| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
niklasthedolphin
member
Joined: 10 Dec 2007
Posts: 35
Location: Denmark
|
 Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:24 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
|
| analogous wrote: | Technics SL-1200. Better yet, get the KAB/Technics SL-1200
You can spend a lot more money, but you will not get a better deck. |
I could easily buy a TT for a few 100s of $$ that would outperform the highly overrated Tachnics TT's at any time.
"dolph" |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
caligari
member
Joined: 29 Jun 2008
Posts: 40
Location: Chicago
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
| niklasthedolphin wrote: | | I could easily buy a TT for a few 100s of $$ that would outperform the highly overrated Technics TT's at any time. |
Yes, there are many options out there that can outperform a Technics turntable for less money. Some people are creatures of habits and they just stick to what they know or what they read in magazines or forums. I can easily name several direct drive turntables that can sound better than the SL-1200mk2 to my ears for less money. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TheChairGuy
contributor
Joined: 15 Oct 2006
Posts: 1803
Location: San Francisco / North Bay
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 1:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
I have or have had 3 JVC DD's...and each (once filled the hollow bases with USD$30 in non-hardening modeling clay) sounded better than a fully tricked out Technics SL-1200 with KAB outboard motor, strobe disabler and an Origin Live Illustrious II tonearm.
The JVC's costed USD$80 to $450 via ebay...the entire Technics setup was north of $2000 (before factoring in any cartridge on any) 
I simply call 'em like I hear 'em...I have no dog in this race, per se.
Personally, I like Rega sound (tho I find them lightweight, tepid sounding as their plinth suggests)...I just would never part with my money for a new one at US Prices as I don't think they offer attractive value. But, in the UK, where they sell for 40% less - they would be better value.
I'm not a big fan of VPI's prior efforts, btw, but I think the newest VPI Classic in indeed a classic. It sounds big, bold, brassy and delicious...and it probably in your price range (complete with arm) in the UK.
Recommended here heartily.....and I'm not that much of a belt drive fan, really. But, it's good - very good (especially here in US where it sells for only $2500)
John
Last edited by TheChairGuy on Mon Nov 09, 2009 5:18 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TheArc
senior member
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Posts: 210
Location: Kent, UK
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 1:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
What about the new Inspire Eclipse
http://www.inspirehifi.co.uk/page7/page7.html
don't know what it sounds like (HFN review was good but not ecstatic) but I'm drooling over how it looks and will definitely be checking it out... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
caligari
member
Joined: 29 Jun 2008
Posts: 40
Location: Chicago
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| TheChairGuy wrote: | | The JVC's costed USD$80 to $450 via ebay...the entire Technics setup was north of $2000 (before factoring in any cartridge on any) |
Since you named a brand, the JVC tables are what I have in mind too. All of them can sound better than not only a stock SL-1200mk2, which I used to own two, but the SP-10, which I used to own three. Basically, I am off the Technics bandwagon. I can also think of other brands of DD tables that can sound better.
I have no use for belt-drive tables so I am not one to answer anything regarding that genre. But if I have to recommend one, get a mint vintage Empire 208 belt-drive table ($300-$600), replace the arm with your favorite. The Empire is VPI Classic's inspiration but it has an awesome Papst motor that has high torque, stability and precision that can give direct-drive a run for its money in terms of rhythmic drive and dynamic. It also looks cool. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TheChairGuy
contributor
Joined: 15 Oct 2006
Posts: 1803
Location: San Francisco / North Bay
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 5:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| caligari wrote: |
I have no use for belt-drive tables so I am not one to answer anything regarding that genre. But if I have to recommend one, get a mint vintage Empire 208 belt-drive table ($300-$600), replace the arm with your favorite. The Empire is VPI Classic's inspiration but it has an awesome Papst motor that has high torque, stability and precision that can give direct-drive a run for its money in terms of rhythmic drive and dynamic. It also looks cool. |
The prices of those old Empire's are rising....and when you factor in the time needed to update them and a nice, new 10.5" arm (which has better tracking than 9" arms simply due to physics) you end up pretty near what a brand new VPI Classic costs (in the US, at least)
Of course, if one has the time and looks to do that kinda' thing...then cost is really not a factor. Go for the Empire.
For what it's worth - I think the VPI Classic is the best deck I own or likely have owned (tho the Townshend Rock II is too long a memory and was great)...I use a (modelling clay filled) JVC QL-Y66F everyday as I love auto features.
It's 97% as good as the VPI, good enough for me, without many of the hassles of vinyl involved 
John |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
analogous
senior member
Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 349
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| JaS wrote: | | Also, have any of you actually heard any of the turntables you are dismissing out of hand? I've no problem with folks saying that the SL-1200 is the best turntable under £2000 if that's what they honestly think (FWIW I don't but YMMV) but to then dismiss other designs as junk because they use different approaches is ridiculous, insulting to the people that enjoy these decks and not really in the spirit of the site... |
I linked to a review. I never made any outlandish claim. Yet I was accused of hype! So I gave an example of hype.
But as others have said, the turntable manufacturers today are a joke. But I guess they are perfect for the mp3 generation. Get your Rega in matching color:
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
analogous
senior member
Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 349
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| TheChairGuy wrote: | | The prices of those old Empire's are rising....and when you factor in the time needed to update them and a nice, new 10.5" arm (which has better tracking than 9" arms simply due to physics) you end up pretty near what a brand new VPI Classic costs (in the US, at least) |
You can get a superior Garrard 401 for a fraction of the cost of a VPI.
| Quote: | | So I was not being delusional. The Garrard 401 does sound better than the VPI TNT-5. Lets see, the VPI TNT-5 without the 12.5 arm originally sold for $6000. The upgraded motor/flywheel was an additional $900. The Garrard cost $1200, plus $1500 for the maple bases, brass feet, tonearm pod brass, Herbies Audio Lab mat, Tenderfeet, and grunge-buster material, VSE Orbital, variac, etc. |
Why settle for less than a real deck? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
flavio81
contributor
Joined: 16 Sep 2009
Posts: 517
Location: Lima
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| niklasthedolphin wrote: | | analogous wrote: | Technics SL-1200. Better yet, get the KAB/Technics SL-1200
You can spend a lot more money, but you will not get a better deck. |
I could easily buy a TT for a few 100s of $$ that would outperform the highly overrated Tachnics TT's at any time.
"dolph" |
The SL-1200 is overrated. No doubt about it. But that is because it is very popular. It is still a great turntable, and yes, there are equal or better TTs for less money, beginning with... other Technics turntables! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
flavio81
contributor
Joined: 16 Sep 2009
Posts: 517
Location: Lima
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| analogous wrote: | | TheChairGuy wrote: | | The prices of those old Empire's are rising....and when you factor in the time needed to update them and a nice, new 10.5" arm (which has better tracking than 9" arms simply due to physics) you end up pretty near what a brand new VPI Classic costs (in the US, at least) |
You can get a superior Garrard 401 for a fraction of the cost of a VPI. |
This. Another highly regarded turntable that is still not very expensive. Plus it is very elegant. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
caligari
member
Joined: 29 Jun 2008
Posts: 40
Location: Chicago
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| TheChairGuy wrote: | | Of course, if one has the time and looks to do that kinda' thing...then cost is really not a factor. Go for the Empire. |
And if you want someone else to do the work for you then you can consider this.
http://www.6moons.com/audiorev.....g/208.html |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
Articles 
Log in
