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RE: technics SL 1200 power supply "upgrade" = snake oil?

I bought a brand new KAB modified SL-1200 Mk2 in 2009 just before they quit manufacturing these turntables. I ordered mine with a DC power connection so I could connect a 30-volt external DC power supply and bypass the internal transformer and rectifier. I made some tests using 30-volt sealed lead-acid batteries and I could not detect any improvement in sound quality. It was an inexpensive mod to have the DC power connector installed and I'm glad I did it; otherwise, I would still be wondering whether I should have tried an external power supply. Based on my experimentation, I agree with you that there is little to no advantage in bypassing the internal power supply.

In addition to listening tests, I also made some electrical measurements. The DC batteries reduced power supply ripple slightly. If you check the following links, you will see some of my measurements. I heard no audible advantage when using the external DC power so I went back to using the internal power supply. The greatest reduction in power supply ripple came from deactivating the strobe and not from the DC power supply. However, I don't hear any audible improvement from deactivating the strobe.

Measurements 1

Measurements 2

Measurements 3





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