Hi guys,
As promised, I am going to review the two latest upgrades to my Technics SL-1210. First I would like to share the pic of my turntable. Here it is:
As you can see, the most basic upgrade which I have done is to make a mat out of 2mm cork sheet. This is a very easy and cheap upgrade which will help improve the sound. I have compared the sound between this and a felt mat and there is a noticeable difference. There is absolutely no need to buy cork mats online costing $20 upwards. An entire sheet comes for about $5 and one can make at least 4 mats out of it.
Now coming to the latest upgrades, first is the michell engineering record clamp as seen below:
I am sure most of you have seen it or already using it. This is also a very cheap upgrade costing $45 max and it is very efficient in reducing the damage to the stylus caused by warps and it also helps in creating a better contact between the stylus and the groove. I would definitely recommend this especially for Technics TT as it is very lightweight and will not damage the platter. Other record weights/clamps are heavier. Also, a washer is supplied with the clamp which is supposed to be more effective but my experience is not very good as it has an opposite effect and makes the record float in the air and therefore increasing the stylus movement.
The last upgrade for now is the most recommended. This is the replacement of the stock feet with Vibrapods. This is a very discreet upgrade but the difference in sound is astonishing. For starters, I used to listen with volume between 9 and 10 and now I do not go beyond 9. Apart from the loudness, there is also a much clearer instrument separation and a definite increase in the bass. They come in 5 models as per the weight they can carry. I am using a Model 3 as seen below:
As you can see, it is simply a rubber base made of high quality vinyl which is very flexible and 4 of these are enough to take the weight of the Technics. But one can always use more for added dampening. There is also an option to make a sandwich using an 1/2" MDF board between the turntable and the vibrapods. This is supposedly better and I will try it out at a later stage.
Another advantage is that you can use them with the dome side up or down. I chose using them with the dome downwards because with the dome up, I could not level the turntable. It is also advised to use some felt or coaster below the vibrapods to safeguard the surface below. Here is how I have placed them:
I hope the above post will help some of you out there who have the itch to upgrade but do not know if it is worth it or not. I can assure you these upgrades which cost less than $100 in total are totally value for money and should be done before any major upgrades like tonearm re-wiring or rca cable replacement which involves opening the turntable and soldering as well.
RD