EVOke, upgrading the recently released Technics SL-1200 gae

Devon-based Timestep boss/designer, Dave Cawley, has addressed the recently launched Technics SL-1200 GAE turntable, added enhancements to it and called the result the EVOke. Why? As Cawley explained, “The standard Technics SL-1200 GAE, while superb, cuts costs in two areas: the tonearm and the power supply,” says Cawley. “The arm is derived from the SL-1200 MK-IV and while it’s better than some, it’s not what I’d call an audiophile arm.”

In the EVOke, Cawley has replaced the tonearm with an SME IV. An Audio Technica AT-33PTG/II moving coil cartridge with gold-plated solid boron cantilever is added.

The EVOke replaces the SL-1200 GAE’s internal switch mode with an external linear PSU designed by Timestep, “While the SL-1200 GAE’s power supply is very quiet,” said Cawley, “a number of reviews have mentioned a ‘haze’, which our modified supply removes.”

The Timestep power supply’s cable exits the SL-1200 GAE via a custom-made adapter plate; the gold-plated power connector is made by Furutech while the PSU connectors are both gold-plated Neutrik.

The Timestep EVOke is available now, either as a fully finished turntable package or as selected components to create your own modified Technics SL-1200 GAE deck.

Technics SL-1200 GAE turntable £2,700

SME IV tonearm   £1,860

Tonearm mounting plate (allows fitting of any 9” SME tonearm) £90

Audio Technica AT-33PTG/II MC cartridge £419

Timestep PSU   £495

Total cost of fully finished turntable package £5,764 (as above, plus £200 fitting cost)

Call 01803 833 366 or click on www.time-step.com for more information