Technics SL-1200G v Bergmann Audio Magne Turntable SHOOTOUT [4K]

[@acme.videos]

Technics SL1200G is by far the champ!

[@zogzog1063]

Direct Drive makes this a no brainer. There is a hidden advantage with the Technics: Its weaknesses such as they are can be cheaply ameliorated. They are easily upgradable. First and foremost is the feet. The feet are a significant improvement over the original SL1200 series. But they are still poor in high-end terms. Swap them out with Isonoes (mini trampolines) or cheap maglev feet and you are on to a winner.

[@krwd]

when you have to wonder about the law of diminishing returns, you may have found a winner and i think the Technics is just that the coreless twin rotors and materials are top shelf. Micheal Fremer just admitted that he now listens to a direct drive turntable wow mountains can be moved

[@oaktowndimond668]

Why wouldn't you use the same system to compare both turntables? It's literally 2 rca cables to swap them out.

[@edmundmow6880]

Technics sl1200g hands down. In term of the build quality, sound quality and maintenance free! compare to Bergmann due to require air pump maintenance and etc...

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Of course, ‘live’, and now over a longer time frame, the differences are widening. But, that said, the Technics is a very fine turntable. I’m enjoying the review process. Our review will be up late February. All the best...

[@trappenweisseguy27]

Delusional.

[@Simon-dn9kv]

Michael Fremer did a similar shootout a while back comparing the 1200G with his Continuum Caliburn. If I remember correctly he captured and digitized the sound directly coming out of the phono pre. And with room and mic out of the equation it was much easier to discern differences. Still a great video, I enjoy these shootouts a lot.

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Thx, Simon. Michael is way older than me with more tech experience lol j/k. He’s a great guy, a good friend, and I’ve seen his excellent video. I will look into that technique. Anything’s better than room reflections, crappy mics and 128. I’m learning. All the very best, Anthony

[@mmakshak]

@@AudiophiliaChannel If I remember correctly, his Continuum was clearly better, but the cost! I now would consider the 1200G as a base unit used for comparison purposes to see what you get when you spend more on a turntable. It's a good standard(finally-compared to older direct-drives).

[@jerryandlisa27]

I love my 1200G , It's nothing but a G thing baby.

[@dollhausenx]

Am I understanding correctly that the only consistent parts are the amp and the speakers?

[@lakoumentasnick]

Last year I purchased a Roksan Xerxes 20plus, I've mounted a SME 309 tonearm and use a Shure V15 MK V MR cartridge with JICO SAS stylus. I do enjoy the turntable but don't enjoy Roksan's restricted dealer network and lack of effort in improving the situation. No such issue with the Technics. I heard the GAE when it first appeared at a special invite by Bill Voss and was blown away by its clarity with Jochum's Carmina Burana. I would love to get one but with four turntables already the wife would kill me. I should seriously consider and find one before the label says made in Malyasia.

[@paulomontero12]

Belt driven turntables are a pain in the arch to setup and to maintain. DD is plug and play.

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Highly enjoyable, thank you.

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@DjJugend]

What song is this called 4:20?

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

@@DjJugend Le Cid ballet music by Massenet. CBSO/Fremaux/EMI. 👍

[@peterstudley1804]

The Bergman looks impressive and needs high end components to get the best out of it, it looks very fiddly to set up correctly, the technics on the other hand is like an old friend easy to set up , 10 minutes works well with not so high end components and removable headshell means changing carts is a breeze , it's built like a tank destroyer , it can be easily modified, mats , leads etc , it feels superb to use and sounds just great to my 52 year old ears , I've had my G model since 2021 and it'll probably be my last tt, it really is that good 👍.

[@AnUndisclosedLocation]

What the fuck are you prattling on about...one needing and the other not needing high-end components. If you stick a shit cartridge on either and play them through shit components, they'll both sound shit. Stick a £1k plus cartridge on either and play them through mid to high-end components, they both sound great...but the further along the path of high-end components you go, the superiority of the Bergmann will become apparent. As for set-up, one is no more fiddly than the other. If you want to talk fiddly, try an old Syrinx pu2 tonearm...but once you get it right, mmmmmmmm.

