Can a Technics SL-1200G challenge the state of the art?

[Sablon Audio]

Finally fitted the Wand tonearm. Inspired by the longer arm Technics fits to the R version, I went for the 10.3” option. Sounds really good despite the rough initial set up and the MP500 cartridge being unused.

 

[SONDEKNZ]

BRAVO! You got the WAND Master 10.3"! Nice.

I remember when we swapped-out our beautiful LINN Ittok LVII for the WAND Plus on our springless LP12 hot-rod... My wife and I sat down for the first listen and the same word came to both our lips: "Effortless."

How would you describe the change in sound from your TECHNICS deck?

 

[hongkongfoufou]

I have the old Technics SL-1210 MKII and I have the SL-1000R too.

No match...
SL-1000R is better....

Some comparison with Nagaoka JT-80 - Audio-Technica ART-9 - ZYX 4D ...

Hello, I have done some comparison with Nagaoka JT-80 - Audio-Technica ART-9 - ZYX 4D ... You will say : What to do with ? It is not the same price !!! I agree, but prices do not all... hs I have 3 turntables : - Technics SL-1210 MKII for my 18 year's old...I am not 18 year's old now...LOL -...

www.whatsbestforum.com

 

[Sablon Audio]

@SONDEKNZ - I can’t give you a meaningful before / after comparison as not only had the arm been changed but also the cartridge and the input valves in my amp, since I last listened to the stock arm. I did however have some friends around yesterday and they insisted on coming back after dinner to listen some more. Like you, the word ‘effortless’ was used. They clearly enjoyed the sound also.

My takeaway from adding this arm is just how good the SL1300g can sound with a handful of mods despite the relatively modest cartridge (mp500) and an inbuilt mm card.