Technics Turntable System SL-1200MK2

Important Safety Information

The model number of this product may be found on the back of the unit, and the serial number on the bottom of the unit. Please note the model and serial numbers of this unit in the space provided and retain this booklet as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in the event of theft.

MODEL NUMBER: SL-1200MK2

SERIAL NUMBER:

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the SL-1200MK2. For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions carefully.

Technics represents over 100 high-quality audio products. From revolutionary direct drive turntables to highly acclaimed linear phase speakers, Technics quality and value have become legendary among audio enthusiasts. The SL-1200MK2 is part of a complete selection of turntables, including belt-drive and quartz-locked, direct-drive models. Technics also offers linear tracking turntables with zero tracking error, direct drive cassette decks, amplifiers, tuners, headphones, microphones, cartridges, open-reel decks, and sound processors.

Parts Identification

1. Turntable Unit Components:

• Hinge
• 45-rpm adaptor
• Turntable base
• Turntable mat
• Center spindle
• Turntable platter
• Strobe dots
• Power switch
• Strobe-illuminator/pilot lamp
• Start/stop button
• Speed select buttons
• Arm-height adjustment ring
• Balance weight
• Stylus pressure ring
• Arm lock knob
• Anti-skating control knob
• Cueing lever
• Arm rest
• Arm clamp
• Tonearm
• Pitch indicator
• Pitch control knob
• Locking nut
• Headshell
• Stylus illuminator switch
• Stylus illuminator

Before Use

Caution: Never connect the AC power plug before assembly has been completed. Attach the dust cover last, so that assembly and adjustments can be made most conveniently.

Checklist of parts

• Turntable unit: 1
• Turntable platter: 1
• Turntable mat: 1
• Dust cover: 1
• 45-rpm adaptor: 1
• Balance weight: 1
• Auxiliary weight: 1
• Headshell: 1
• Overhang gauge: 1
• Shell weight: 1

Assembly and Set-up

Installation of turntable platter

1. Place the turntable platter on the center spindle.
2. Place the turntable mat on the platter.

Note: The rotor is connected to the underside of the turntable platter. To maintain optimum performance, extra care should be taken to prevent adhesion of dust or iron filings to the magnet and not to damage the magnet by dropping it. Do not remove or loosen the screws. Should the position of the fixed magnet be altered by loosening the securing screws, the rated performance of the unit cannot be guaranteed. (See Fig. 2.)

Installation of cartridge

When you install a cartridge, refer to the operation instructions of that cartridge. During installation, attach the stylus protector to guard the stylus tip from damage.

1. Connect the lead wires to the cartridge terminals. The terminals of most cartridges are color coded. Connect each lead wire to the terminal of the same color: White (L+) to Left channel+, Blue (L-) to Left channel-, Red (R+) to Right channel+, Green (R-) to Right channel-.
2. Install a cartridge to the headshell, and tighten it with screws provided with the cartridge.

Note: Use the shell weight only for a lightweight cartridge (less than 6g). (See Fig. 4.)

Adjustment of overhang

1. Insert the headshell into the gauge.
2. Loosen the mounting screws and move the cartridge forward or backward until the stylus tip lines up with the edge of the gauge.
3. Tighten the mounting screws without moving the cartridge.

Note: Your cartridge is now adjusted for lowest tracking error and minimum distortion. This gauge is exclusively designed for this tonearm.

Installation of headshell

Insert the headshell into the front end of the tubular arm, and turn the locking nut clockwise (in the direction shown by the arrow "A"), with the headshell firmly held horizontally. (See Fig. 6.)

Installation of balance weight

Place the balance weight on the rear shaft of the tonearm. (See Fig. 7.)

Note: In case the cartridge weight exceeds 10 g, it is necessary to fix the attached auxiliary weight over the rear shaft of the arm. With this auxiliary weight in use, it is possible to use any cartridge whose weight is in the range of 9.5-13 g. (See Fig. 8.)

Adjustments of horizontal zero (0) balance and stylus pressure

1. Remove the stylus protector, if your cartridge has a detachable one. Be careful not to touch your fingers to the stylus tip.
2. Release the arm clamp and lift the tonearm from the arm rest to free it.
3. Turn the entire balance weight clockwise (indicated by the arrow "A") or counterclockwise (indicated by the arrow "B") until the tonearm is approximately balanced horizontally (floats freely). (See Figs. 9 and 10.)
4. After the tonearm is horizontally zero (0) balanced, temporarily refasten the tonearm with the arm clamp.
5. Hold the balance weight stationary with one hand as shown in the picture, and rotate only the stylus-pressure ring to bring the numeral "0" of the ring into alignment with the center line on the tonearm rear shaft. (See Fig. 11.) The adjustment of the horizontal zero (0) balance is now completed.
6. After adjusting the horizontal zero (0) balance, turn the balance weight in the direction of the arrow and align to the correct stylus pressure. (See Fig. 12.) (Follow the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation.)