[@peterstudley1804]

@@AnUndisclosedLocation I could respond using foul language like you ,but that would bring me down to your level . I hope your day gets better.

[@AnUndisclosedLocation]

@@peterstudley1804 Foul language to the illiterate, extended vocabulary to the educated. As for level: IQ, the top 0.27%; retired at 38; a stunning wife who can't keep her hands off my ripped bod; split my time between beaches and ski resorts. You dream of having a day as good as every one of mine. As your teachers and women always said, try again.

[@peterstudley1804]

@@AnUndisclosedLocation education or indoctrination, you choose, and after all self recommendation is no recommendation at all .

[@QoraxAudio]

I think that quickly switching between the two turntables back and forth makes it a lot easier and more accurate to compare by ear. Most importantly, the exact same cartridge and preamp should be used to take all those variables out of the equation - unless the two tonearms differ in effective mass *significantly* But the 1200G has a medium mass tonearm, so it should work with almost any cartridge from low to high (-ish) compliance.

[@ChrisMag100]

The Bergman is audibly distorting during the crescendo. In my headphones, it came from the right channel.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Yea. Probably too busy listing the cables he used to notice.

[@dippin1523]

believe it or not, you can get a lot closer to the Bergman with a better headshell and cartridge thats more compatible with the Technics. Also, the get rid of the rubber mat. you may be very surprised just how close.

[@AnUndisclosedLocation]

Through £50k speakers fed by £50k amps, you'll obviously be shocked by just how big a difference there is.

[@sc0or]

A rubber mat before $100k rig is an epic ... )

[@parvezshaikhul]

It is one of best comparison videos after M.Fremer comparison video. Sir please let me know which headshell is good sort of like universal for 1200G. Do you recommend any mat for Technics.

[@parvezshaikhul]

Amazing enhancements for the 1200 G everything has been elavated to a high degree.Bergman is out of budget do you suggest or recommend record mat/headshell and a good record clamp/Weight for the Technics 1200 G

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

I’d try something simple and metal like the VPI. But personally, like the Rega, I find the Technics sound better without special mats or any clamp.

[@parvezshaikhul]

@@AudiophiliaChannel Thnx a lot I saw someone using Oyaide head clamp and mat in 1200 G.Anways many thanks will get back to you for your suggestions.

[@BlueshellGamer]

This was great! Interesting. You are very luckyto have all those shiny toys 👍🏻

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Thank you for the kind words. We never forget at Audiophilia how lucky we are to audition and play with all the great equipment. Cheers…

[@scratchback2001]

The Technics was the clear winner here but why was the white side of the platter on the Bergman so dirty?

[@seeyouinmist3924]

superb kit, superb video - but we need direct audio vs mic audio in these vids!!

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Working on it. But, damn, the copyright strikes.

[@zambrano966]

Francisco del Pozo hizo una comparación parecida, con la diferencia que el 1200 de el tiene un brazo SME V, y el contrincante fue un plato SME que le cuadruplicaba el precio. pero el digitalizo las señales de ambas grabaciones y las puso en directo en KZbin, y te puedo decir que el 1200 salió ganando.

[@neverknowit11]

Most people use the Zoom digital recorder. The Bergmann’s sound the clavier was clearer. Try comparing the Clear Audio linear turntable and the Bergmann.

[@gerardopadilla4393]

I'm between the rega p8 or technics sl1200g wich do you recommend?

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Both such different ‘tables. Me, I’d go for the Rega by a hair, but the Technics is also fabulous. Maybe save a little more and get the Rega 10. An outstanding turntable.

[@gerardopadilla4393]

I like the rega alot I just like the fact of switching cartidges with ease, decisions decisions

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

@@gerardopadilla4393 let me know which one you decide. Good luck 👍👍

[@gerardopadilla4393]

My wife surprised me with the 1200g for Christmas can't wait to set everything up

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

@@gerardopadilla4393 how wonderful. Let us know how you like it.

