Feeling groovy with Technics + Grado, Ortofon, Zu, Denon, and Mo-Fi cartridges

The joy of vinyl, the continuing adventures.
0:00 Intro
0:16 Technics SL 1500C & SL 1200GR
1:39 Cartridge swapping
5:51 Schiit Mani preamp
6:51 MoFi StudioPhono preamp
8:20 MoFi MasterTracker cartridge
9:35 Denon DL 103 cartridge
11:34 Zu/Denon 103 cartridge
12:23 Grado Reference Reference Platinum 2 cartridge
13:46 The best part of living with a turntable is...
15:51 Audiophiliac Viewer System of the Day!
17:29 Outro
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[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

The killer combo is the SL-1200GR and the Ortofon M2 Black. That's what Technics audio engineers used when they showcased this model at launch in several events all over the world.

[@michael61465]

Great video! Awesome to hear your opinion of Technics turntables. I have a SL1200 MK7 with a Nagaoka MP200. I use it with a Schitt Mani pre amp running through a Marantz NR1200. The sound I get through my speakers is fantastic to my 56 year old ears. I enjoy music on vinyl, CD's and streaming. Thank you for your reviews and insight. It's very much appreciated!

[@jamesm90]

I have had Technics turntables since the late 1970’s and early 1980’s they still work perfectly. A SL-1700mk2 and a SL-1210mk2, love ‘em.

[@jeffsloane8628]

Folks make no mistake, this is the record equipment review we should really listen to. Finally. Thanks Steve!

[@vbosma240]

I love the fact this analoge themed video has multiple subjects in terms of pre-amps, cartridges and players. Thumbs up and I like more of this!

[@Octocoupler]

The 1500 looks so slick and beautiful 😍. My humble rega p2 might be up for sale

[@ScottTice1971]

My 1988 SL1200mk2 is still running strong. Currently running a Grado Blue.

[@edwardlee9890]

Thanks, Steve-this one of my favorite episodes. Tuning the sound of a turntable with carts and preamps is a lot of fun-especially when you hit a combo that synergizes with the rest of your system and room. Magic.

[@dreyn7780]

A wise person would just tune in the sound to a real instrument instead.

[@shillwaffer2105]

This is the single most helpful comparison on KZbin right now. Following the logical progression of red, to red with phono stage, to blue to better phono stage- really so helpful. I was debating a new cartridge or upgrading my schiit phono stage next, this gave me my answer.

[@AmericanConstellation]

There's so much to setting up a turntable. I've customized, modified my Technica turntable so much it's one of a kind.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Thank you for this review on turntables, and cartridges, vinyl...greatly appreciated. KEEP up the good work.

[@danwheetman6914]

Steve, this is the review I’ve been waiting for. Thanks bring it on!

[@petethegreekre]

Great system of the day! Loved the whole set up, great job to you and Steve.

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Steve, I appreciated this topic - it was interesting for me to hear your impressions and descriptions. So I'm looking forward to hearing more of it! 😀

[@ogsan1296]

Love Technics especially Technics SL-1210GAE. I have this table and I love it. Great video Steve. Thanks for showing love to analog. GREAT channel.

[@andypomeroy7447]

Wow! This episode was timely for me as I'm considering a serious turntable upgrade. Thank you for the cartridge review as I'm considering the MoFi Master Tracker.

[@davidkappadahl9085]

Congratulations Glenn!! Glenn is a great Audiophile!! He has helped our Audiophile group through the years and has built us amazing pieces!! Mahalo Brother!!

[@MusicLover-01]

Vinyl is too addictive, thanks for covering this part of the hobby Steve 👍 BTW that DIY system was 🌟 🤩

[@jmad627]

I just got a new Ortofon blue and after recalibrating the tone arm sounds terrific. I changed it out from a Grado prestige series gold, which needs a stylus change. Also I found an old Technics headshell I thought was lost and broken but cleaned up and bought new wires for. That one will be getting a Grado mono cartridge. So I’ll have three different cartridges. Next I will be looking into a moving coil one I’m liking this switching out cartridges on my Technics SL 1200 MK2. I’ve had the vinyls for years, now I’m enjoying being a novice audiophillac. Cheers!