As the stylus-pressure ring moves in step with the balance weight, proper stylus pressure can be selected by directly reading the graduated ring.

Adjustment of anti-skating control

Set the anti-skating control knob to the same value as the stylus pressure. (See Fig. 13.)

Adjustment of tonearm height

The height of the tonearm can be adjusted up to 6 mm and a scale is provided on the adjust ring in 0.5 mm increments. Be sure to set the proper arm height using the adjust scale and referring to the table below. Before adjusting the tonearm height, unlock the tonearm lock by turning the arm lock knob.

For example, if the cartridge height is 17.5 mm, the arm-height adjust ring should be positioned at the intermediate location between 2 and 3 on the scale. (See Fig. 14.)

Caution: Be sure to lock the tonearm by turning the arm lock knob in the direction indicated by the arrow after finishing the height adjustment for the tonearm.

Installation of dust cover

Place the dust cover in position from directly above, holding it at both sides. For detaching the dust cover, be certain first to raise it as illustrated before removal. (See Fig. 15.)

Note: Opening or closing of the dust cover during play should be avoided. This may not only cause undesired vibrations, but also result in skipping of the stylus. If you must open the dust cover during play, do so as gently as possible.

Placement

• Place the unit in a stable and horizontal position, where there is little or no vibration.
• Locate the unit as far away from the speakers as possible and isolate the unit from sound radiation from them.
• Do not place the unit where it is exposed to direct sun, dust, moisture or heat.
• Keep it in a well ventilated place.
• When a radio is placed too close to the turntable and is played while the turntable is in operation, interference to AM/FM reception may result.

Adjustment of turntable height

The legs/insulators also have functions for adjusting the height of the turntable unit itself. After installing the unit in the place for use, adjust the legs to stabilize the main body horizontally.

Connections

Connect the output terminals

Connect the output terminals to your amplifier or receiver. The connections are typically: White (L+) to Left Channel, Red (R+) to Right Channel, and GND (Spade lug) to GND. (See Fig. 16.)

Note: Be sure to connect the ground terminal firmly to the amplifier or receiver. If this connection is not made or is loose, a power source "HUM" will result.

Connect the AC power plug

Connect the AC power plug to an AC wall socket.

How to Operate

1. Place a record on the turntable mat.
2. Turn the power switch to the "on" position. (See Fig. 17.) The speed indicator for 33-1/3 rpm and the strobe-illuminator will all light up.
3. Remove the stylus protector, if your cartridge has a detachable one.
4. Release the arm clamp.
5. Push the start/stop button. (See Fig. 19.) The turntable platter will start to rotate.
6. Set the cueing lever to the up position. (See Fig. 20.)
7. Move the tonearm over the desired groove.
8. Set the cueing lever to the down position. (See Fig. 21.) The tonearm will descend slowly onto the record and play will begin.
9. When play is finished, move the tonearm to the arm rest; secure the tonearm with the arm clamp.
10. Push the start/stop button. After the turntable is brought to a stop by means of the electronic brake, turn off the power.

Note: The electronic brake does not function if the power switch is turned off before the start/stop button is pushed.

How to suspend play

Set the cueing lever to the "up" position. The stylus tip of the cartridge will be lifted from the record.

When you play a 45-rpm record with a large center hole

Place the 45-rpm adaptor on the center spindle. Push the 45 speed select button. (See Fig. 18.)

Note: Keep the adaptor stored on the adaptor hole when not playing a 45-rpm record (donut type). Take the adaptor out in the manner shown in Fig. 22 when using the adaptor.

Stylus illuminator

This unit is provided with a stylus illuminator for illuminating the stylus tip during play. By pressing the stylus illuminator switch, the stylus illuminator is raised into position for illuminating the stylus tip. When not in use, keep the stylus illuminator lowered through depression. (See Fig. 23.)

Note: The switch must be firmly engaged. Incomplete depression of the switch will not raise the illuminator even though the lamp is lit.

