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Technics sp10 mrk2 or SL-1200mrkII

Hello. I am interested in getting a TT. I have not had one in quite some time. In talking with someone whom I respect, I was pointed in the direction of the sp10 mrk2. A friend of mine has an SL-1200mrkII. I know that I can get that from him without any issue. I also know that they are both direct drive tables. Is the sp10, leaps and bounds ahead of the 1200?
Thanks for any thoughts.
mikeduke
rwwear
2,847 posts
 
The SP-10 is a great TT but you will need a base and tonearm more than likely. Unless of course you can find one completely equiped.
mikeduke OP
59 posts
 
I know it will need to be "adapted". Have you heard the 1200?
Should I think about that as well or just try and get an SP10.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Both require custom work to sound best..

The SL1200 will have to be modified to compete with the SP10mk2... look at the KAB mods including the external powersupply, isoplat mat with a herbies on top since the SP10 has a more damped platter, and the damping tray for the arm.

The SP10mk2 will have to have base built for it..so if you run it stock it won't sound very good either... Plus you need an arm for it.

Also the other risk of the SP10mk2 is they have been bid up in price because of the popularity, and most don't get shipped with the platter stabilizer (piece of metal that screws down the platter to the chassis to prevent killing the bearings (which can't be repaired))... There are no repair parts unless you buy pieces from other broken units. Strobe light will probably be broken FYI.

If you aren't going to rewire the SL1200's arm you should buy a SL1210M5G which has upgraded wiring otherwise you can have your arm sent to KAB to have it Cardas wired.
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