KAB 1200 vs. everything else.

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.

My KAB Technics has the fluid arm damper, tone arm rewire, external power
supply, Zupreme headshell, Neuance platform, and a $2000 Dynavector
cartridge (previously have used a Benz Micro Ace medium, and an Audio
Technics AT150Mlx). I have set up the cartridge with a MintLP Best Tractor
protractor (significant benefits). Phono preamp is a Heed Quasar.

Preamp is a Lamm L2 Reference running balanced to Pass Labs XA-60.5
amps.

Since I prefer my APL Denon 3910, I'm considering selling the KAB Technics
rig and simplifying my system. I could easily let my vinyl rig go without any
regrets of sacrificing sound quality, musicality, or any other adjective you
wish to use. My only regret would be the money I would lose on the table,
cart, phono preamp, and vinyl I've purchased during the past two years.

There simply has not been an "Ah-Ha" revelation with my vinyl-
round-two experiment. In fact, I enjoyed vinyl more back in the 80s when I
owned a Philips GA312 with an Audio Technica MM cartridge.

Tvad, with all due respect you are expecting too much from the Technics. The KAB modified tables are fine tables, but by sticking on expensive peripherals (and I use the term peripherals loosely) like a 2K cart and 5K phono you’ll only end up revealing the SL’s shortcomings; hence your preference for your 3910.

I own two Technics tables myself – you can take them only so far and no more.

Cost wise an analogue setup is significantly more expensive than digital; sadly one has to both dig deep in your pockets on all the analog components and match these components carefully to have something that competes and beats a nice digital setup. That includes a topflight table.

Regards
Paul