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Category: Technics

  • How To Lubricate A Technics Turntable

    How To Lubricate A Technics Turntable

    “How do you lubricate a Technics turntable” is a question that needs a thorough answer. This particular turntable is expensive, so enthusiasts take care of it the best way they can. That way, they will be able to maintain the quality of their record player. 

    To lubricate a Technics turntable, you need to:

    • Remove the platter and clean any residual grease
    • Apply about a pea size of lubricant inside the spindle hole
    • Place the platter back to the turntable and let it run for 1-2 hours to distribute the grease. (source)

    A record player is no doubt an expensive piece of equipment. So, apart from lubricating it, you also need to know how to take care of it properly. 

    How Do You Lubricate A Record Player?

    A turntable is a type of equipment that requires mechanical precision for it to work correctly. If one of its parts is not working the way it should, the entire record player will mess up. 

    “How do you lubricate a Technics turntable” is a question that needs a thorough answer. This particular turntable is expensive, so enthusiasts take care of it the best way they can.

    One of the problems that can mess up a record player is not enough lubrication. If the moving parts of the turntable become dry, they will not spin smoothly, which may decrease its sound quality.

    So, how do you lubricate a Technics turntable and other turntable types in general? 

    Lubricate The Bearing

    Lubricating the platter bearing is essential to maintain the right speed of your record player. Proper lubrication of the platter bearing can even affect the turntable’s overall lifetime. On the other hand, the turntable will acquire damages, which can render it useless. 

    Moreover, the lubrication on the turntable bearing can disappear by playing the equipment regularly. It can also get dirty as the metals rub against each other. 

    That said, you need to regularly check up if the turntable’s axle has enough oil. The ideal thing to do is to renew the lubrication after three years of continuous turntable use. 

    Apply a pea-size amount of lubricant to the platter bearing. Then, turn the record player on and allow it to spin to distribute the oil evenly. 

    Lube Up The Cartridge

    How do you lubricate a Technics turntable and any other turntables? Apart from lubricating the platter bearing, it is essential to note that the cartridge also dries out over time. 

    The stylus or diamond is grooving continuously with the record. For this reason, it suffers from degradation in the long run. If your record player has a high tracking force, the faster it will be for the stylus to wear out. 

    Additionally, the rubber of the cartridge suspension loses its lubrication over time. If that happens, the rubber hardens and becomes less sensitive. As a result, the playback quality of the record player decreases. (source)

    To prevent this issue from happening, you need to lubricate the cartridge correctly. For this step, you need to: 

    • remove and clean the u-clamp
    • inspect if there is any hard, cracked rubber or dents
    • check if the outer rim has become slippery
    • remove any residual grease or dirt buildup in the axle hole
    • apply a dab of grease on the bottom of the idler wheel hole, making sure not to grease the rubber surfaces (source)

    How Do You Lubricate A Technics Turntable?

    Lubricating your Technics turntable is similar to how you lubricate other record players. You need to clean the parts carefully, ensuring no dust, dirt-buildup, or grease left. 

    However, it is essential to note that you should never use any cleaning agent that contains alcohol, thinner, or benzine. In addition, you should avoid wiping the platter bearing with a chemical dust cloth. The reason is that chemical-based and harsh cleaners can ruin the surface or your turntable, impeding its audio quality. 

    After cleaning the turntable and the platter bearing, the next thing you need to do is to lubricate it. So, how do you lubricate a Technics turntable?

    For every 2000 operation hours of your Technics turntable, you need to apply two to three drops of lubricant. Then, just like any other record player, turn your Technics turntable on and let it spin for approximately one to two hours. This way, the oil that you applied will distribute evenly. (source)

    Maintaining Your Technics Turntable

    There is a considerable increase in the popularity of turntables. But since most of the record players you can find in the market were created a long time ago, they can be expensive to acquire. 

    Technics SL-1210MK2 Professional Turntable

    But no matter how expensive your record player is, keeping it in good shape is not difficult or costly. The key to keeping your record player in its best shape regardless of continuous use is regular maintenance. Meaning you need to keep your turntable cleaned and tuned. Proper care will also help your record player to have a long cartridge life. 

    If you happen to have a Technics record player, it is not enough that you know how to you lubricate a Technics turntable. Instead, you also need to know how to take care of your record player to maintain its quality. 

    1. Apply support for your record player

    Whenever you walk across your room, your footsteps tend to cause a jarring effect on your record player. To prevent it from happening, you need to choose the right platform for your turntable. 