Adjustments

Pitch control (fine adjustment of speed)

When the pitch control knob is located at the center of the position after turning on the power, the green LED indicator is lit showing the operating condition for the predetermined speed (either 33-1/3 or 45 rpm). Figures on the indicator show approximate percentages for variable pitch control. When the strobe dots in 4 stages marked at the peripheral edge of the turntable appear to be stationary, variation of individual pitches is shown. (See Figs. 24 and 25.)

• When (1) appears stationary, it shows a +6% pitch variation.
• When (2) appears stationary, it shows a +3.3% pitch variation.
• When (3) appears stationary, it shows normal turntable speed, 33-1/3 or 45 rpm.
• When (4) appears stationary, it shows a -3.3% pitch variation.

Note: The strobe-illumination of this unit employs a strobe-illuminator LED synchronized with the precise quartz frequency. For fine adjustment of the turntable speed, be sure to effect the adjustment according to the LED illumination. The LED illumination is not synchronized using fluorescent lamps.

Adjustment of arm-lift height

The arm-lift height (distance between the stylus tip and record surface when the cueing lever is raised) has been adjusted at the factory before shipping to approximately 8-13 mm. If the clearance becomes too narrow or too wide, turn the adjustment screw clockwise or counterclockwise while pushing the arm lift down. Clockwise rotation: distance between the record and stylus tip is decreased. Counterclockwise rotation: distance between the record and stylus tip is increased. (See Figs. 26 and 27.)

Note: As the adjusting screw has a hexagonal head, be sure to make the adjustment while depressing the arm lift, or the screw will not move freely. Also be sure that the hexagonal head retracts correctly into the arm lift when the latter is released.

Notes and maintenance

• Use utmost care when handling the platter and when placing it on the motor shaft to prevent possible damage to the magnet.
• Do not turn "on" the power supply, with the turntable platter detached.
• Before detaching or attaching the headshell, be sure to turn the power of the amplifier or receiver off. Detaching or attaching of the headshell with the volume control turned up may cause damage to the speakers.
• When play is finished, be sure to secure the tonearm with the arm clamp. After play is finished, if the unit is not to be used for some time, care should be taken to secure the tonearm to protect the stylus tip. For the same reason, the stylus protector should also be attached.
• Dust and dirt should be carefully removed from stylus tip or records. Dust and dirt on the stylus tip or record may not only result in deterioration of tone quality, but also cause undue wear of the record and the stylus tip itself. Special stylus tip brushes and record cleaners can be purchased in most electronic supply houses.
• Wipe the headshell terminals from time to time. Dust and dirt at the headshell terminals may result in increased "HUM" noise or intermittent sound. Use a soft dry cloth to clean the headshell terminals.
• Wipe the dust cover and turntable base with a soft, dry cloth. Never use any cleaners containing alcohol, benzine or thinner. Use of a chemical dust cloth should also be avoided. Be sure that the dust cover is not exposed to insecticide spray. To remove stubborn fingerprints or grease spots, detach the dust cover and disconnect the AC power plug. Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild soap and water solution. Do not wipe the dust cover during play, or the tonearm may be attracted toward the dust cover due to the generation of static electricity.
• Lubrication (See Fig. 28.) Apply 2 or 3 drops of oil once after every 2000 hours of operation. The time interval is much longer than that for conventional type motors (200-500 hours). Please purchase original oil. (Part number is SFWO 010.)
• Transportation of the unit to distant places for removal and the like. Pack up the unit in the reverse order to that for unpacking, using the packing materials furnished when the unit was purchased. Should there be no such packing materials, be sure to take the following steps: Remove the turntable platter together with the turntable mat, and wrap it up to prevent any damage to them. Return the tonearm to the arm rest, and affix it with tape or the like. Remove the balance weight and the headshell/cartridge from the tonearm and then wrap them up to avoid any damage to them. Wrap up the turntable base with a blanket or soft paper also to prevent any possible damage to it.

