KAB 1200 vs. everything else.

I could see a fully modded Technics SL-12xx making it very difficult to see significant performance gains until you reach the $4,500 to $5,000 price range. Granted, this is just conjecture on my part, but I feel there is a big price / performance gap between the $1,000 and $3,500 price range. Until you're ready to drop some coin, you're better off focusing on set-up and low-dollar tweaks on an SL-12xx than investing in what I see as the analog "no man's land." Again, just my opinion.

The modded 1210 is "fun", but not as spectacular as Kevin's claim . I love Kevin, though. I'd suggest you listen to a Rega 3 or 5 and see what you think. I'd own a 1210 in a hearbeat, though. It is rock-solid and will provide more music than ANY CD player.

It is rock-solid and will provide more music than ANY
CD player.
Lindisfarne (Threads | Answers)

I disagree. I'll take my silver disc player over the KAB Technics any day.

To my ears, the KAB Technics is essentially a high end CD player with pops,
clicks and surface noise.

If there's a comparably priced turntable that presents a revelation,
then my opinion of vinyl versus CD might change, but the KAB Technics,
while excellent, doesn't change my preference.

Except for a rehabbed idler. I have a Thorens TD111, which is their lowend offering. It does have more impact, weight, and drive. It is speed stable. Plenty of torque. You can get an old "needs work" idler for about $500+. You will need an arm, and a plinth.

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"I disagree. I'll take my silver disc player over the KAB Technics any day."

Actually, I have to disagree with Tvad here. I have a somewhat highly modded KAB SL-1210M5GSE, with a Benz Micro Ace cartridge, playing through my old model McCormack MPD (with Rev. A mods) and, use to think digital was better than vinyl. My digital player is no slouch and, I've owned quite a number so, I have some breadth to base this on.

Of course, all of this is dependent on the quality of the source material but, all things being relatively equal, I hear the KAB/McCormack combo to be the most believable and certainly, the most enjoyable. There is more music flowing into my listening space and, it is always gaining more of my attention vs. the digital equivalent.

I can now see why some vinyl lovers are willing to spend more money, to enhance this experience - I know I’m certainly no different. Having said that, I will keep the KAB gear, possibly upgrade the cartridge, change the tone arm, mat, etc but, don't see pursuit past this. I know it could get much better but, it has already exceeded my expectations by such a wide margin – I’m now that rare audiophile – happy with my equipment lot.