Belt Drive vs Direct Drive! Yamaha GT-5000 turntable REVIEW. Compared to Technics SL-1200GAE

[@sidvicious3129]

Morten this is what I so luv about your channel, you aren't afraid to do things differently than most viewers, you could have just did pictures and talked, but no you went through the extra mile to show not just the differences among tables, but digital as well, way to go Morten, way to go. I did something similarly this month with a Denon DP3000ne, Technics SL1200GR and a VPI Classic and even though the two direct drive tables had similar drive, especially in the bass region, they sounded different with the Denon being smoother and the Technics being brighter. The VPI Classic has the better arm and detail retrieval was better overall. I wanted to know especially since the Denon uses a different power supply, similar in design to the updated Technics SL1200GR2. The Denon is more neutral and warm. Cartridge used so far between all three is the Hana ML. It is just amazing how different, even with the same music, turntables can sound.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Yes, it is quite fun finding out the best combination you like. I also found the technics sounding a bit brighter, but also a bit "faster" and "tighter" on the dynamics, where the Yamaha table was warmer og more laidback sounding. What you like, must be up to you. Both sounds great to me. Keep experimenting and let us know what you learn!

[@brianoreilly8000]

A big thank you for such a comprehensive review. I also appreciated the fact that you did not 'sit on the fence' I have downloaded the sample files and look forward to playing them on my much more modest (Yamaha CR 2020) system

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thank you for the kind comment. Let us know what you think!

[@emonteirobr]

Thank you for this review. After listening to the files, I'm for the Technics hands down, even over the Tidal version.

[@stjernholmreviews]

I was quite surprised by the difference, too. One of the great things about turntables i think! How would you describe their sound profiles on the track I used?

[@JMAudioEditions]

@@stjernholmreviews the tack is not a great track to use since its synthesized piano - would like real wood and drums or real singers

[@a3marketing991]

Great comparison and just what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@attrktmarketing4582]

Great review thanks. I would have loved to hear your take on the comparison between the 3 different sources. Really like your videos - please can we have some more?

[@stjernholmreviews]

That was on purpose. I am interested in learning too. So I asked for your comments, and kept my own for myself to not cloud anyones judgement. The files are there to listen to in the spirit of "just listen". In regards to new turntable videos, then I have a couple in mind, that could make some interesting comparisons. But all good things takes time 😄. For the record, I found the Technics to be more "my kind" of sound. It sounded faster and more neutral to me in its presentation. The GT-5000 was cozy and musical sounding, a bit more laid back, with more warmth and a fatter, but less defined low end. The digital presentation became a bit lifeless in comparison in all its correctness.

[@attrktmarketing4582]

@@stjernholmreviews yes I saw that and I can understand how you have done this. I was thinking a nice follow up video with your review to compare your thoughts with viewers. Could be fun. Love what you’re doing. Mike

[@phonatic]

Thank you for mentioning 78rpm, which is a turntable core feature for me. Have the SL-1200GR and really like it a lot. I do admit, the Yamaha looks stunning, though.

[@joachimmagnusson3128]

Excellent comparison

[@kvrhifi]

1200G has more upper bass buzz , ( not low end weight but feels weight to the sound ) like some room correction applied. Yamaha GT 5000 definitely winner through audio files you shared . Sounds clean and calm.

[@kvrhifi]

I recently upgraded to c 5000 and m 5000 from as3200 . Now I shortlisted these two turntable . Not able to decide. Could you help on highlighting more on sound characteristics of these turntables .. I am leaning to technics 1200g as it’s direct drive … but biased to Yamaha brand 😊 as I already have 5000 series system.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thanks for sharing

[@stjernholmreviews]

Well, thats a tough one. The SL feels so practical to me, but the GT5000 feels so right with a 5000 system, dont you think? Its such a statement. Personally, I think especially the M5000 amp has a color to it. Fatness and warmth, that I might find to be too much together with the GT5000 character, that also leans a bit that way. Depending on the speakers used, naturally! With the NS-5000 speakers I found the M5000 to be a great match. Again, room and music context, personal preference has so much to say, so do not take this as advice, but LISTEN yourself.

[@kvrhifi]

@@stjernholmreviews thank you.

[@kvrhifi]

I received Yamaha GT5000. In person it’s stunning. I just listened ray brown Soular Energy 45 rpm record..sounds absolutely magnificent. Thank you .

[@dennisschnobrich9288]

Wouldn't the straight tone arm cause more tracking error? Why are most tone arms offset anyway?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Hello Dennis and thank you for watching the channel! The straight arm gives potentially better tracking, but with the theoretical sacrifice of absolute phase, that will "drift" a tiny bit over the cause of the playback. (not in video) I actually tested both turntables with the same high quality cartridge using a test record. Both tables was capable of sustaining 70 Microns tracking with no problem and no audible distortion, and 80 microns with a little audible distortion. At 90 microns they both cant stay in the groove. 🙂. To do that, interestingly, - it requires a DJ style cartridge, running at 4 grams+ tracking force.

[@agx502]

Its a strange concept no offset angle for the cartridge. Probably gonna work well with the DL103R and its spherical stylus.

[@technics-n-thuiast8346]

As a Technics fan, I must say Pioneer looks amazing! Just WOW!!! What an amazing machine! No doubt that direct drive has advantages, yet in a room environment when one is just to enjoy the music, Pioneer probably has more to offer

[@mauricioquimas2622]

Pioneer?

[@technics-n-thuiast8346]

@@mauricioquimas2622 Yamaha, lapsus linguae 🫢….