[@velchuck]

I own a JVC JL-40 direct drive auto-return turntable since new. I absolutely love it. Belts never appealed to me. I can change the head for different cartridges. I’m so glad that you are doing more with vinyl. Vinyl is back!!

[@NickP333]

Yay! My absolute favorite video already!

[@QoraxAudio]

Awesome! Do more turntable reviews - these are great! Turntables are the centerpiece of every analogue setup after all!

[@NickP333]

Glenn, wow! Fantastic system, man! I love DIY too.

[@a3marketing991]

I have had a Technics 1200GR on order for 4 months now. I hope it comes through soon. It's probably sitting on a ship off L.A.

[@homerjones3291]

Yes, they’re being handed out with a eyedropper; no one around me nor online seems to have any GR/G units in the states.

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

I bought one from Hi Fi Heaven about 2 years ago and never even opened the box. Wonder how much I could sell it for if I decided not to keep it now?

[@homerjones3291]

@@Merlin-wo1kj I know of at least one that sold on eBay for more than new but was used - $1924 I think - minus about 14% for eBay charges. Selling on Craigslist or forums would save you the fees.

[@jogmas12]

There’s a chip shortage

[@thierrybernot9369]

Thank you Steve. I’ve watched an read so many turntable reviews but that’s great having cartridges reviews. When I began my journey, the best I could afford was the Denon DL 110. This little red devil didn’t needed a phono preamp and being honest, I couldn’t afford one. I was dreaming of the ortofon SPU Gold but … never been able to own one and the system that goes with it.

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

Thank you Steve for another great review !

[@NickP333]

I’m an obsessive turntable/record collector guy, so this video was amazing to me. I picked up up an SL1210GR a bit ago. Amazing deck. Got an upgraded and modified KAB/M3D too. The difference between them wasn’t large enough to keep the GR, imo, so I ended up continuing to use my M3D. Been using a Denon DL103r for a good while now. I completely love it. Great cartridge. Absolutely love your thoughts on the cartridges. Ive owned Grado, Ortofon, Nagaoka, Goldring, and may, many more. Thanks for this one, Steve! I owe ya one now! 🙂🎶🔊✨

[@jmad627]

I have an SL 1200 MK2 in black and love it.

[@NickP333]

@@jmad627 Nice! Yeah, built like a tank and super easy to work on. 👍🎵

[@JadeTheWolf1982]

I have a Denon 59L that is still running but thinking of selling it and getting the Technics SL1210GR or the SL1500 C because I LOVE the auto lift : )

[@bobb.9917]

LOVED your comment on Sean's Channel about the Dynaudio Confidence 20s. HYSTERICAL! 😂😂😂 No vinyl for me YET! ….but I learned a lot today. THANKS STEVE!

[@stonefree1911]

I LOVE the strobe dots on the platter. Reminds me of high school in the 80's when that was THE thing.

[@homerjones3291]

@@keplermission4947 On the contrary - this is the realm of Old White Men.

[@andymill32]

My Thorens 160 developed motor issues and is in storage, I got a sl 1210 mk2 in great condition about a month ago, I immediately got it serviced and better rcas connected, I then bought a silicone tonearm damper that really improved the sound ,I run it with 3 audio technica cartridges the atvm95ml, atvm540ml and the oc9xml into my parks audio puffin and it sounds amazing, Im never going back to belt drives!

[@christophersellon8998]

Thank you so much for going down this path! I love vinyl and am eager to hear more of your experiences. Keep em’ coming. Great video.

[@njalbrekke4861]

I’m in the beginning of my turntable journey. This was fun and informative. I’m gonna check out the check out the Grado and Mofi cartrigdes…👍

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Thank you for this one, Steve! To me as a vinyl guy, I had much to appreciate! Now I'm using a Schiit Mani preamp w/ a MoFi-Studiodeck + Nagaoka MP-300. I'm planning to upgrade the phonostage. I heard a lot good thoughts on the Graham Slee Accession MM. Keep on with the analogue stuff. I learn a lot! Best regards from Germany! 🙋‍♂️

[@vncstudio]

Graham Slee is excellent! I have the Reflex Era Gold MM.

