Technics SL1210 M5G (SL1200 MK2, MK3, MK3D, MK5 & M5G) Review / Overview / Setup

A quick overview of a Technics SL1210M5G, this also covers all of the other Technics SL series turntables (1200MK2, 1210MK2, 1200MK5, 1210MK5, 1200MK3 & 1210MK3).

Please comment or message me with any questions. Thanks! :)

[mrcojocaru]

Thanks! I'm getting my first Turntable soon and this was really helpful

[leosalasify]

Scored huge original owner M5G who got disintrested in albums.
In new condition, even at the time if pickup, he was debating on keeping it. Got lucky, gave him 500.00 and a used mower. He had been asking 1000. Will never sell it, even if technology comes up with an equal sound as albums. Great video, Thanks, just the info. I needed.

[DjPhaseFour]

If you ever come accross a record with a blank side hang on to it, you can use this to tune the anti-skate perfectly. When you can get the stylus to stay on the blank disk without moving in or out you are good to go.

[jaspersazerac]

Cummon focus. FOCUSSS!! Hahaha this vid plus a couple of the nerdy comments really helped me set up me new babies just now. Thanks a bunch guys.

[markyruss]

in 20 years i never knew how to set up the anti skate ha ha - thank you

[josemeda]

1:05 that camera is practicing social distancing our time.

[stunkcrunk]

Great video... some things to consider:

When adjusting the tracking weight, a. take the stylus protector off, 2. when the weight is at 0, the tonearm should be level (parallel to the deck), not pointing up in the air. It's likely that you're off by .25-.5 grams with the tonearm pointing up.

Antiskate: this needs to be calibrated using a blank track or a test record. Place needle onto the blank track with the record spinning and adjust the antiskate so the tonearm stays steady, without pulling into the center or out to the edge. You cannot simply set it.

Lastly, the height adjustment of the tonearm isn't arbitrary either. With the needle on the record, the tonearm should be level with the deck.

PS. clean your turntable. it's dirty.

[vinstyles]

Great review, major thanks. Getting a 1200 this week and this vid is so helpful.  Thank you...

[michaelmueschgambino]

I have this same model. I absolutly love it. It was bought brand new. it does suck that they do no longer produce these models. best sound over any thing else. while I am using a very nice needle and reciever

[phantasm]

Very important to REMOVE THE STYLUS GUARD BEFORE you balance your tonearm. I noticed the stylus guard was left on the whole time the arm was being balanced. When you set your tracking force and the stylus guard is left in place when balancing the arm, when you set your tracking force, it's going to be off.

[Audiopro]

They are the stock Technics RCA cables, the connectors fitted are Neutrik ProFi RCAs.

[shadow]

I believe I bought the last 2 of the M5G in Australia a couple of years ago. I will get a set of Audio Technica next year and put the M5G back in the box in storage.

[Audiopro]

eBay is probably your best bet, I find setting up an automated email search is very useful, then it emails you every day with new results. I'd think you'd be able to get a pair for around £600/$1000 which isnt cheap, but they are some of the best turntables ever made!

[richardfld]

Time to get investing in a set of decks if you're interested. Prices are going insane!
For an average condition used pair of MK2's you're often looking around £6-700 and for a nice pair up to £1000. For MK3D's and MK5's in good condition expect to pay around £800 MINUMUM and can often be over a grand and for the MK5G's it seems that upwards to, and even over £2000 isn't uncommon!
And prices are only going to get sillier!
I've been building a nice little stash of mint condition 1210's and will be keeping them safe for a good few years!

[fmrdj]

The tone arm needs to float level before you set the dial on the counter weight to zero

[DavidMander-rsuk]

It's all well and good having +16 pitch but you really need key lock as well if your going to mix with such extreme bpms together.

[chamlendnb]

great video mate, thanks heaps for the help!!

[michaelmueschgambino]

The ground just goes to where it says phono on your reciever, as if you use a direct ground it will acully suck power from the turntable and damage the components. that ground also gives a cleaner sound and helps keep the levels even

[Badassvidsz]

Like No-627 only for this beautiful Technics tt .

[MarkWComer]

Tonearm height is to make sure that the vertical tracking angle of the cartridge conforms to manufacturer's recommendations, it isn't a subjective adjustment. The height adjustment was introduced to accommodate varying cartridge body heights.

...And you've been into audio for *how* long???

Nice 'table BTW- I have the Rek-O-Kut version of the same thing, but with a 16" tonearm.