KAB 1200 vs. everything else.

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

12-24-08: Pauly
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.

Pauly, your point is lost on me with the examples you use to support your
position.

If you read my post carefully, you will see that I have used cartridges ranging
in price from $250-$2000 . The $2000 cart produces a better result that the
other carts (less distortion, better balance...more pleasing sound overall).

Also, I do not use a $5000 phono. The Heed Quasar retails for $995.

I think Pauly's point, and mine, is that the KAB Technics, although obviously a great value, is limited, arguably not worthy of a $2k cartridge, and possibly not revelatory in comparison to a good CD player, although you'll get arguments, of course, on that.

Personally, I think the KAB fully modded version is one flavor of ice cream comparable to other good value tables in the $2-3k range, IOW, punching above its weight, but not overly so.

Understood.