[@REX4340]

Great capture! What is that professional recorder?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Its a Tascam DA-3000.

[@REX4340]

@@stjernholmreviews Thanks! Would be great to record other sources like the streamer shootout. Really helpful.🙏🙏

[@Baas_Fumani]

Been missing you 😘. Please review the lyngdorf tdai 3400

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thank you so much. These things take time, thats why new videos come up months apart :-) The TDAI-3400 is in the pipeline, and will be a part of a bigger Lyngdorf "thing" exploring their products further.

[@Baas_Fumani]

@@stjernholmreviews i hope they include the mp-60 2.1 AV Processor

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@Baas_Fumani it will.

[@quinto34]

Wow, well done, thanks! What headshell is used on the Technics?

[@stjernholmreviews]

I believe it was a Audio Technica standard shell.

[@gerardopadilla4393]

Wich one do you like best when it comes to sound quality?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Witch one did YOU like the best? I think it is very much about the music. When listening to say, Diana Krall, I liked the GT5000 the best. Its warmer, but also a little bit more "fluffy". The Technics seems more tight, punchy and dare i say it "calm"? I find both very good in the top end with the used Ortofon Cardenza black Cartridge. The recording itself is a bit harsh in the top, but both sound "right" to me.

[@gerardopadilla4393]

@@stjernholmreviews Thank you

[@JMAudioEditions]

very nice for me the Yamaha had better bass and dynamics drum strikes sounded most real but timing sounded off compared to the Roon, the Roon was obviously clean and quieter - homogenized sound tho - the Technics was the worst of the 3 - sounding like a mix of the two with record noise and pops boring sounding and for me sounded off timing wise the system sounded off with Technics even though its quartz locked for me it sounded off timing wise as well - I wonder if you can comment -

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thanks for sharing!

[@markvelber8664]

Delicious material ? I never heard of it, Delicious food yes 👍.

[@stjernholmreviews]

🙂 Thanks, Mark. English is not native to me, so expect a some "new" language.

[@markvelber8664]

@@stjernholmreviews this isn’t a big issue of a language here however you should have mention here, when you do review the turntable by telling us, it is a semiautomatic or fully automatic turntable or not? What type of a recommendation for the cartridge to go with this turntable etc. thanks

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@markvelber8664 Sorry for late reply. Your comment was flagged as spam for no apparent reason? Both the turntables are manual, which is usually always the case with high end turntables, where you dont want any "additional" mechanics. Simple is good, remember? 🙂. Both players can accommodate a wide selection of cartridges, as they are highly adjustable, and has a selection of counterweights. Yamaha recommends the Ortofon Cadenza Black as a good choice.

[@BO-kh1iz]

Both turntables are awesome. But I want to have an improved Technics SL-1500C (or SL-100C) on the same quality level as the 1200G. I prefer the cleaner look without the "DJ" Features.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Agree.. You may look forward to next year, where I will do a complete Technics showdown, comparing the 1000, 1200GR2, The MK7(DJ model) and the 100C/1500C.

[@BO-kh1iz]

@@stjernholmreviews Nice! Thanks for all the good videos this year, really looking forward for more to come.

[@NiiOnLood]

Technics has now released SL-1300G.

[@BO-kh1iz]

@@NiiOnLood Oh yes, thanks for the hint. That one looks like what I was waiting for. I´ll have a look.

[@JohnDoe-rn3jy]

bass and low end was better with the 1200G. Also was more silent than the GT-5000. I downloaded and clickrepaired both tracks and the program removed more clicks and pops on the GT-5000 track than the 1200G one. The GT-5000 has a more airy sound. I have the original GT-2000, a direct drive unit, with an upper 3 kg copper mat, it sounds really nice. Thinking about adding an external power supply, which is supposed to increase the performance even more. I was wondering how it would compare against the GT-5000, but now after this comparison, I'm wondering if it'll better than the 1200G. I find the sound presentation of the latter very appealing...

[@stjernholmreviews]

Hi John. Thank you for watching the channel! Yes, it is very interesting that two good turntables using the came cartridge and amp can sound so different. There is really a big difference in the character. I definitely found the SL-1200G to sound "tighter" and "faster" overall, but I also like the added "fatness" of the GT-5000. There is definitely records that would sound their best on one or the other. 🙂. If you make some of the modifications to your GT-2000 (did not know it was direct drive!) please share what you learned here!

[@Skyshakerrrr]

Yamaha has more resolution just more of it more vibrant.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Skyshakerrr, are you still out there? I was expecting you to take part on this one! ;-). kzbin.info/www/bejne/roSmmpKkaq9qptU

[@tanner7981]

I prefered the Yamaha. Much more dynamic.

[@stjernholmreviews]

I found the SL to sound "faster" like it has a tighter transient response, with the Yamaha sounding bigger, fuller, warmer. So interesting.

[@Alan-megan]

Is it me or money is growing on trees??

[@stjernholmreviews]

@Yogi-Megan no. But using a lot of money on a turntable is something a lot of people prioritize. Maybe over a car, new clothes or a holiday. The stack of cash might be high, but its all relative to the value you see in what you are buying, right? Thanks for watching!

[@JohnDoe-rn3jy]

Hi, How good is the phono stage on it? Good enough to not buying a separate one? Thinking seriously about buying one, but if I'll do it I'll be run out of money to add an external phono preamp worthy of a cartridge around 2K. Any advice will be appreciated. Kind regards

[@stjernholmreviews]

See reply on the 5000 series review video