CaptHowie Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 Hi All, I've just upgraded my turntable from an older Pioneer PL-12AC belt-drive turntable to a Technics SL-1200MK2 direct-drive turntable, and I thought a cartridge upgrade would also be in order (since I can put the old one on to the PL-12AC to keep using it out in the back room). I've currently got an Audio-Technica AT95E, which was attached to the PL-12AC. It sounds quite good on the SL-1200MK2, although since I've just spent a fair bit upgrading the turntable a cartridge upgrade is probably the next most logical choice. Has anyone got any cartridge suggestions for the SL-1200MK2? I've been looking at the bigger Audio-Technica models (120 and 440), as well as the Ortofon models (Red and Blue). Budget is around $150-$250 depending on how big the upgrade is I guess. Other suggestions are also welcome. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophool Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 The Denon DL-110 works well on the SL-1200, well within your budget. Has a fairly bouncy, make you listen sort of presentation. Funk Firm make an Achromat for the 1200 and by report it is worthwhile too. I use a 3mm Achromat over a 2mm silicone mat on mine. You might like an Ortofon 2M Blue or a Nagaoka too, both worth a look and within your budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hensa Posted August 29, 2013 Share Posted August 29, 2013 I run a 2M Blue on a 1210 M5G and they partner very well indeed. I would go for the Blue over the Red for a worthwhile upgrade over the AT95E which is an excellent budget MM. The other cartridge worth considering is the Denon DL-160 (if you can find it as now discontinued) which is a high output MC so can be used with the MM phono input. The cartridges are not too dissimilar in presentation style - dynamic and quite detailed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamg Posted August 31, 2013 Share Posted August 31, 2013 (edited) I've used few carts on my 1200 but have been very happy with the Denon DL110 which has been on for about 12 months now. IMO its a no brainer for your budget. You need to zero out the VTA on the stock arm with this cart. It's not a problem but consider grabbing a spacer from Duc at Golden Age Audio. I found these worthwhile. You can contact Duc (Lovetube) through SNA - may be a better option than ebay. Use the balance for a good platter mat which is an important investment. I also use an Achromat but plenty of options like Herbies. I've put a Jelco 750 arm on mine and had cone feet made from Delrin. The 1200 is a very enjoyable TT worth spending some $ on within reason. Happy to lend some advice on best money spent if you're interested. Edited August 31, 2013 by adamg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abe Khamis Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I have two 1200 Mark 3's and run a Denon DL-110 on one and an Ortofon Blue on the other. You cannot go wrong with either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruddiger Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 I am currently also using the Audio-Technica AT95E on my Technics 1200 MK2, and find it a pretty good match, particularly for the price. I am also however contemplating an upgrade of both cartridge and phono stage so would be keen to hear your comparisons between your AT cart and what ever you upgrade to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptHowie Posted September 2, 2014 Author Share Posted September 2, 2014 It's been a while, but I just received a DL-110 and I absolutely love it. A huge upgrade from the AT95E and highly recommended! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophool Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Glad you like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number 9 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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