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Based in Devon, Timestep has built up a reputation for its modifications of various iconic Technics turntables over the years and now, designer Dave Cawley has turned his attention to the recently-launched SL-1200 GAE. The new Timestep EVOke is the result. Like its predecessor the EVO, the new EVOke takes a new Technics deck and makes a series of revisions (including tonearm and cartridge) to deliver what Timestep claims is a superbly engineered ‘turnkey’ turntable package.

A Timestep-Technics tour de force, it's claimed that the technical measurements of the new turntable almost equal those of the iconic Technics SP-10 MK-III deck. The tonearm has been replaced with an SME IV (below), which Cawley says: “With its tapered magnesium armtube and silver finish is a match made in heaven”. An Audio-Technica AT-33PTG/II moving-coil cartridge with gold-plated solid boron cantilever is also added to top off the system.

The EVOke also replaces the SL-1200 GAE’s internal switch mode power supply with an external linear PSU designed by Timestep (below). “While the SL-1200 GAE’s power supply is very quiet,” says 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 9in SME tonearm): £90

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

Timestep PSU: £495

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

Click here to find out more.