[@MOOeymania]

I have the GR it's fantastic.

[@RobertDoyle1]

I've recently made the same change from belt drive to a vintage Luxman direct drive TT. A Goldring E3 cartridge through a 279.00 PJL Electronics (made in NJ) hybrid tube phono stage rounds out the system. It's so much fun to hear the old records again.

[@nasskhan4543]

Hi Steve. For many years I used a 2nd hand Michell Gyrodec with Ac Motor , Micro Sieki Arm, At 150 mm cartridge. It was superb but I had power supply motor problems over 20 years. Regrettably I had to sell it. I used a Lenco L75 from another system and in June this I bought a Technics 1500c. It is excellent. Its not that far off the Gyrodec in Sound Quality but the pitch & silent backgrounds are better. Strongly recommended.

[@deadquietvinyl]

Turntables, finally! My 1500c is happy to meet his family! 🤩 I will have the 1200G next year, hopefully to put it next to his little brother. 🤨

[@naschylobo]

Audiophiles be damned - I upgraded from a Rega P1 to a Technics SL-1200 MK5G. I could have purchased a P3 instead. I think I made the right decision.

[@dreyn7780]

Well, I tuned my auto-technica turntable in to perfect jimi hendrix Woodstock sound. So that implies neither of your turntables will do the jimi hendrix Woodstock sound. I down graded and got the perfect sound so you MUST have terrible sound.

[@keithdayer3297]

I had a Rega P2 and the belt seemed to slightly vary the pitch. It made me nuts with that pitch drift however slight. Now I have an Sl-1200 mkII that's got a fair amount of tweaks. I am sold on it, especially with the Denon DL-110 cart.

[@MurgenTemplar]

Upgraded over the weekend from Rega RP1 to the SL-1500c, not going back.

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

From RP1 to SL-1210GR. a different galaxy.

[@stimpy1226]

With 95% of the people who own a cell phone using it to take really good pictures, I still need to shoot with an SLR because of the hand feel. It makes a world of difference to me and I’m not sure why. I know that the quality of my photos are far superior when I use my Nikon or Leica. Maybe I’m a snob but I just don’t feel that I can hold on to my cell phone without feeling shaky when I press the shutter.

[@davidbailey6350]

Liking the TT reviews….! Love the system if the day too…

[@izumispa2993]

I really respect Steve’s honesty in his reviews.

[@TheMaxx111]

I would love to see more turntable/cartridge/phono amp videos, especially Technics turntable videos!

[@dreyn7780]

No, you'd rather see steve tune in what he's got.

[@xaviersmith9419]

I am so glad that you are planning to do phono pre's in the $500-1000 range. I have a Sumiko black cartridge that I have paired with a Schiit Mani. It get's the job done, but I feel that I'm missing detail and soundstage in my setup and I think the Mani may be the culprit. I look forward to seeing the ones you review so that I can start looking at a phono stage in that price range.

[@norrieclark5217]

Got the SL1500c last year. I agree with what you say about the cue lever doesn't feel too solid but that's my only complaint. The height adjustment mechanism is easy enough there is a gauge on the base that tells you how much you are raising/lowering. I changed my cart to an Audio Technica VM95ML which was an improvement over the stock Ortofon Red.By coincidence to your review I run it through the MOFI phonostage,the Ultraphono which is basically the Studiophono with a headphone amp built in. Very happy with it

[@homerjones3291]

People have complained about the GR lift as well. I have had no issues with my 40 year old SL1200mkii.

[@Tom55data]

Not exactly at the level discussed here, but I kept my AR Legend turntable which I bought second hand in 1984, still going strong and sweet.

[@svencabrera8556]

Hi steve love your technics. Mine is sl1200 mk3d.

[@charleshuguley9903]

"The time has come today, Young hearts must have their way." Time, Chambers Brothers.

