set the Stevenson inner groove radius at 57.5 mm which is then the inner null point. The Technics alignment inner null point is 58.8 mm if I recall correctly. I have set up carts both ways and the difference is not audible to me.  I have no issues with IGD, sibilance or tracking.  I like it for orchestral pieces and for minimizing offset angle error. 
erikt
256 posts
 
Well, all I can say is there a body of postings on different forums that claim the 1200 is Stevenson.

And here it isn't.

Hence my confusion - and humble curiosity to something definitive from the actual 1200 specifications.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
You can read the manuals on vinylengine database. Cheers,
Spencer
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@erikt 

Do you mean Technics SL1200 or SL1200 MK2?

 I'm talking about SL1200 mk2, the earlier 1200 comes with different tonearm, i have never tried.

So the 52mm cartridge overhang alingment tool that comes with 1200 mk2 tonearm is not Stevenson geometry for sure!

 I know this because i use Stevenson on this tonearm with stock technics headshell (gold version) with my grado cartridges.

My tool is Dr. Feickert alignment which is presicion device to set up the carts to Stevenson, Baerwald or Lofgren. When my cartridge set to Stevenson the overhang is not 52mm, but a bit more than 53mm. It's easy to check by inserting the cart/shell back to Technics plastic tool to make sure the diamond is not on the 52mm mark (where it should be according to technics tool), but 1.2mm forward and a little bit twisted toward the center on the platter. 
erikt
256 posts
 
@chakster
I was referring to the SL1200mkII - which I have.

I’ve not tried any other alignment other than that using the overhang tool as I’ve read elsewhere that the mkII is designed/aligned for Stevenson, and any other alignment requires a non-OEM headshell with longer slots.

As I look at my current OEM  headshell with a DL-160, the bolts/screws are already close to the top end of the slots, so that lends credence to needing a different headshell for different alignments.
More to discover