Listen to "Babylon Sisters" UHQR on $370K Wilson-Benesch GMT One Turntable

[@Projacked1]

Wow, that sounds excellent. The stability and timing is lovely. And my ears aren't getting fatigued.

[@Spontaneous.Synthesist]

Through your speakers, mic, KZbin algorithmic compression and emitting from my iPhone speakers, impeccably!

[@davidtomsett]

Superb music from the genius writers/musicians

[@COFFEE-e3p]

i have to see the rest of your set up (system)...i have to go to friday prayers for now, i,ll check later , thank-you for showing us brother...later !!. stay awesome !!

[@philthomas8351]

Thanks for the post. Sounds wonderful. Have the album too.

[@pauldavies6037]

Sounds amazing just on PC and headphones

[@thetruthserum2816]

Just realizing that for $360,000 I could build a 2,500 disc fully automatic 12" vinyl jukebox with a dust free hermetically sealed medical grade filtered cabinet with an automatic stylus cleaner, robotic loader mechanism, an automatic microscope camera stylus condition analyzer with machine vision and still have enough left over to hire go-go dancers...

[@davidtomsett]

Listening with my AKG phones it is impressive, bet it sounds fab on your rig Michael

[@tobiasseyb6592]

Vinyl won't detoriorate for a 1000 years. Surely. Unless you play it, even once.

[@jeffreypicciolo7706]

beautifully done review

[@independentfilmandhealing]

Really does sound amazing!

[@JD-mm4ub]

I would love to hear this rig and record in person! YT really can’t let you experience how grand it must sound.

[@jonrutherford6852]

I bought the disc on first day of 1980 sale and TV news was there filming the line at the cash register; I was briefly close-upped on evening news as a result. If I can locate the disc I'll have to see if it's MD1. Love all Steely Dan albums but Aja the most.

[@sectube23]

Sounds exactly like my Dell notebook. Love the one click at the beginning.

[@noIMspartacus2]

Sounds like you need some decent kit...

[@sectube23]

@@noIMspartacus2 understanding is a key.

[@noIMspartacus2]

@@sectube23 Yeah, yeah... you mean like all those other "sounds like my...." wise guys?

[@sectube23]

@@noIMspartacus2 try to reason, not to offend me. Bye!

[@noIMspartacus2]

@@sectube23 LOL... "offend"?!?!?! me thinks maybe thou dost protest too much...

[@mattsrecordcollection]

I was pleasantly surprised to find I have an MD-1 pressing, it was mixed in with a $20 bundle of other records. It does sound great!

[@ofir5000]

We need a review of the turntable

[@trackingangle929]

I did review it in The Absolute Sound!

[@daveinvt9460]

The turntable plays the record. The system plays the music.

[@nedlowe8344]

It sounds exactly like my late 2012 MacBook Pro!

[@ThinkingBetter]

I want to cry...this vinyl playback via KZbin sounds more transparent and less compressed than the "Ultra HD" playback in 96kHz 24 bits streamed lossless from Amazon Music...or I actually feel a bit mad. Why the heck can this track sound better via a vinyl playback that has to be played through an ADC and streamed through KZbin to my DAC? Technically this doesn't make sense.

[@badbob2383]

You are right it doesn’t make sense. Try listening without watching the turntable. There is something about watching it that subliminally affects your perception of how good it sounds.

[@justanaverageguytoday]

Great question. Can our host Please explain.

[@Meteotrance]

Take note that the RIAA pre EQ curve that was involved with the cutting lathe and the analog from tape to lacquers, add a lot of extra frequency or sound color, that was not technicly recorded on the 2 inch multitrack tape or in this case the 1/4 inch stereo master tape that was made for the original pressing and also re issue , i wish they made a PCM and DSD master from the multitrack with an analog Neve or SSL desk so we could have the true potential, in the case of Rumours from Fleetwood Mac or even the Queen album they remix from the multitrack and it's sound fantastic.

[@saint6563]

Check again. Find this vid compressed, which you may hear as more dynamic. Prime is more balanced & less forward.

[@garthdev]

A couple of other large TT's I love to hear it against. The Thorens ref and The TechDas Airforce 0 which I have heard!!!

[@davidt8438]

They say you can’t hear any difference between records, CDs or speakers when listening through KZbin but I maintain you can at least hear certain differences during direct comparisons between speakers and you can hear timing subtleties and whether or not components are higher quality. What does all that mean? It means components can be showcased on KZbin and it WILL benefit the listener.