    It would be best if you prevented your turntable from vibrating to avoid messing up its parts. The reason is that letting your record player shake will interfere with its signal. This way, you will be able to keep the equipment from having distorted sound. 

    1. Clean the stylus using a carbon fiber brush

    Your turntable will skip and have a distorted sound if the stylus acquires dirt and dust buildup. For this reason, you must have an excellent stylus brush made of carbon fiber. You can also use mild cleaners to maintain the excellent quality of your stylus. 

    In addition, it is ideal for replacing the stylus after every 3000 hours of use. This way, you will be able to maintain the good audio quality of your record player.

    1. Replace the turntable’s belt every few years

    If you have a belt-drive turntable, it is not enough that you can answer, “how do you lubricate a Technics turntable.” But you also need to be familiar with when you should replace certain parts.

    For instance, you should know when it is time to replace the turntable belt. 

    It would be best if you replaced the belt the moment you begin to see it slipping on its pulley lower than usual. Hearing the belt slipping whenever you open your record player indicates that the belt already requires replacement. 

    1. Calibrate the anti-shake, tracking force, and height settings correctly

    Proper calibration is vital to help you avoid an increase in record wear and skipping of needles. 

    Moreover, it is essential to check all the parts of your record player to maintain the best quality that it can offer. But you need to know how many superior arms for the tonearms matter. It is regarded as one of the essential parts of your record player. 

    1. Align your anti-skate counterweight 

    The anti-skate counterweight of your record player makes sure that your stylus is sitting perfectly in the grooves’ center while the record is spinning. Proper alignment is crucial as it can heavily affect how your stylus sits inside the grooves of your record. 

    It is not enough that you know how do you lubricate a Technics turntable. Instead, it is equally important that the anti-shake counterweight is aligned correctly, si the stylus does not move away from the record grooves. (source)

    Related Articles

    Sources 

    1. Maintenance Rules, Pro-ject Audio Systems, Accessed September 9, 2021. 
    2. Henry Haven Windsor, Twelve Record Changers, Popular Mechanics, Accessed September 9, 2021. 
    3. Manuals Brands Technics Manuals Turntable SL-3200 Operating Instructions Manual: Adjustment Of Arm-Lift Height; Adjustment For Automatic Return Position – Technics SL-3200 Operating Instructions Manual, Manuals Lib, Accessed September 9, 2021. 
    4. How To: Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Turntable, Techaeris.Com,/ Accessed September 9, 2021. 

    • How To Lubricate A Technics Turntable

      How To Lubricate A Technics Turntable

      “How do you lubricate a Technics turntable” is a question that needs a thorough answer. This particular turntable is expensive, so enthusiasts take care of it the best way they can. That way, they will be able to maintain the quality of their record player.  To lubricate a Technics turntable, you need to: Remove the

      Read More

    • A Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Your Technics 1210

      A Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Your Technics 1210

      Technics make a fantastic bunch of turntables. But maintaining your turntable is essential to keeping it in good condition. The 1210 model is no different in its requirements for maintenance. However, knowing the correct way to perform a cleaning service is vital to proper turntable maintenance. The process for cleaning a Technics 1210 is no

      Read More

    • The Differences Between Technics 1200 and 1210

      The Differences Between Technics 1200 and 1210

      Technics 1200’s are known as some of the best direct-drive turntables in the industry. The record player has dominated the industry for decades, leading as a benchmark to follow for competition. But what is the difference between the SL-1200 and the slightly more expensive SL-1210 models? Let’s find out. The Technics SL-1200 and the SL-1210

      Read More

  • A Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Your Technics 1210

    A Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Your Technics 1210

    Technics make a fantastic bunch of turntables. But maintaining your turntable is essential to keeping it in good condition. The 1210 model is no different in its requirements for maintenance. However, knowing the correct way to perform a cleaning service is vital to proper turntable maintenance.

    The process for cleaning a Technics 1210 is no different from the process of cleaning a Technics 1200. However, to avoid any confusion, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide to cleaning your turntable without wrecking it or getting yourself electrocuted.

    Cleaning your turntable is vital for a turntable’s longevity and proper operation. So, let’s get started and walk through a good cleaning of your Technics turntable.

    Technics 1200 Series Turntable Cleaning Procedure

    Cleaning a Technics 1210 is the same as cleaning a Technics 1200. The only differences between the two models are a voltage selector on the 1210 and the fact that the 1210 model is usually black in color instead of the silver-grey of the 1200 model.