[@pf5658]

Technics all the way. Not just saying this because I own this model. To me it sounded better in this comparison.

[@joemartin6439]

Thé most important thing to me is best bang for your buck. I have Casta B speakers ThornesTD 160,

[@kvrhifi]

@ 5:26 stick tapping sounds sounds much better with body on the Bergmann. One the other hand 4:26 sounds little thin with technics. Bergmanns wins here in this sound clip no doubt.

[@djmusic106rr]

I believe the Technics sound is better...

[@felixfranzen7578]

Me too. A lot better actually.

[@mmakshak]

I appreciate the effort, but I would not have you run a test on anything-based on this video. For one thing, the excerpts were too short. In addition, why the 2 phono stages?

[@gerardopadilla4393]

I tried installing the turntable today and I need your help I have a denon dl110 installing to original headshell, when I try to balance the tonearm keep in mind I have the vta set at 0 out of the box , the counter when tracking force is applied is way off the digital scale by at least .5 grams what can it be please help me

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

I’ll try and get an answer for you.

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

My friend, a Technics dealer says best to contact your dealer to get it perfect. I must admit, setting up the Technics is pretty straightforward. Good luck. Wish I could be more help.

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Also all new 1200 come with an added wieghts that screw on to the back of the tonearm. They should only be used with heavy cartridges. The Denon DL110 is not heavy enough to warrant the extra weight use. Some people have added this weight after balancing the arm which could also produce the error indicated.

[@gerardopadilla4393]

I also tried the ortofon 2m blue with the ortofon supplied and continue to have the same issue

[@gerardopadilla4393]

@@AudiophiliaChannel I was able to fix it I had to put a record on the turntable and balance the tonearm that way I'm up and running thank you for all your help brother Happy New Year stay safe

[@felixfranzen7578]

In this vdeio the Technics sounded a lot better. The Linear Tracking one sounded muted and dull but there also sounded like there was less surface noise on it.

[@AnUndisclosedLocation]

There is no way of telling which sounds better unless you're in the room. As for dull, that's called natutral, not overly bright, which the Technics most certainly is.

[@Trojan0304]

When I listen I want to sit so will keep my old 1600mk2, lol

[@HP_____]

Take the room and speakers out of the equation and it will be a better comparison. Just take the line level signal out of phono stages and plug directly into your digital recorder, essentially the same way you would digitize your vinyl. Check out Bob Wood's channel: kzbin.infovideos

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Will do. Thank you

[@durhamtiger]

This. I appreciate that he mentioned it but with the limitations and multiple weak links here this is just useless in trying to assess anything. Listening to sound that's going thru a chain that includes a phone as a mic, and ends up with 128kbps audio isn't something that should be a caveat, it should tell you just don't even do it.

[@sc0or]

I doubt audiophiliacs have ever compared hi-end equipment with x10 cheaper studio equipment. A competitors are always from the same noble club. I don’t understand how a 10-transistors device can cost five figures price. There is no enough information on a vinyl disc to justify such price. Especially when these are tubes that theoretically are not able to give SNR more than 66dB (6-transistors absolutely sound transparent phono stage can give 88dB for $50). In 99% cases people don’t even hear a difference between fair expensive hi-fi and absurd expensive hi-scam, just trusting salesman. They are just happy that other people cannot pay such price.

[@aml6c4c]

А король то голый,

[@rickyblair8802]

I don’t know if the room you were recording your narration in was the same room as the hifi is in or not but it sounds like there is a ton of room echo . I thought the Bergman had more weight, drive, and momentum than the technics. The music was just more alive.

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

The vagaries of room reflection, my early mic setup (better now) and KZbin 128 kbps! The Technics is a great, value added turntable and will grace any audiophile’s setup. But it can’t compete with the weight, dynamics etc of the Bergmann.

[@firstphoton655]

Why dont you put some shitty cables and speakers under 500 bucks. So we can see what really shines and a 100 dollar preamp or just used its on board preamp? Sick of all these reviewer hooking them up to these ridiculous over priced stuff. Its like testing a car with 101octane but you know your just gonna be fuckin using 87 in the dam thing.