[@BestKiteboardingOfficial]

I can't tell anything h abput the sound via a YT videos, but the speed stability is absolutely locked on.

[@beautifulgirl219]

Table to cartridge to preamp, what comes after that? What does the preamp plug into, are speakers and microphones involved at all, the signal direct to some other device? Sound was very good, what is possible on KZbin is continually demonstrated to be extremely good on YT channels Like HiFiImmersion. Glad TAS is finally doing videos with sound other than people talking, it's overdue. It IS possible to produce recordings of systems playing, you'd be surprised how useful they are.

[@TASmagazine]

We've discussed this and are interested in what the usefulness is exactly. Thanks..

[@beautifulgirl219]

@@TASmagazine You aren't clear what the use is of hearing recordings of systems? For musical pleasure. To gain and form impressions about individual components and systems. To gain and form impressions about room interactions and musical systems. To discover what is possible and stretch the limits of efforts to record systems and to demonstrate how much IS possible on KZbin with effort and skill---in my opinion what is possible is VASTLY underrated. I've been listening to videos of systems on YT for years and just because it isn't equivalent to sitting in the elite suite at Magico headquarters doesn't mean tremendous value cannot be had. Again I refer you to the KZbin channel HiFiImmersion as one example of the virtues of recording systems and gaining impressions of the strengths, weaknesses, and uniqueness of various systems, components, recordings, and rooms. My advice: open your mind. No amount of language is a substitute for sound. It seems impossible to me that I would have to make that assertion to TAS. It's in your NAME. Maybe I misunderstand your response?

[@jikenj]

I've got an MD 1 Michael just got another cleaning and a spin thanks!

[@marcusharmon8389]

Lucky you lol we can only dream!!!!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

You know it takes up a lot of shelf space.

[@peteleoni9665]

Holy shit that sounds good considering it's vinyl!!!

[@Eric-z6f]

@peteleoni9665 Sounds good considering it’s vinyl? More like it sounds good despite hearing it through whatever it is you’re listening through? Maybe this is the first time you’ve heard a truly great turntable…and you *still* haven’t heard it because it will of course sound better if you were in the room with Fremer

[@peteleoni9665]

@Eric-z6f It's all additive and I heard a clean sound through very sophisticated mastering gear. Usually between YT compression and vinyl restrictions It's enough to add up to an objectionable degradation. Not so with this pressing and cartridge

[@Jettaca57]

Holy Shit! The sound❤️

[@Laguna2013]

how many of these turntables are sold per year and who is the target demographic please. Love Steely Dan. Keith Jarrett. Lives down the road.

[@SQTierHog]

First video I've seen by this gentleman. I don't know what that UH record is all about, but I'm going to go Google it. However I do know what Gaucho is all about. I haven't listened to it in a long time, so this sounded incredible coming from this turntable that I've never heard of or seen, and whatever recording device he used. If I missed it in the video, apologies. I really appreciate all the effort this gentleman put into everything here, subbed!

[@trackingangle929]

I love that this was the first video of mine that you've seen! I started writing for The Absolute Sound in 1986! And started making videos decades ago! But better late.....

[@moogfooger]

Ditto on the table comment below. You know in the end it is about a great record that took total genius all coming together at once and creating a Michelangelo of records. Aja is the part 1. Remember that this was the end of analog as we knew it. The digital age was rearing its ugly head and would change things forever. A testament of the coming of the "Modern Age" and that's why this is important. That's what they will be saying about this record in 1000 years on that turntable. Thanks for the presentation. I think I want a remote for my table! Cheers

[@razisn]

Excellent! Sounds almost as good as good digital.

[@puciohenzap891]

Ha, got em 😂

[@skip1835]

geeze, guess you're doing your best to troll, but I'll bite - I'm running reference in both departments -- did you even listen to this track? Little doubt that Mike is piping this directly from the pre-amp, we've all heard this record a 100 times - it's amazing sounding even through YT imo - - the bloom, imagining, all of it, and yes, there's some micro seconds where the mike preamps are clearly running in the red, we all can hear that, that's in the recording, nothing to do with digital or otherwise - - so sure, if I go directly to my main rig and play this same track from my digital library I'll be plenty happy with the sound - is this system Michael's running here better? That would be a joke question in my book - and yeah, I concede, in the end we're talking stereo, the enjoyment from either side of the fence is awesome - most listeners that are truly running reference gear will tell you both mediums are very close, again, if we're talking reference, that is to say, it's the gear more than it is the medium, that is a fact - anyway, it's laughable for someone to suggest that what Michael is presenting is inferior to any playback - digital or otherwise. Oh, and by the way, don't come back at me with your science - we all know and understand that stuff. Gawd, grow up, let your brain analyze what your ears are hearing - your comment imo is stupid, not cute or funny.

