Technics SL-1200MK2 Turntable - New Old Stock (NOS) Legendary! Includes New Ortofon Cartridge

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General:
This is the first ever New Old Stock (NOS) Technics SL-1200MK2 that we've ever had at SkyFi!

This 'table was only very carefully removed from its original box and packaging for photography. Everything is brand NEW! 

The SL-1200 (in particular the MK2 variant) helped start an entire genre of music and revolutionized turntables forever. Many audiophiles are still using their SL-1200MK2 'tables professionally and at home.

This particular 'table was originally manufactured in July of 2003 making it a late model in its production span which lasted from 1979-2010. We acquired it from an employee of Panasonic/Technics. 

We paired this beauty with a brand new Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 Moving-Magnet (MM) phono cartridge ($1,149). This is one of our absolute favorite moving magnet cartridges and this turntable deserves it. It will be mounted and set up using our 12 step calibration process ($390). If you would like a different cartridge (or no cartridge at all) please contact us upon purchase.

Included with the turntable and cartridge will be its dust cover (Unopened), box, accessories, and original manual.

This will also be double boxed to preserve the original Technics shipping box within.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
No signs of wear. New Old Stock!

Brand Background:
At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music. We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them. With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.

Ownership:
Brand New

Connections:
RCA phono output, Ground, Power

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
10/10 = Mint. Looks like new, likely used once (if that!). See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Everything like when it arrived new

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Type: manual turntable
Drive method: direct drive
Motor: brushless DC motor
Control method: quartz (mk2)
Platter: 332mm 2kg (mk2)
Speeds: 33.33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS (mk2)
Rumble: -78dB (mk2)
Tonearm: universal
Effective length: 230mm (mk2)
Overhang: 15mm (mk2)
Effective mass: 12g (mk2)
Stylus pressure range: 0 to 2.5g (mk2)

Dimensions:
17.83 x 14.17 x 6.38 in (453 x 360 x 162mm)

Weight:
27.5 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2003

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.