[@chriscowen85]

Loved this video. My journey with my SL1300 bought in 1975 has had many carts played through my Marantz 1060 phono stage. Then bought a Project phono box that had some hum. Changed to a Vincent pho 8 and that was a big upgrade used with a Nagaoka mp110. I then changed to the PS Audio Stellar so I can use any cart I want. Have been using it for several months now. As good as advertised. Now have the Hana SL ordered. I'd been looking at new tt's before. Not so much now.

[@nomorokay]

Believe it or not, the newer Technics turntables sound better than the older ones. My SL-1400 Mk II was making a ticking noise when the platter spun and the buttons were getting sticky, so I bought a new SL-1210M5G in 2010. It came with no cartridge, so I temporarily took the 1400’s headshell, with its Shure M97xE cartridge, and popped it onto the M5G. Then I took the old Platter Matter mat from the 1400 and put it on the M5G. Now, everything that touched the records was the same as before, so I didn’t expect to hear any difference, but there was a big difference! More solid bass and clearer midrange! I was amazed and very happy. Try a new Technics turntable. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Really helpful review as have been considering the SL1500C for a while now. Ortofon Blue sounds like the option for me (for now) I already have the Pro-ject phono box pre-amp

[@laika25]

Love those ELACs on back. ♨️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😋♨️

[@chrisbullock5488]

I started my HiFi Journey in the mid 80’s, so I’ve been on board with CD since it’s beginning and it seemed at the time that CD put the final nail in the Vinyl coffin. Now fast forward to current times, seems like it’s the other way around. It feels weird to say this but I’m seriously considering getting a turntable, and it only took 36 years to pull the trigger! Lol (But between you and me, I think CD will make it’s comeback too. 😉)

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

When I bought my Rega planar 3 in the 80s I thought it was foolish because the magical CD player had arrived but what the heck I had/have a lot of vinyl. Anyway you can get CD to sound about as good as vinyl just record vinyl onto CD and there you go. Now cassettes, those are the ticket but only if you can get the old tapes. But hey I got the Yamaha 5 CD changer CD-C600 on sale for 329 it's pretty sweet.

[@keplermission]

No ... but if you are seriously considering getting a turntable, it's suggested we get a British QUAD 44 that has specialist modules tuned for various cartridges so that your R.I.A.A. and other factors, capacitance and voltage are adjusted to give the best output to your amplifier, a power amplifier or any amplifier. There is a problem with Technics turntables, they give a power kick for every revolution so the speed accuracy is 10% inferior to the quoted specifications. We'll ask how Technics escaped with such a deception. Well ... Technics 1200 or 150, or 1500 were never considered High Fidelity but suited for Disco running at 10% amplifier distortion. Turntables are a problem, particularly the overhang and linear tracking turntables were preferred back in the day. Grado cartridges are heavy like Shure and these are American and suited to many American brand amplifiers. Japanese brands are better with Audio Technica and Technics own cartridges.

[@harrydavidson5014]

Vinyl is killing mp3

[@alltehstuffs]

CDs are already degrading. They won’t be readable by the time they’re due to make a comeback.

[@REX4340]

One of your best Steve👌

[@carlosbauza1139]

Great and unique Audiophiliac review! Stands apart, on its own! Suggest incorporating your SME 15 'table with the SME 309 tonearm with Removable Headshell...and Parasound "JC3-JUNIOR" preamp.

[@TomReinerDE]

It is kind of funny to see this now, knowing how it ended. ☺️

[@stephenmayo9573]

Why is this so interesting? Good job!

[@homerjones3291]

Steve can make reading the dictionary exciting.

[@HenrikScheel_]

My first turntable was a Technics SL-D2 which was a very good turntable.

[@roccobruno8027]

I started my analogue journey with the Technics SL-1100 with the SME Series III. What a beautiful combo. To this day I wish Technics would resurrect the SL-1100's industrial design. Having just said that I must admit that the SL-1500c is a looker and affordable.

[@elliotendures]

Fun video as I just upgraded from the 1500C to a Rega Planar 8, which should be arriving today!

[@tomwebb7091]

What carts being used? Certainly the Rega P8 is amazing vs the Technics

[@elliotendures]

@@tomwebb7091 Apheta 3. Went all out.