[@Gez492]

You really are a Richard

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

I wished that Steely Dan went ahead with another recording of "The Second Arrangement". The furthest they went with it was only performing it live.

[@miguelbarrio]

When is the GMT ONE review coming out? Thx

[@ingenfestbrems]

you should uppload in 1080p Premium, guess its better bitrate..

[@woohunter1]

Think of how many concert tickets you could buy for $360k?

[@rumbepack]

How does this turntable compares to the oma k3?

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Drums sound way more forward than historical mix. Sounds like a different recording than the historic one with more separation and isolation of elements. Also plays a little slower. More detail, but almost sounds like separated parts rather than a cohesive whole almost like a post-modern deconstruction into the elements of the record rather than the full cohesive sound. So a different listening experience than the historic commerically available record. But $370k tt and 75k pre-amp? I've heard of diminishing returns but this is ridiculous.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I would call the initial release the definitive version but that's my opine. This is a boutique version of the record some 40 plus years later. It doesn't sound like the original release is what I'm saying. It sounds like a pretty boutique version of it, which is fine if that's your jam. But it's too rich for my blood.

[@CatrinaDaimonLee]

the original pressing sounds richer imo

[@fakeklg]

Yo Fremer you got xyz record? Fremer: “yes. which pressing?” [holds up 46 copies of xyz record]. You are like the final boss of the record game. I love it!

[@flyergowest]

Wow delicious.

[@54tristin]

Sounds great no question about it, but I have heard sound systems that cost 130 of the price of that turntable is sound just as good of all the hoaxes that I have been a part of Watches guitars audio as a class is the biggest bunch of Huie that I’ve ever been exposed to and I really like Audio

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Thanks. I think I'll stick with my Barnes and Noble $4.99 sale Gaucho 2000 cd remaster. But I'm not insane, so there's that.🤣

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Listen on the Caravaggio's 😊

[@moogfooger]

Listen from KZbin Carl?! ..........Caravaggio, he was a Renaissance artist, right?

[@Nugglashine]

More money than sense they say

[@marcse7en]

In a thousand years from now, records will probably turn BACK to oil! 🤣 That is one UGLY turntable! ... Technics is much more attractive! That turntable is valued the same as my house!

[@burleq]

Can you not play a different selection?

[@artyfhartie2269]

Sounds like my $5.00 ear buds

[@gratmatassa5432]

vinyl deteriorates the second you play it & each & everytime after that, record wear is enevitable regardless of quality of turntable.

[@glenncurry3041]

Don't let them get to you. Responding not needed.

[@skip1835]

Sorry, bit late to the game on this one Michael - - although there's several things to comment about, one item struck me right away - to me, Donald's lead vocal track seems pushed up just a bit - actually, come to think of it, on many of his tracks, across his career even - I've often had the thought of his primary vocal being just a touch too far down in the mix - I think I've heard him say himself that he's not a fan of his own voice, and yeah, I get all that, but Steely Dan isn't Steely Dan without that uniqueness - I'd love to comment on some of the other aspects of the video in general but for one, "how can a person waste their money in reference to starving people" and so on - well, I really think that's what makes the world go round children, ladies and gentlemen - it's a capitalists' society we live in, like it or not - doesn't matter if we're talking TT's or Bentleys - that stuff puts people to work and spreads the money which helps everyone - needless to say, I think most of us that might have millions of expendable money would want the best - so cool to see and hear and example of that along with the music too - thanks.

[@justanaverageguytoday]

Diminishing returns are exponentially realized. At some point it becomes becomes insane. Don’t tell me with 60 year old ears you can hear more you can’t. You have lost hair cells. End of story.

[@justanaverageguytoday]

Diminishing returns are exponentially realized. At some point it becomes becomes insane. Don’t tell me with 60 year old ears you can hear more you can’t. You have lost hair cells. End of story.

