My pride and joy: Technics SL-1200M3D

I just wanted to show off some “glamour” shots of my turntable. It maybe considered a DJ deck but it sure sounds sweet. I replaced the stock slip mat with a Herbie’s Way Exellent Mat II and am using Herbie’s SuperSonic Record Stabilizer too. I highly recommend the combo as it has gotten rid of unwanted resonance and really helps with warped records. With regular records, the Herbie mat and weigh have created a darker background and lowered the noise floor.

Technics SL-1200M3D

Technics SL-1200M3D

The Grado Gold1 has about 40 hours on it and is starting to settle down nicely. Out of the box it was very dynamic with heavy bass and a bit sibilant highs on some records. Now it’s smoothed out substantially and really lets the mids shine. Bass is deep and controlled but could be more controlled with tighter impact. Highs are smooth and unoffensive, although not the most transparent as I would like. I’m guessing this is because the Grado doesn’t pair nicely with the medium mass stock Technics arm.

Technics SL-1200M3D, Grado Gold1

Tracking could be better but it never bounces or skips around. I think the Grado Gold1 would pair nicely with a lower mass arm. I’m glad to report that I don’t get any of the dreaded “Grado hum” that many forum goers experience, even though my Technics motor is directly underneath the cartridge. Overall, the Gold1 pairs nicely with my Musical Fidelity V-LPS, Little Country III hybrid preamp, and my Grado RA-1 amp. Makes my RS2i headphones sound sweet. I guess I am a bit of a Grado fan boy but I think a Denon 103R may be in my future…budget permitting, of course!

Technics SL-1200M3D, Grado Gold1


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2 responses to “My pride and joy: Technics SL-1200M3D”

  1. Sammy Avatar

    Hello Lewis,
    I have a Technics SL-5210 turntable, it seems so rare, i think the tone arm looks similar to your lovely TT. I was thinking of getting a Grado Prest Gold 1, can get delivered for 200, but also read about the hum issue around forums. I currently use Nagaoka MP11, was thinking GoldRing2100, coz higher output 6.6. Grado had a 5star review from Techradar, while Stereophile wasnt so kind.

  2. Lewis Avatar

    I’ve never seen a Technics SL-5210 but it looks like another quality TT from Technics! I was a bit hesitant about getting a Grado cart because of the hum issues but I bought a cheap Black1 to try out and it was super quiet, warm, and smooth so I decided to step up to the Gold1. Hopefully you won’t have any nasty hum if you decide to get the Gold1!