[@aidanpallister7784]

@@elliotendures How did you find the change from Technics to the Planar 8?

[@jayf3562]

Great video Steve! I love my Denon dl103! Even had mine retipped by soundsmith and it sounds amazing. If you get a chance to try the project ds2 tube phono preamp, it is really special (IMO). Lots of adjustments for mm/mc carts and you can tube roll AND 2 inputs and 2outputs for multiple turntables and amps.

[@tomlocke7628]

What retip cantilever was installed on your103?

[@jayf3562]

@@tomlocke7628 I got the sapphire option. It sounds amazing, maybe even better than the original.

[@stimpy1226]

Wow! A Zeta tonearm. That takes me back many years.

[@montycaps8235]

Funny you should mention making that change if you haven’t. I recently sold off my Clearaudio Performance DC. Don’t think I was overly a huge fan of it ever and more so just wanted a change. So I picked up a SL1210GR and have enjoyed the fun factor of it. It’s not perfect but swapping carts and it’s flexibility has been enjoyable. I think I’ll keep it around for while. It’s got me back to just having fun at the moment.

[@skrasnitski]

good one. that was fun.

[@RobGordon35]

Great review! ~Peace

[@rickyblair8802]

It’s about damn time you go onto the analogue train.

[@rickmathis8590]

Cool stuff, Steve! Love especially the comparison between cartridges, as that is next on my upgrade list. Any chance of a comparison of a bit higher-end ones, soon? As always, thanks for the great videos!

[@keplermission]

Yes the more you pay the better the sound will be and uh ... you know, how can we say this ... 'value buyers' (best bang for the buck) don't recommend Koetsu Moving Coil, but use instead Ortofon (Koetsu Red K vs Ortofon SPU Royal, Ortofon Quintet Black vs Koetsu Black, Ortofon Mc Anna vs Koetsu Rosewood Signature). Ortofon is the choice of all the uh ... you know, Technics turntable buyers and Koetsu is aimed at you know, a completely superior listener. Menachem Begin said the following: "Our Koetsu club is the Master Moving Coil Cartridge community. Listeners of Koetsu are divine gods on this planet. They are as different from the inferior cartridge owners as they are from insects. In fact, compared to our Koetsu owners, other Audiophiles are beasts and animals, cattle at best. Ortofon cartridge owners are considered as human rubbish. The destiny of Koetsu cartridge owners is to rule over the inferior cartridge owners. Our earthly Koetsu kingdom will be ruled by our Nakamichi 5000 TT with a pickup arm made of iron. The masses will lick our feet and serve us as our slaves.“

[@homerjones3291]

@@keplermission It would be interesting to see where Steve thinks the Technics will top out on quality cartridges; suffice it to say that anyone who considers the SL series beneath them is wasting their time watching this video.

[@homerjones3291]

@@keplermission4947 My, how you do go on. No reason for me to repeat why the 1200 was not a “disco table” as it’s already’s been explained so many times.

[@homerjones3291]

@@keplermission4947 In 2016 Abbey Road installed two Sl-1200’s in their mastering studios - high praise indeed.

[@carlitomelon4610]

I started with a Technics SL7. Finished in 1984 with a Heybrook TT2II Rega RB300. I still occasionally give it a spin and marvel at the sound quality. But realistically I mostly stream new music off Qobuz via Bluesound Vault2 & Node2i.

[@DC-xx4kv]

Steve-O, one of my favorite episodes. By now I hope you know my handle and I’m all about the records. So this was very interesting and entertaining. Nice job. I have a 42 year old technics SLD202 direct drive semi automatic tt. I am the og owner. Also have a music hall belt drive tt. Thanks for also calling records, records. They are made of vinyl but they are not “vinyls”. It seems like you really enjoyed yourself with those tt’s. ☮️

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks so much

[@homerjones3291]

More vinyl! More vinyl!

