best "entry level" audiophile TT?

The 1200 series is entry level in price, but the technology to price ratio is much higher thatn any of its competitors. The KAB mods take it to the $5K performance level with much less than that.

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Psychicanimal (Threads | Answers)

04-18-07: Psychicanimal

Tell me something psychic, have you ever even heard a $5K table? I have heard a SL1200 and it sound nothing like a $5K table. Doesn't even sound like $500 table.

No I haven't heard a $5K TT.

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Psychicanimal (Threads | Answers)

This is quite revealing. For months I have read claims of the Technics SL1200 modded by KAB performing at a level of tables costing thousands of dollars more, and I had assumed the author(s) had the listening experience to make the comparison. Now, this admission that you have never heard a $5k table. Readers of these threads take most comments at face value, and with the assumption that the author has first-hand knowledge of the subject.

I was seriously considering a purchase of a KAB Technics SL1200, but now I have to step back and reconsider how much of what I have read is hyperbole.

If you love the KAB SL1200, then it's reasonable to write about your experience with it, but please don't make other claims that have no experiential basis.

...now I have to step back and reconsider how much of what I have read is hyperbole.

I got the impression that Psychicanimal was being sarcastic about his isolated background.

Whatever the situation, fortunately, there are some reviews that compare KAB-modified Technics SL1200s with more expensive belt-drive rigs. Here's one from TNT-Audio where the reviewer compares a KAB-modified SL1200/Ortofon/Creek rig with a near twice-as-expensive Music Hall MMF-9/MH Maestro/Creek setup.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/technics_sl1200_2_e.html

Also, Ed Kobesky has written a lot about the SL 1200 and has had a wide array of turntables and cartridges, plus he reviews for Positive Feedback.

>>Raoul the Mexican that gives you first world audiophiles a reality check<<

Those are only his opinions.

Simply because he has more toys than most of us doesn't mean he's smarter than some of us.

However, the KAB table is a high value component.

I spent 2 years auditioning "high end" tables before making my choice. Part of the problem was that nothing I heard bested the 25 year old Technics SL-150 Mk II or Lenco L75 that I picked up to re-learn analog set up.

A good table will isolate the cart/vinyl interface from extraneous energy whilst providing a stable platform for the tonearm and constant speed platter rotation. Cheaper belt drive tables don't do good enough speed stability. Most direct drives and idler drives are better. The SL1200 is a well engineered table in standard form and the KAB mods are proven to improve it.

My advice is if you want to spend about $5k, buy a Galibier Gavia. If you don't want to spend that much, get a SL1200 and either an Empire EDR.9. AT440 or Dynavector 20X for less than $1k. No half measures.

The SL1200 is way better than Regas, MMFs and similar rubber band driven entry level tables. It has better dynamics, resolution, speed stability and bass articulation.

Regarding isolation, a home made sandbox will suffice. The top shelf should be bigger than the table's footprint and this should rest on about 3 inches of sand in a box constructed from 3/4 inch mdf, with a 1/4 inch gap between the top shelf and the box sides. Use play sand (from a garden center or Toys R Us). The sandbox can be suspended on wall brackets or attached to stout legs (if you have a solid floor).

I get to hear a lot of different equipment which gives me an awareness of "schools of hearing".

There's a reason why many favor the lively sound of a slightly fast and light Rega and call it PRAT while others prefer a heavier sprung suspended table i.e. Linn, Thorens, etc. and call it musical. Then others with the $$$ and a preference for detail go for high-mass Teres and such and call it accurate and airy.

Then it really gets complicated. The DV 10x5 makes my suspended table sound more like a Rega but the Benz Micro Ace gets it back toward "musical". The 47 labs McBee took it toward Teres or Michell territory.

While I'm writing this I'm listening to the suspended Ariston, musical, Benz Ace, musical, AQvox Phono2, Prat, Arc LS-1, Prat/musical and so on.

Of course one mans musical is anothers Prat.

Get a Thorens, or Rega or Technics at the right price and see for yourself. None of us hears like you do. You might flip the first table you buy or love it and then flip it later 'cause you heard something "better".

Waddya think keeps the classifieds here so busy. Getting there is half the fun.