Technics 1200/1210 servicing and modification

[acidbearboy]

I’m sending one of my decks off to https://www.technics-service.co.uk for a service. There is an optional upgrade for premium gold plated rca cables, which apparently give “the best technical specifications” but there’s a lack of any detail about what that would mean in real terms. 

 

There’s also the option of a new original bulb for the pop up lamp or an LED replacement. I’ve had my decks about 25 years and never had an issue with either of the bulbs so I’m dubious to change them. But at the same time I’m also thinking maybe 25 years is good going and they will blow shortly after I get my newly serviced deck returned! Anybody got the LED mod? Is it any better? I quite like the warm yellow glow. 
 

Any input welcome. Thanks!

[ZOK]

I think he did both my bulbs when I got mine refurbed there, but definitely not LEDs, they are yellow as anything.

 

Regarding the cables (and everything really!) I’d say pay as much as you can afford if you want the peace of mind. He’s a decent guy and if he says the best tech specs that will be from an electrical engineer’s point of view. Does that mean you will hear any difference? Personally I think not, but then I don’t expect 1200s to be hi-fi really anyway, and I’ve pretty much detuned my brain from caring too much about audio excellence anyway…it works out much cheaper!  

[ZOK]

There’s a lot of new info on his site since I last looked, some interesting stuff…he’s really scathing about the new MK7s!

 

https://www.technics-service.co.uk/app/download/18150519/MK7+advice.pdf

[acidbearboy]

I’m gonna stick with standard cables, as neither my carts or my hi-fi set up is fancy and a lot of my records definitely aren’t audiophile condition! I’ll get the bulb replaced like for like, mostly because I’ll be annoyed if the old one goes shortly after the refurbishment. 
 

@ZOK did you send your via courier or deliver them in person?

[ZOK]

5 minutes ago, acidbearboy said:

I’m gonna stick with standard cables, as neither my carts or my hi-fi set up is fancy and a lot of my records definitely aren’t audiophile condition! I’ll get the bulb replaced like for like, mostly because I’ll be annoyed if the old one goes shortly after the refurbishment. 
 

@ZOK did you send your via courier or deliver them in person?

We went down and camped in Weymouth for a couple of days while he did them, so I got to have a look at his workshop, which is basically a garage with every bit of electronics in it you can imagine. He’s a really nice guy, he played us some of his music he’d made, he’s got a little studio set up in there too.

[myoozikk]

On 17/03/2023 at 15:03, acidbearboy said:

I’m sending one of my decks off to https://www.technics-service.co.uk for a service. There is an optional upgrade for premium gold plated rca cables, which apparently give “the best technical specifications” but there’s a lack of any detail about what that would mean in real terms. 

 

There’s also the option of a new original bulb for the pop up lamp or an LED replacement. I’ve had my decks about 25 years and never had an issue with either of the bulbs so I’m dubious to change them. But at the same time I’m also thinking maybe 25 years is good going and they will blow shortly after I get my newly serviced deck returned! Anybody got the LED mod? Is it any better? I quite like the warm yellow glow. 
 

Any input welcome. Thanks!

I used to do these jobs on the weekends when I was In school. I used to love repairing technics (apart from the 700 screws to undo to take the rubber base off.)

 

bulb replacement was a pretty standard job, mainly cos on the old models popping them up fast actually pinches the bulb wires & would eventually cut them but an easy fix.

 

on an average service we’d replace the bulbs, the pitch fader & often replace the audio wires (annoyingly directly soldered to the circuit board)

 

Imo with a good place doing it I’d do bulbs, pitch & cables. Should pretty much feel like new after. Motors are rock solid, same with the tone arms (as long as they’ve not been abused)

[Lovelyman]

I wouldn’t bother with premium cables. Wires are wires. 

[krenzler]

One thing that matters for tonearm cable wiring though (both internal/external) is capacitance - when using an MM type cartridge as most do. Total capacitance (phonostage included) affects the mechanical dampening of the cartridge generator and hence the frequency response (treble behaviour). Best to use low capacitance cabling as you can always add some pF but not take away. MC cartridges are pretty much immune to capacitive load. 

 

http://www.hagtech.com/loading.html

[Dr Nookie]

Well this is a timely thread. I’ve been meaning to send mine off there since Zok pointed me that way ages ago but keep putting it off as I’d have to send them. 
They really need doing to, as the tone arm adjustment is seized (common) one has a hum and a bulb has gone.  
Given they’re 35+ years old it’s no surprise but still a magnificent run. 
I must get them done…

[Lovelyman]

23 hours ago, krenzler said:

One thing that matters for tonearm cable wiring though (both internal/external) is capacitance - when using an MM type cartridge as most do. Total capacitance (phonostage included) affects the mechanical dampening of the cartridge generator and hence the frequency response (treble behaviour). Best to use low capacitance cabling as you can always add some pF but not take away. MC cartridges are pretty much immune to capacitive load. 

 

http://www.hagtech.com/loading.html

Agreed, but he was specifically talking about RCA cables.

[krenzler]

Yes but the RCA cables going out from the TT to the phonostage still need to be low capacitance just like the internal tonearm wiring. Everything that carries the weak output from the cartridge before it gets corrected and amplified by RIAA. I'm sure the ones Technics provide are fine - just as a reminder if someone goes looking for some aftermarket solution. 

[acidbearboy]

I did ask the technician about the advantage of the gold RCA cables over the standard ones, to which he replied: “The upgraded RCA cables can give a better sound quality if you ever choose high end carts such as Audio Technica ART series.” I checked the price of these carts and promptly told him to stick with the standard cables. Here’s the info from his FAQ page

 

The best cables for these turntables are the Technics branded Part number RJL4P002S12 which has very high quality OFC cable and gold plated connectors. The standard cables are part no RJL2P009S12 which now fitted as standard as part of a service (included in the service parts cost). Both have very good core-screen capacitance specifically designed for RIAA equalisation curve which is on all tonearm pickups. The premium gold plated cables give the best technical specifications over the standard cables which they come with and are given as a option when booking for a service. Plus they fit correctly in the clamp under the base of the tonearm where many thicker cables will not fit and can cause issues.

[acidbearboy]

Can anybody recommend a plastic lid/dust cover? Official ones are like gold dust it seems. 

[Art Vandelay]

There are good alternatives. I think trying to source originals is a fool's errand as they're either extremely spenny or in a terrible state by this point.