[@homerjones3291]

I just picked up one of these after being on the fence for a while; I have an SL-1200mkii from the early 80's with a bunch of KAB mods - rewired with Litz wiring, PS1200GXL power supply, strobe On/Off switch, tonearm wand liner, Ortofon headshell, thrust plate, fluid damper - and thought that I took care of any deficiencies that would make it comparable to a GR. In short, no, it didn't. The GR has a wider soundstage, the bass tubbiness/vagueness is gone, treble response is greatly improved, and more dynamic overall. The differences were not as subtle as I expected. My mkii works great, and has never given me a bit of trouble - not even a burnt-out bulb, and always kept accurate, unwavering speed. Now, the differences I found that I was not so fond of. The tonearm lift is not as smooth as my mkii; there's some bounce to the GR, and the action of lift is not distributed over the whole travel of the arm movement. I had to put my 5mm rubber mat under the new 3mm(?) mat to be able to level out my Hana ML cartridge - I'm using an Ortofon LH-4000 headshell so that may the cause; I've seen other people complain that they can't get the VTA low enough on the new ones. The power knob is a little more recessed in its housing so I can only grab the very top instead of the amount of knob the mkii showed me (there's probably a joke there somewhere). The cueing light illumination is not as bright and wide as the mkii. I find the GR headshell with the azimuth adjustment on the underside with a teeny-tiny screw not adjustment-friendly at all; the Ortofon with the Allen key adjustment on top is much better. The counterweight on the GR turns with a slight grinding feeling that the mkii didn't have - maybe I put some oil on it a long time ago? Can't remember. And frankly, I found the positioning of the rear connectors were not easily accessible, but I won't be changing them frequently, so no big deal. I think it's staying.

[@bikdav]

Steve, I love DJ turntables (and DJ style turntables).

[@batmanthinks]

I had the mofi studiophono before. Very decent phonostage for the price with features you usually find in more expensive phonos such as its mono mode and mc support

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Steve doing a deep dive into phono today!

[@xtra1car]

Hey Steve, greetings from Canada! I love to watch your videos, they are informative and entertaining. A quick note about the Ortofon red/ blue. According to Ortofon, the cartridge bodies are the same, the difference is in the stylus’. The stylus’ are interchangeable. I have both and exchange the red / blue between them. So anyone who wants to upgrade to the blue from red can just purchase a blue stylus.

[@stephenstevens6573]

I had heard that before, but I wasn't sure it was true. Just bought a 2m red. And there was nothing in the literature to confirm or deny. I like the red, but I'm really digging my Stanton 600+680 right now. I know they dont makevthem anymore, but to me? I'm really digging them.

[@alexstewart8097]

@@stephenstevens6573 But you for sure must know your Stanton has nothing to do with ''The Natural'' sound , and that on the contrary , it was developed down Florida way, right...?

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@alexstewart8097 no idea where. I have a wide variety of cartridges, but the stanton 681ee, for me, is right in my wheelhouse. I listen mostly to rock, jazz and fusion.

[@alexstewart8097]

You for sure have just reminded many of what some not red, nor blue, but Pink Floyd producer and great musician on his own, so wisely quipped about those audiophiles more worried about how the notes sound than the heart of the music (kind of what non other than Mahler, the great composer himself ALso opposed in his days)...Shema!!!

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@alexstewart8097 and I am reminded by something said by many of the best reviewers...in the end...the only person who matters, When it comes down to your system, and how it sounds...is you!, enjoyed the conversation! Thank you!

[@luctardif8444]

Thanks Steve, I am very glad you review cartridges and phono preamp. Please continue ! Personally I have a Ortofon 2M blue on my vintage Technics, but I am looking to get the more expensive Denon DL110. It would be de nice of you have the chance to evaluate it😀

[@madisongraham9307]

I have my 1977 original Technics SL 1800 and about to upgrade to Ortofon 2M Blue..…

[@luctardif8444]

@@madisongraham9307 good choice 👍

[@tomwebb7091]

Stretch to the 2M Black. Incredible cart.

[@luctardif8444]

@@tomwebb7091 Thanks Tom, but it’s a bit expensive for me. It is not for budget audiophiles.

[@tomwebb7091]

@@luctardif8444 In which case seriously consider a Audio Technica microline stylus MM cart. Better than the Ortofons of the same price. Only when you go black, you can never go back. Ahem!