Suggestions for safety

Specifications

General

• Power supply: 120 V, AC, 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 14 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 45.3×16.2×36 cm (17-27/32"×6-19/64'' x 14-11/64'')
• Weight: 12.5 kg (27.6 lb)

Turntable section

• Type: Quartz direct drive
• Drive method: Manual turntable
• Motor: Brushless DC motor
• Turntable platter: Aluminum diecast, Diameter 33.2 cm (13-5/64"), Weight 2 kg (4.4 lb.)
• Turntable speeds: 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm
• Starting torque: 1.5 kg-cm (1.3 lb-in)
• Build-up characteristics: 0.7 s. from standstill to 33-1/3 rpm
• Braking system: Electronic brake
• Wow and flutter: 0.01% WRMS*, 0.025% WRMS (JIS C5521), ±0.035% peak (IEC 98A Weighted)
• Rumble: -56 dB (IEC 98A Unweighted), -78 dB (IEC 98A Weighted)

Tonearm section

• Type: Universal
• Effective length: 230 mm (9-1/16'')
• Arm height adjustment range: 0-6 mm
• Overhang: 15 mm (19/32")
• Effective mass: 12 g (without cartridge)
• Offset angle: 22°
• Friction: Less than 7 mg (lateral, vertical)
• Tracking error angle: Within 2°32' (at the outer groove of 30 cm (12") record), Within 0-32' (at the inner groove of 30 cm (12") record
• Stylus pressure adjustment range: 0-2.5 g
• Applicable cartridge weight range: 6-10 g (with auxiliary weight), 13.5-17.5 g (including headshell)
• (with shell weight): 9.5-13 g, 17-20.5 g (including headshell)
• Headshell weight: 3.5-6.5 g, 11-14 g (including headshell)
• Specifications subject to change without notice. Weight and dimensions shown are approximate.

Features

• Total quartz locked continuous pitch adjustment about ±8%: Quartz-phase-locked control means almost perfect accuracy of turntable rotation. With the SL-1200MK2, pitch is variable continuously (analogically) by up to approximately ±8% under total quartz-locked control. The pitch is controlled with a large sliding lever, located to the right of the turntable platter. Four lines of platter markings are also provided indicating +6%, +3.3%, 0% (exact rated speed) and -3.3% change from rated speed.
• Aluminum diecast cabinet and special heavy rubber base material provide acoustic isolation: The effects of external vibrations are dramatically reduced in the turntable by this new turntable construction. The turntable base is precision-made aluminum diecast. And the underside of the main base is made of a heavy rubber material which has excellent vibration resistance and absorbing characteristics. The turntable platter is also vibration-damped with specially fabricated rubber matting in the underside along with the thick turntable sheet (rubber mat). Four large-size insulating feet also help to absorb unwanted vibrations. These features make the SL-1200MK2 ideal for use with extra-high sound pressure levels.
• High torque for fast starts: The integral rotor/platter motor delivers 1.5 kg-cm (1.3 lb-in) starting torque. This high torque gives very quick starts enabling the platter to reach 33-1/3 rpm within 0.7 s. (a quarter of a turn). This is a big advantage in many professional applications where fast cueing is a necessity.
• High sensitivity, low mass, gimbal suspension tonearm: The highly sensitive tonearm features a genuine gimbal suspension, the rotational center of which is precisely defined at one point. Bearings are finished to a tolerance of 0.5 microns. This, and the extra-closeness of pivot center to the bearings, result in the minimal friction of 7 mg (0.007 g) for both horizontal and vertical movement. Add to this the low 12-gram effective tonearm mass (including headshell, without cartridge) and you have a tonearm compatible with the wide range of compliances found in today's cartridges. If you choose a popular high compliance MM cartridge, the low range resonance frequency will appear in the correct area to avoid warp frequencies of records, but without entering the low end of the audio spectrum. This tonearm is provided with a computer designed, light-weight, high-rigidity headshell made of single-piece diecast aluminum to resist partial vibration. The universal design allows headshell interchangeability. Contacts are gold-plated.
• Helicoid tonearm height adjustment: Arm height is adjustable within a range of 6 mm to accommodate varying cartridge dimensions. Adjustments are done with a precision-made helicoid.
• Stylus illuminator for low-light conditions:
• Other fine features: Quick stops are achieved with a fully electronic braking system. A strobe illuminator is provided. The stroboscope is controlled by the extremely stable quartz oscillator, rather than potentially unstable AC line frequency. Power on/off control built-into strobe illuminator for ease of operation. Soft-touch start/stop switch allowing precision control capability without the annoyance of accidental operation. Technics integral rotor/platter motor construction with full cycle detection FG.

CAUTION

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user's authority to operate this device.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Matsushita Consumer Electronics Company, Division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, One Panasonic Way Secaucus, New Jersey 07094

Panasonic Sales Company, Division of Matsushita Electric of Puerto Rico, Inc. ("PSC"), Ave. 65 de Infantería, Km. 9.5, San Gabriel Industrial Park, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985

Matsushita Electric of Canada Limited, 5770 Ambler Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2T3

Printed in Japan.

SFNU122M06-2 F0184D4104