    Technics SL-1210MK2 Professional Turntable

    What You’ll Need

    • Sponge
    • Warm water
    • Mild soap (no perfumes, moisturizers, or additives)
    • Bucket (for your soapy water)
    • Cotton swab sticks (brand Q-Tip is well-known)
    • A stylus cleaning brush
    • Alcohol (optional)
    • Paper towels (optional)

    Most Important First Step

    Unplug your turntable completely. It includes power and audio cables. There should be no wires plugged into the turntable at all when you start cleaning. It is for safety reasons. You do not want to get electrocuted while cleaning your turntable.

    Turntable Cover Cleaning

    If you have a turntable dust cover installed, or rather, haven’t removed the stock cover that came with the turntable, then it’s likely you’ll want to clean it.

    In time the dust covers can lose clarity. However, that’s more of restoration, so I’ll save that for another day. Today, let’s focus on cleaning.

    The dust cover is made of clear plastic. However, the plastic is somewhat rigid, and we don’t want to scratch the clear surface. Therefore I recommend only using a soft cloth and warm water mixed with a small amount of mile soap.

    When I clean my turntables, I take a small pail and add some warm water. The soap I use is a bar soap with zero additives, so I just put the bar into the water and rub it a few times until there’s a small amount of soapiness in the water. Then, I remove the bar and save it for another day, leaving me just the soapy warm water.

    The cloth I use is a small microfiber cloth that won’t scratch the plastic. 

    1. Mix your warm soapy water.
    2. Wet soft cloth in water and wring out all water possible so the rag is moist but will not drip, even when squeezed.
    3. Wipe the top of the dust cover to remove dust. 
    4. Churn the cloth in water to remove the dust you just removed and wring out the cloth well a second time. Again, no dripping even when squished.
    5. Wipe the cover again. The interior won’t need wiping if it has been left installed on the turntable.

    Platter And Body Cleaning

    Here we will use the same pail of warm water and a soft cloth. We will also use the rag and some cotton swab sticks. Alcohol is optional. I’ll explain when I get to that point.

    Platter and Underneath

    1. Remove your platter slipmat or rubber mat. If you need to wash the rubber mat, look at my article on cleaning a turntable rubber mat best.
    2. Your platter will have two holes. Using both hands, hook your stronger fingers (one per hand) into the two holes. Using your thumb, press down on the center spindle while pulling up on the two holes to lift the platter off the spindle. 
    3. The platter is a part of the direct-drive motor. It’s why you need to push on the spindle when you lift the platter, so the spindle lets go of the platter, and the platter will rise off the spindle and lower assembly.
    4. After removing the spindle, you’ll notice a plastic cover over the electronic guts underneath. The cover is held on by several screws, which you will need to remove now that the platter is out of the way.
    5. Under the plastic cover you’ve just removed, you will see a large circuit board, half of the direct-drive motor and some wiring, and other such guts. In addition, there will be a half-inch edge around where you screwed off the plastic cover, and you will see dust and dirt around this edge. 
    6. Using your sponge, soak with your warm soapy water and wring out exceptionally thoroughly. Next, use the moist sponge to wipe out the dirt around the circumference of the edge you have exposed.
    7. Using your cotton swab sticks and some rubbing alcohol, moisten the cotton with the alcohol, but squeeze it out, so it’s again moist but won’t drip. Use this to get into the fine edge that would be under the edge of your platter. Also, use the swabs to clean any dust that has accumulated around the circuit board. Do not touch the circuit board at all, though.
    8. Once clean, do a once-over with a clean and dry cotton swab stick. It will pick up any last bits of dust or moisture left behind to ensure a clean under-platter.
    9. You can use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean the plastic cover after removal. Then you can dry it properly and ensure it’s dry before reinstallation.
    10. Reinstall the circuit cover and the platter.

    Main Turntable Body

    Treat the main turntable body as you would the cover. A moist, soft cloth and a wipe down for dust is likely all that is required. 

    Use extra caution around knobs or the slider. It would be best if you used the cotton swab sticks with rubbing alcohol in these areas. Rubbing alcohol ensures that it evaporates and that you don’t short anything out by leaving the water. Remember, you don’t need to use alcohol, but it’s better for electronics than water.