[@davidb.233]

My folks had a phonograph where you could place a stack of records on top of the spindle and it would drop them one at a time and play them, kinda like a jukebox. That was awesome. You don't see that much anymore. Also, it's interesting how "records" are now referred to as "vinyl" and "record players" are now referred to as "turntables." I wonder why. Funny how times change but some technologies remain essentially the same. Anyways, for my money acetate will ALWAYS sound infinitely better than vinyl. I'm waiting for everyone to catch with me on that fact.

[@z90012]

Hi Steve got a Reloop 7000mk2. It's a wonderful Turntable built like a tank.its connected to my Denon. PMA 600 NE that you recommended with the warfedale 44s it sounds wonderful

[@antonyharding5360]

Hi stereo Steve, kinda tikkled my fancy a bit for getting a deck, , as you pointed out, the more hands on thing, and the fact you can change things about them.. All the best, Antony, Warrington England...

[@glenncurry3041]

I Repped both Direct Drive (Marantz, Kenwood) and belt drive (Empire) back in the '70's hey day of ttbles. At the time I was (as above) an Empire rep. They had just intro'd the 2000Z cart and the 698 ttble. I would take the 698 with a 2000Z and do a direct comparison with any direct drive with another 2000Z I had mounted on a headshell. Every time the first thing you would notice is the DD was actually louder! Not background noise. But the music was a couple db higher. Then inner details would come through the belt one. Every time. And travelled 6 states so did quite a few! Most direct drives are 4 pole motors. A few had 6 or 8 poles. That mean the turntable could control the speed with pulses every 1/4 rotation. So a modulation called "cogging" is introduced at 22Hz. The mass of the platter was intended to reduce the modulation this interjects into the playback. Reduce. But it audibly modulates the audio causing the slight increase in output because of the added modulation and the mudding of the sound. Some direct drives use linear motors and do not suffer from the cogging. (Technics SP-10, Denon DP3000). And yes belt drives can suffer from cogging to a significantly lower level and more easily eliminated. But 4 pole direct drives just start out inferior based on laws of physics. And I hate to think about that box of 2000Z samples I tossed out a decade or so ago! No one wanted any carts back then and I was tired of moving it.

[@ttownscott]

Thanks!

[@ntserver1]

I well remember Madam Butterfly, stunning.

[@arvind0rjillako]

Hey Steve, thanks for the review. I missed more detail of the music you listened to. Normally you share more information about the records played. I see you recommending that belt drive TT owners should try a direct drive. Why exactly? What does the direct drive add or change to the SQ and experience?

[@bradvoogel]

More turntable focused videos please!!!

[@ramongomez6720]

Wow! You made me remember "Buffalo gals" song from M.M

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

Hi Steve i have 2 turntables 1 is Ttechnics 1500 c the oder one is self made .The ortofon end the fono are basically ,if you change both is a good turntable!!! I have now the Ddnon 160 and ifi zen .

[@harrydavidson5014]

Sorry if I missed it but did you review the panels you have on the wall and do you believe they make a significant difference?

[@D4rkS4v4nt]

Love my 1200GR using it with a NAD 302 amplifier currently and the NAD's built-in phono preamp, not sure if I would benefit from a preamp upgrade unless I spent several hundred pounds. I'm using a Goldring MM1042 cartridge but also swap over to my Ortofon OM Super 30 now and again (the Goldring has a bigger soundstage and is more open, but the Ortofon tracks very well and isn't as affected by "noisy" LPs as the Goldring).

[@SeriousMist]

Of course Steve’s video are always a pleasure to watch and listen to. Of course Technics direct drive are full of qualities. But let’s be honest : these two are not made in Japan. The real deal (G and GAE) are awfully expensive for the looks you end up with, if you’re not a DJ. One would be better to get an old pristine MK2 or a seriously (genuine parts and skilled tech) refurbished one. Then there are a lot of audiophile tweaks to apply like KAB provides. As a hi-fi guy, what I really wish is Technics offered a made in Japan sleek looking 1500 C, with a 1200 G arm, platter and brushed laser etched plinth, without a built-in phono preamp. At a reasonably price tag, that would be a real bargain.

