Technics SL-1200/1210 Review

Overall Rating

Simplicity
Build quality
Durability
Sound quality

Anti skate adjustment.

This turntable is the industry standard.
The vast majority of clubs use them, so why not do yourself a favour and get used to using one?

Sound quality is great for a DJ turntable, and still up there with a lot of Hi-Fi turntables.

Buy the mk2 every time.
The mk5 has been tweaked and has a digital speed control, but it's way more expensive.

Many people criticise the S-shaped arm, but FACT - A straight arm cannot track the groove of the record accurately from start to finish.
A straight arm will wear out your records. If you don't want the needle to skip when scratching, take the time to set up the cartridge alignment PERFECTLY and you will have no problems. Straight arms are a GIMMICK.

Every other DJ turntable maker has added stupid bells and whistles to their product to try and convince you that theirs is better.
A turntable is a tool for reproducing music. What you do with that tool is where the skill comes into it.
That's why the Technics deck is still the market leader after all these years. Don't be fooled by clever marketing and high profile endorsements.

Once you've bought turntables, you MUST take the time to set them up properly. Otherwise you may as well just plug an iPod into your mixer and pretend!

Follow these instructions:

1. Level the platter (without slip mat) with a spirit level. This makes a HUGE difference to sound for no cost - just a small amount of time.
2. Spend the time getting the cartridge set up properly. Take it to a Hi-Fi shop if you are not confident. Otherwise your records will sound terrible and the needle will wear them out fast.
3. Set up the tracking weight from cartridge instructions. Don't cut corners or you'll be replacing your record collection next year.
4. Unless you are scratching, set up the anti skating (read the cartridge instructions) Here is one of the mk2's downfalls - anti skating only goes up to 3. A lot of DJ cartridges need up to 5 (this has been solved on mk5).
SOLUTION - buy a cartridge that has a tracking weight of 3 grams or less.
Shure 44G is unbeatable for the money. Concorde designs are a GIMMICK. If you want fancy looks and easy set-up, Shure White Label is the go. I HAVE NO AFFILIATION TO THIS BRAND, THEY ARE SIMPLY GREAT PRODUCTS. ASK OTHER DJ'S.
5. Set the arm height. IMPORTANT - if like everyone else you have removed the heavy rubber mat and replaced it with a slip mat. you will notice that these mats are different thicknesses. get a ruler and measure them. Take this into account when setting the height.

This may seem like a lot of hassle - BUT (with the exception of leveling the platter) YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO IT ONCE.

Now your new turntables will sound better than you thought possible, and they won't skip.

While we're at it.
Never put coins on the headshell to add weight. This will make the diamond tip of your cartridge tear the grooves out of your records.
Never lick the contacts of your headshells. This will slowly corrode them and you will end up with no sound at all.

Members' Comments onwaxonwaxoffsydney's Review

• Bertie on 29th Sep 2006

  "Never put coins on the headshell to add weight. This will make the diamond tip of your cartridge tear the grooves out of your records."
  
  This ploy was popular with some enthusiasts many years ago, but the extra weight was balanced out by the arm counterweight. It was supposed to enhance infra bass; especially if the arm was a very lightweight one carrying a cartridge with a high compliance cantilever suspension.
  
  I don't know if it was successful, but I rather suspect the effect could well be as you describe!
  
  Nice to know the SL 1200 is still about and that you enjoy it. Happy listening mate.