    Tonearm Assembly 

    The turntable tonearm assembly is a bit more complicated to do a thorough cleaning. My advice is unless it is severely dirty, I would avoid disassembling. I’ve used the same turntables for years and never had to disassemble the actual tonearm assembly, although I have replaced one. Typically, you can maintain these assemblies with some TLC and delicate care. Here’s how I go about it:

    1. I use mostly just cotton swab sticks and rubbing alcohol to clean the tonearm assembly (anti-skate, balance, and arm). Due to the delicate tiny cracks and crevices, it can be difficult to access, so I ensure a moist (but not enough to drip) cotton swab using rubbing alcohol.
    2. Go over the edge carefully to remove any dust accumulated around the rotating unit’s perimeter. Remember that there are electronics underneath, so be cautious and never use anything wet that could drip.
    3. Clean all the little nooks and crannies around the anti-skate, balance, and counterweight parts of the tonearm assembly. Use the cotton swab sticks because not much else will fit in many spots without you jamming it in. Doing this could cause liquid to drip out of the sponge or cloth, so stick to using the cotton swab sticks for this part.
    4. As I don’t recommend disassembly (you need to take the body apart to get at the inside workings of the tonearm assembly), it shouldn’t be too difficult to clean. It’s just a bit time-consuming due to all the small spots you need to try to access in and around the tonearm assembly.
    5. Lastly, take your stylus cleaning brush and gently brush the needle from back to front. You will only need to brush it a few times to remove any dust. Do not try to wash or wipe with your wet cloth or sponge. 

    To clean any further, you would need to disassemble your turntable seriously. Although I’ve done this a few times, I don’t recommend you disassemble any more than the cover under the platter, or you can seriously damage components. Having to replace an expensive part because of a failed attempt at cleaning is a poor way to reward yourself for the hard work of cleaning your appliance.

  • The Differences Between Technics 1200 and 1210

    The Differences Between Technics 1200 and 1210

    Technics 1200’s are known as some of the best direct-drive turntables in the industry. The record player has dominated the industry for decades, leading as a benchmark to follow for competition. But what is the difference between the SL-1200 and the slightly more expensive SL-1210 models? Let’s find out.

    The Technics SL-1200 and the SL-1210 are both acclaimed models of record players. Highly similar in many features, the SL-1200 has more features a DJ will like than the 1210, geared to the audiophile.

    Being such a versatile and respected base platform, the Technics 12xx lines of turntables have garnered the respect of DJs and audiophiles alike. Technic has done its best to distinguish two versions of the classic 1200, each suited to an individual audience.

    I’ll go through all the features and point out the similarities between the new Technic turntable models available on the market. That way, you’ll have all the information you need to know, so let’s just dive right in and get this record spinning.

    Current Models of Technics 12xx

    It’s easy to get misled by the denizens of net experts, especially in forums. Everyone loves company, so everyone thinks they know, and everyone thinks their model is the best. But, I’ve got some news for you – there are many models in the Technic 12__ series, four to be exact.

    There are more if we’re talking historically, but in terms of new equipment, this is what the current lineup of the 1200s (including 1210s) that you can get from Technic.

    • SL-1200G – The standard model 1200 direct drive record player.
    • SL-1200GR – 1200G with upgraded motor, motor control, platter, and tonearm.
    • SL-1200MK7 – The DJ’s choice model with reverse play function.
    • SL-1210GR – 1200G with upgraded motor, motor control, platter, and tonearm (black).

    As you can see from the list I put together above, the four current Technic 12xx series of turntables are slightly different.

    When we compare all the specifications, the two turntables, the SL-1200GR and the SL-1210GR, are indeed the same, save for the color of the body. That and a typically hefty price difference at the cash register also.

    The components are the same, but when we compare the other 1200 models, we see that there are indeed some pretty significant differences between a 1200 and 1210. Let’s look at those features that differentiate the models.

    Features Comparison Between The Technics SL-12xx Models

    If you were trying to distinguish between the models of Technic turntable, you likely happen upon several forums where everyone with an answer seems to say that the 1200 and 1210 are the same. That would be inaccurate. I’m going to clear this up.

    When laid out side by side, the features and differences of models show the clear and distinct differences of turntable models. Take a look at the table below.