[@homerjones3291]

Would really like to hear your impressions when using a crazy expensive cartridge on these, so you can give us a sense of where the ceiling is for upgrading, practically speaking. There are so many cartridges out there to try - but of course, only the ones you can get your hands on.

[@captwholey]

Steve, how do you feel about the Osawa/Nagaoka cartridges? ( I have an old Osawa MP 20)

[@rogercobb3092]

There is a guy on the Bay who sells arm boards that allows one to fit Rega and SME arms to the Technics 1200. Perhaps Linn arms also. I have all three types and a couple of 1200’s. Experiment time ahead. Have a NIB Rega arm, an old but unused Infinity Black Widow also NIB and a Jelco arm. My ancient Rega Planar 3 did not come standard with an arm; so my dealer installed a Grace 707 which is still in use. The standard arm was a Lustre. The Grace was a good choice. You should try replacing the feet on the Technics with something better. Helps a good deal. Also the KAB fluid damping trough! Not cheap, but helps that ringing stock tone arm. Try filling the stock arm with expanding foam. At your own risk! If you want to spend real money, there is a replacement bearing available also an acrylic platter/bearing at around $1K Visit KAB Engineering for many things Technics including an external power supply. Expensive but cheaper than the ones from the UK.

[@Feliciano12v]

Get your hands on that IFI zen phono as it is known to be affordable and a different flavor from the Schiit.

[@williamsharp5973]

Very surprised you didn't include the Nagaoka MP110 cart, often paired with and both often reviewed very positively in combo with the Schiit Mani. Keeping in mind that the sound will be the collective contributions of both cart and pre-amp, changing either will get a different result. The pairing of the MP110 has consistantly been reviewed as a winning combination for around $300.00. Would love to hear your take on the MP110.

[@ralbin5734]

Very interesting info re: the Technics TT's. I'm thinking about getting the 1200GR, because it is realtively "finicky-free" / ease of operation / reliability. I have a Linn Sondek LP12, but it requires a lot of "futzing," which I think I'd like to avoid. Just curious... what are one or two of the better cartridges, which provide a high resolution sound. I've always liked the Grado products, but not at the expense of detail resolution. Also... not too keen on spending the "big bucks" for a cartridge - just want a reasonable value with detail resolution, transparency... "right!"

[@fanclub670]

Hello, You can try the Grado Opus 3 cartridge. It's very musical for the price... It would be a good combo with the Technics sl 1200 GR.

[@fusionfan6883]

Hi Steve, I have been looking for a second turntable with a removable head shell and adjustable VTA so I can cartridge swap as I have a nice little collection of fairly high end cartridges. My main deck is an Oracle with an SME arm and it is a pain to swap cartridges. The two decks I am considering are the 1500C and the Audio Technical LP7. Unfortunately I can’t demo the LP7 so I wonder if you or your subscribers have experience of it and how it compares to the 1500C? Thanks for all your great videos🎼👍🏻

[@JoeOrber]

I don't own the LP7 but I can see two main differences: it is belt-driven instead of direct drive, and its tonearm is J-shaped instead of S-shaped.

[@simonirvine1628]

A Good worth while Episode...

[@paulroscelli2545]

Love to see the EAT e-glo petite phono pre amp reviewed

[@raynaeyaert]

Question, who did the art piece on the wall above your turntables? Thanks Steve

[@mikegeary8056]

They really raised their prices. I have a Audio Technica AT-PL120 which is a copy of a 1200. I’ve had it for 10 years and have never had a single issue with it. It plays 78’s and plays in reverse believe it or not. It sounds good and is really rugged. It was les than $500. They don’t make it anymore.

[@matsnaslund5762]

Hi! What do you use between the rack and the IKEA "cuttingboard"? (on the board so to speak)

[@fabers92]

Believe he said he was using sorbothane feet. Special vibration damping material!

[@blackrose006]

@@fabers92 OK, any known "brands"?

[@brandtagone8487]

Oh man Steve I hope I didn't choose wrong as I upgraded my dl202 to a rega planer 6 with a nagaoka cartridge mp150