[@chrisharris1522]

Unless that turntable is made from solid gold there is no justification for that price, support Chinese manufacturers and put thieves like these out of business

[@erics9754]

Wow sounds just like my system with a VPI Scout original one with a Koetsu Rosewood standard cart with a Conrad-Johnson Premier 15 phono preamplifier and two Joule Electra 160 grand Marquis OTL mono blocs driving a Rel Britiana B1 and a pair of Soundlab 845 Majstics almost as good but my system sounds better lol even with the lowly Scout!!!

[@Spock105]

What ? only one arm ? Can it get even more rediculous ?

[@marcusharmon8389]

Turntables are like watches they all tell the time but your paying for the pretty cogs and jewells etc i bet you cant tell the difference between some 1000 dollar turntables and this 😂

[@Eric-z6f]

@marcusharmon8389 Have you listened to various high end turntables such as Fremer’s and compared them to turntables at 1K? If not, don’t bet your house

[@lipete1000]

I do not understand why play a well recorded record on a great system then put it on KZbin where people listen on there crappy sounding cell phone

[@trackingangle929]

some people listen through good headphones, some cast it onto their big systems.... it loses some but the essence comes through...

[@glenncurry3041]

And if in a thousand years there is no AC, no power. Vinyl can be played with a needle on a spinning platter. Files will be gone and optical of no value.

[@aaronhayman8558]

I don't really get why Gaucho is considered to be so great. Sure, it's well recorded, but for the time and the money spent making it, I figure that it ought to be. Steely Dan's music was always on the mellow side, but this album takes that too far for me. It's languid to the point of being boring. I'm not the biggest SD fan, but I do like the Aja album and feel like it's a far stronger statement than Gaucho... As for the playback, I'm sure that it's great, but having it played back on all of our far more modest systems at home seems like a bit of a pointless exercise. I have to wonder if, despite all of the A-list gear being used, that it couldn't all sound far better than that basement where it's all set up, which surely isn't anything like acoustically ideal. I'd think that a far smaller investment in gear could sound better than this stuff if it were set up in a more ideal space...

[@robertgough5804]

God arnt steely dan sooo boring? Is the deck running s bit slow?

[@ericshutter5305]

funny, my 10k headphone system sounds better then the 370k turntable with your record 😂 it's a 192kHz 24bit flac so not regular CD 😊

[@justanaverageguytoday]

The most over mastered record ever. Caused SD to break up because Donald was so nuts

[@Eric-z6f]

@justanaverageguytoday Fagan was nuts and Becker wasn’t?

[@richardelliott8352]

the same glibness that makes this man a very entertaining audio story teller unfortunately completely fails him as an accurate and objective equipment reviewer. I have always liked the way Wilson- benesch pursued and implemented their sometimes unique and regrettably always expensive designs, and particularly am curious why this arm looks somewhat conventional after marketing a "cobra" arm that they pitched as a necessary break from conventional arm design. were they mistaken , or was it poor sales that caused the rethink. of particular interest to me is if the arm still uses a rollamite as a bearing , as Michell uses in their cartridge suspensions .

[@realleescoggins]

I have always found Fremer to be very objective and honest in his reviews. Sometimes brutally so. 😂

[@razisn]

@@realleescoggins lol

[@Patthana121]

Sounds just the same. Not worth changing.

[@adrianfisher9641]

Pointless.

[@rsd70s]

Evaluating audio on KZbin makes no sense and hurts TAS’s credibility

[@moogfooger]

I thought it was really interesting to see how it translated. I think it was suprising that, if you listen closley (an aquired skill) , you can descern differences even on this so called compromised medium. Happy listening! (What! I can't hear you!) Cheers

[@Sean_Farmer]

@@moogfooger I was thinking the same thing as rsd70s until I compared it with Spotify through my headphones and I agree with you.

[@RanjakarPatel]

Yes I agree four this my beauty

[@Eric-z6f]

@rsd70s We’re the ones evaluating over KZbin, not Frener. He’s sharing his thoughts through KZbin. He’s not saying we can hear what he hears, so how is credibility hurt

[@RoccoXYZ1]

Totally absurd. Pathetic music. What mediocrity. Enjoy it on your ridiculous turntable. But remember it has co correspondence with the absolute sound.