KAB 1200 vs. everything else.

You cannot hear the XXIIs strengths on the Technics.
Pauly (Reviews | Threads | Answers)

I'm sure this is true. However, it performs better on the Technics than any of
the other carts I have used, and this was my goal: to maximize the Technics
rig, not to maximize the Dynavector. I understand the Dynavector on a better
table/arm would shine even brighter, but I am unlikely at this point to invest
further in analog.

The Technics/AT150Mlx combo may be a good match, and the individual
pieces may be ideally suited to maximize their individual performance,
but the sound of that combo is inferior to the less-than-ideally matched
Technics/Dynavector (in my system).

IMO, if the sound of the overall analog front end improves, then the
improvement is worthwhile, regardless of whether the maximum benefit is
being fulfilled by any of the individual pieces of the puzzle.

Of course the Dyna will better the AT. The question is whether the $ spent on the Dyna would have been "better" spent on a better table. The answer to that "theoretical" question is yes. In "reality" you had your own reasons for hanging onto the Technics and getting the deal on the Dyna, and it was an enjoyable improvement but not enough to keep you from moving on from analogue. cool.

On another front, re: the original question, the rubber hits the road not in theoretical conversations about exchange rates of 70s R&D dollars etc etc but in direct well conducted comparisons. I have not done such a comparison with a KAB 1200 but I have with the stock 1200 and my own taste did not favor the Technics. My only point here is to temper the religious feelings we'd all like to prove that we've seen the light and it only costs $500.

Happy New Year!

12-26-08: Piedpiper
Of course the Dyna will better the AT. The question is whether the $ spent on
the Dyna would have been "better" spent on a better table. The
answer to that "theoretical" question is
yes.

Fair enough. This question will be valuable to everyone reading this thread.

I spent $800 on the Dyna. The KAB Technics table cost me $1000 including
the mods.

For $1800 invested on a table/arm and cartridge, where would you
recommend the money would have been better spent?

Again, theory vs. reality. In your case, your choice was, as I already implied, perhaps a good one, but you could have spent the $800 on a better arm and used the cart you had with possibly better results.

12-26-08: Piedpiper
...you could have spent the $800 on a better arm and used the cart you had
with possibly better results.

You have changed your advice. Previously, you stated, "The question is
whether the $ spent on the Dyna would have been "better" spent
on a better table. The answer to that "theoretical" question is
yes."

Now, you state that I could have spent the $800 on a better *arm*.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, however I am trying to get you to be
consistent and specific, because specifics are helpful, but general
opinion/advice without specifics is not.

I spent a total of $1800 on table/arm/cart. What would you suggest would be
a better allocation of that money? Assume that I am not willing to tear apart
the KAB Technics and retrofit it with a different arm.

Please be specific. Thank you.