The Technics SL1200

I used to own a cheap copy of a Technics SL1200 made by a company called SoundLab. It had a rubbish USB audio output and to say it wasn't robust is an major understatement. When the rather poor cartridge developed a fault I decided to throw the baby out with the bath water and start again.

So what turntable to choose? Taking into account my limited budget, I decided I definitely didn't want one of the ubiquitous Pro-Ject or Rega turntables. Having owned a Pro-Ject Debut deck for a few years I knew I couldn't go back to lifting the platter and moving a rubber band between wheels to change speed. Little weights dangling on pieces of nylon thread and a platter that takes an age to stop spinning when turned off aren't features I look for either. So what I wanted was something of better quality than my current deck but with the practicality of an SL1200 copy. Well, what about a real SL1200?

The SL1200 with its original Stanton 500 cartridge

The debate about whether the SL1200 is truly an 'audiophile' turntable still rages on Internet. The issue of belt versus direct drive finds me firmly on the direct side of the argument. Every belt drive deck I have ever owned has displayed noticeable wow and driven me to distraction. Similarly I have never noticed any added motor noise from direct drive and find the brake a useful function. With a high quality cartridge there is no reason why an SL1200 can't sound miles better than any entry level 'audiophile' turntable.

Having watched eBay auctions for a month or so I realised a few things. I needed a seller near to me as posting a heavy turntable with breakable parts is best avoided. Prices vary wildly depending on the cartridge installed and they are often sold in pairs. An original example in excellent condition will fetch between £200 to £250. Other criteria included an intact dust cover, working lights, to not have been gigged and totally unmodified (some of those Ortofon Concorde cartridges, blue neon lights and 'custom powder coatings' look dreadful).

The Rega Fono Mini is a marvel

Having won a suitable deck I couldn't help but be impressed by its solid construction. An SL1200 is made of a solid rubber base and weighs in at a hefty 12kg. On recommendation form a work colleague I ordered what turned out to be an essential element in improving the sound of my vinyl: a phono pre amp. Its amazing how much difference a little black box costing just £85 can make to the sound of a deck. The Rega Fono Mini is an amazing product that I recommend without hesitation. It even has a USB out so digital conversion is just as easy as any cheap USB equipped piece of junk. I have also thrown out the Technics slip mat and added a decidedly "non-slip" rubber mat and ordered a Denon DL110 cartridge.

The thing about playing vinyl on this set up is that it is a complete pleasure. Not only is the sound rich and punchy but the laborious nature of traditional turntables is eradicated. The SL1200 is very easy to live with and its practicality makes me more inclined to throw on an LP rather than an mp3; something I was not inclined to do with my old decks.

The critics and Hi-Fi snobs may sneer but the Sl1200 suits my needs and sounds better than any other turntable I have ever owned.