[@peterstudley1804]

Spot on sir.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Whatever is better, nobody can say. We heard an iphone recording very incomparable audio chains, actually comparable a bit. But there‘s only one thing to hear, bergman is a cool playing, but not emotionally engaging turntable. You want a cold lens, get the bergman, you want fun and same detail, get the technics. They play different, not better or less. And no the price is NOT worth it.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

$4K is a steal? lol

[@Cujobob]

You can get very similar performance with the lower priced Technics models which are also a great price for modding.

[@ssmith954]

Yes... someone else is doing the stealing.

[@peterstudley1804]

I see your point about the cost , but what needs to be looked at is the gorgeous little technics sl 1200g is going up against the Giants in the turntable world and not being disgraced , I bought mine in Feb 21 when I was out of work, it's a great record spinner and the residuals will be high should I ever decide to sell it , something that would never happen to a hanpin super OEM.

[@pheunthai]

The Bergmann sounded more full body.

[@mariocassar3117]

The 1200 is not what it used to be. Not really impressed.

[@zukispur5493]

Donkey turntables. Work horses and very good ones. Sound Quality wise not so good. Put one next to a Linn sondek lp 12 and you'll know where I'm coming from. Even my Garrard 401 slaps it

[@felixfranzen7578]

A bog standard Technics SL-1200Mk2 (you don't need a 1200G like in the video) beats out a Linn Lp12 in every measureable aspect. Lower wow and flutter, better SNR ratio, lower rumble. The cogging everyone talks about in regards to direct drive turntables is largely a myth and certainly not something that would be an issue with the 1200's or other similar DD models. If cogging were a problem it would show up when measuring wow and flutter. Cogging might have been a problem on really cheap plastic direct drives with simpler motors and less than ideal power supplies. But not on better decks like the 1200's. The LP12 is nice and has the vintage-y high end turntable look down though. But it was practically obsolete the day it was introduced in the early 70's. Linn being a small operator could afford the engineering talemt, the R&D or the machinery necessary to develop a direct drive of their own. Instead they relied on agressive marketing a nationalistic (and ad revenue dependent) British high-fi press. British high-fi journalists did their part promoting domestic brand like Linn, Rega and the rest by making up silly arguments saying belt drive turntables are superior to DD´s although measurement cleary shows it isn't. Again, the Linn LP12 is a solid deck and looks like the ideal mental image of record player. It's good enough (and crazy expensive) but it's not better (at anything) than a nice direct drive like the SL-1200 or higher-end DD offerings from brands like Sony, Denon or JVC.

[@zukispur5493]

@@felixfranzen7578 my ears don't lie so we'll have to agree to disagree. My Garrard 401 is laughing 🌚 #FATMAN SOUND SYSTEM TOTTENHAM LONDON

[@felixfranzen7578]

@@zukispur5493 Like I said, the Linn is a nice table as so is the Garrard 401. They don't measure as well as good DD like the SL-1200 (or even better ones like a Sony PS-X800). But they are good enough and keep the wow and flutter below audible levels and the rumble/SNR is probably better than the actual vinyl medium so not really a limiting factor either. I guess we can agree to disagree. I would be interesting to know how you confirmed the Garrard and Linn's superiority over the Technics though. Did you compare them side by side using the same exact cartridge? How did you do the switching between sources? Did you match the levels to +/- 0.1dB? If the comparison went something like "I heard a Technics at a trade show or a friends house and then went home and listened to my Linn" it wont say much. That's how people come to the absurd conclusion that there are differences between different cables (other than turntable cables) or that you can tell digital sources with flat frequency response and low distortion apart by sound alone. But it wont matter what I think. You have good stuff. I would like to own a Garrard myself (and a idler drive Lenco) for historical reasons. They're cool pieces. I wouldn't ever pay for anything flogged by that reactionary charlatan at the helm of Linn though.

[@zukispur5493]

@@felixfranzen7578 big luv bruva. ❤👍