     

    Technics SL-1200G

    Technics SL-1200GR

    Technics SL-1200MK7

    Technics SL-1210GR

    Speeds

    33 ⅓, 45, 78

    33 ⅓, 45, 78

    33 ⅓, 45, 78

    33 ⅓, 45, 78

    Reverse Play Function

    		  

    Yes

    		 

    Platter Weight

    7 15/16 lbs (3.6 kg, incl. Rubber mat)

    5.51 lbs (2.5 kg, incl. Rubber mat)

    4 lbs (1.8 kg)

    5.51 lbs (2.5 kg, incl. Rubber mat)

    Platter Characteristics

    Brass and Aluminum diecast combined

    Aluminum diecast

    Aluminum diecast

    Aluminum diecast

    Starting Torque

    2.2 kg x cm

    2.2 kg x cm

    1.8 kg x cm

    2.2 kg x cm

    Start-Up Time @ 33 ⅓ RPM

    0.7s

    0.7s

    0.7s

    0.7s

    Overall Weight

    39.7 lbs (18 kg)

    25.35 lbs (11.5 kg)

    21.2 lbs (9.6 kg)

    25.35 lbs (11.5 kg)

    Available Colors

    Silver

    Gunmetal Grey

    Silver, Black

    Black

    Power Consumption

    14 Watts

    11 Watts

    8 Watts

    11 Watts

    The features comparison takeaway is that the G and MK7 models are quite different, even on the same base platform. The GR models are identical save for color and likely price.

    Given the GR models are the same, let’s look at what makes the G and the MK7 stand out in the crowd.

    Aside from the apparent feature allowing one to reverse the direction of the platter, there are some other unique differences between the models of Technic record player that are noteworthy.

    Starting Torch And Platter Weight

    Two more distinct differences between the Technic 1200 models are the weight of the platter and the initial torque.

    I find it quite interesting that the initial torque of the DJ version of 1200 is the least powerful of the bunch. However, it is relative to the decrease in weight. A more substantial torque might cause records to slip on the slipmat making for weird and broken beginnings.

    Although it might be an idea to attempt upgrading to a higher torque motor, you might have to consider adding weight to the platter to counter any slip from over-torque.

    Weight

    The most significant difference between Technic 12xx models is the overall weight. The G model comes in at a lofty 39.7 lbs. Let’s just call it 40 pounds; it’s a beast. It’s solid. It’s not going anywhere in a hurricane-force wind. It’s a monster of stability.

    Now compare the large beast G model to the MK7 DJing rig that comes in at just over half the weight of the G at 21.2 pounds. It’s literally near half the weight. The unit sacrifices some of the stability that comes with weight in exchange for the portability factor taking weight in as a primary make or breakpoint.

    Power Consumption

    I found this to be particularly interesting, although not unexpected. The power required to maintain the stable momentum of the platter is relative to the weight of the platter and the speed of rotation. Assuming a rotational speed symmetry, different power requirements to maintain velocity are understandable with different weight platters. The heavier the platter, the more energy is required to maintain velocity.

    Everyday Prices Of Technic 12xx Turntables Online

    The prices of models seem a little out of whack with reality. It’s more accurate than not when comparing the prices of the SL-1200GR and the SL-1210GR. It’s virtually the same machine in every way but base color.

    • Technics 1200MK7 is commonly sold for $999.00 to $1550.00, depending on where you purchase.
    • Technics 1210GR $1699.99 is a standard price to find the 1210GR retailing.

    Bottom Line: What’s The Difference?

    The difference between the iterations of Technic 12xx turntable varies in weight of both platter and overall unit. This platter weight difference explains the difference in power requirements. The only model with a reverse direction feature is the lightest of the turntables, the SL-1200MK7.

    The other difference between these models is the price.

    Which Model Of Technic Turntable Should I Get?

    Deciding which model is pretty straightforward. First, if you are going to scratch or DJ with it, you should likely consider the MK7. The feature to reverse with the flick of a switch is pretty cool. It offers the ability to include many special effects moments that would be pretty difficult to accomplish otherwise.

    The trade-off for the MK7 is the lightweight platter and overall weight. The heavier the player, the more stable, so the MK7 is the lightest of the bunch.

    If the clear sound is what you’re after, I’d recommend the GR model. It’s upgraded from the G but has a lot of great features built-in. However, you just can’t beat the stability of pitch with a heavier platter like that of the G model.

    Other Options For The Technic 12xx Series Of Turntables

    Do you remember the muscle car fad of the 90s and the street racing fad of the 2000s? Whether you do or not, the point is that when a fad gets popular, and a brand or a few brands are at the center, then aftermarket parts become readily accessible.

    The world of the Technic 1200 is no different from the muscle cars of old in that there is no shortage of aftermarket upgrades.

    You could find a great deal on an older Technic 1200GR and upgrade the motor or the cartridge. Many upgrade the tonearm, and most people have their favorite slipmat if DJing is your interest.

    The long and short of it is that upgrades are plentiful, so you could grab a $1000 turntable, add $500 in upgrades and have a turntable that would rival any or most $3000 models.

    Sources