TECHNICS SL-1500C TURNTABLE UPGRADE. FUNK FIRM 'KIT 10' UPGRADE KIT - FULLY REVIEWED!

The SL-1500C is a good, solid turntable…but can you do better? The Funk Firm thinks you can. Paul Rigby reviews its 1500C upgrade kit, the Kit 10.
For more information, call the Funk Firm on: [phone]
Funk Firm website: www.thefunkfirm.co.uk
VIDEO CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
1:20 - Closer Look
10:26 - The Tests
14:18 - Sound Quality
15:36 - Houdini Test
18: 22 - Achromatic Test
20:06 - Bo!ng Feet Test
21:54 - Kit 10 Test
24:42 - Conclusion
#kit10 #funkfirm #technics #1500c #turntable #mat #headshell #houdini #achromat #feet #vinyl #upgrade #accessory
Check out my website for more on headphone amplifiers at: theaudiophileman.com
PATREON
The page arrives with a growing range of BUYER'S GUIDES, exclusive and early-bird VIDEOS!
I want to thank you for any support you might be able to offer. My Patreon page is here: / audiophileman
SOCIAL MEDIA
You can also find me via this lot:
Facebook Group: / theaudiophileman
Facebook Page: / audiophileman
Twitter: / paulrigby50
LinkedIn: / audiophileman
Instagram: / audiophile_man
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/theaudiop...
OTHER CREDITS
Old Bossa by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/

[@robertedwards1181]

Great vid....love your work ! I've had the 1500c for a couple of months now ! Great solid turntable and ive been more than happy with it ! Your informative review has planted a seed of dought....damn !

[@robh9079]

Budget ideas; You can get chinese versions of the spring feet under fifteen quid a set. Sorbothane is good also. I'm also thinking 1mm (for min mass addition) neoprene rubber twixt cart and head? (maybe cut some very small washers from it for screw points only) - about a fiver. All about having a play for the price of an evening or two in the pub!

[@baldydave3001]

As the owner of a 1500C for well over a year now. I have since bought the Achromat and Bo!ng feet and have to say both upgrades (installed separately a few months apart - mat first) both provided noticeable and worth-while upgrades to the sonic persormance of the Technics. The turntable started off as a great piece of kit and just got steadily better with each upgrade. I finished off the upgrades by changing the Ortofon stylus from red to blue and have to say I'm delighted with the end result. I have to say for the money this turntable really does produce the goods out of the box and rewards you by just betting better and better with upgrades. Thanks for stereing me in this direction, Paul.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Outstanding video, this was enormously entertaining. Your comments at the end were very true regarding upgrading in general. I can’t wait to get back to work so I can spend a bit more on upgrades, at the moment my disposable income goes on records and CD’s so not much left at the end of the month for the hardware.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's very kind of you, Tony. Thank you.

[@stephen579]

I have tried many upgrades on many turntables over the years and found one of the best is the use of Sorbothane rubber, I have made platter mats from it and used thins pieces between the cartridge and the headshell with great success, also foam rubber placed under the feet works like magic, basically all we want to hear is the stylus on the record so isolating everything that prevents us obtaining that goal is perfect.

[@OKuusava]

That could do plenty, if it is needed. At least plenty cheaper than these were!

[@stefaandecroo6774]

Thank You Paul. Very nice review. Cheers.

[@1A9lis]

Hi Paul I Really enjoyed this video , and I do get the premise on which it is founded . Your right about the manufactures having to quit at a certain price point . But thankfully company’s like funk firm can enter the market and give consumers a way forward as fund’s are available . Thank you for not always concentrating on the next big development in hifi , but obviously it is important . thankfully you are still finding time to enrich the life’s of most of your devoted followers . Best wishes and kind regards as always to your good self 😀👍👍👍

[@bobby666666]

Superb video for those that feel the wish to take the option to upgrade. Very interesting.

[@philipjackson5818]

Have had my SL1500c now for over a year, mods include a Funk Mat and I have fitted a Blue Stylus to the origional Cartridge, well worth the expence.

[@SpeedyMcGhee]

Which mat did you get? The 1200SL?

[@len9518]

I call BS on the decoupler. I want the TIGHTEST coupling of the cartridge to the headshell. There should be no possibility of movement, between the two.

[@timothykeenan3743]

You can try some level of decoupling using the OL Enabler quite cheaply. After 15 years of using Len G's Cartridge Isolator, there's no question it works. Reduction in noise and ticks and pops is surprising.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

I doubt that thing can decouple anything at all because of those two screws that are still mechanically connecting a cartridge to a shell.

[@NickP333]

Excellent idea trying out the Funk Firm upgrades separately. Being the owner of a 1200, that headshell, and the entire kit, for that matter, has me rather curious. KAB from the US, also offers an upgraded SL1500C upgrade kit including the deck. KAB, who’s offered 1200 upgrades and mods for many years, and am convinced they brought the 1200 from being a DJ deck, back to the original audiophile intention. I’d think a possible mixture of the 2 companies upgrades could offer up a best of both worlds type scenario. Thanks for yet another fantastic review!

[@christinearmington]

I’m wondering whether simply buying the 1200 would accomplish most of this and cost about the same for the 1500 plus kit. 🤨🤔

[@vadiquemyself]

8:08 19:35 I wish such a mat 6:20 7:15 20:48 as for the springin' feet, I don't listen music that loud to strain them, I think 24:44 I like this music and yep, these modifications are not only for 1500c, I'm sure they'll fit with 12x0 too

[@saverioricchiuto5386]

Another good one, indeed. I believe many of your viewers totally relate to the message at the end, as I do. I really appreciated how you underlined most of those benefits also apply to other similarly designed plinths. I wish you could do a similar video for those of us with suspended platters…

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Paul, happened upon this particular video a year•5 ago but neglected to comment. Long story short - I fully Funk'd my LSD TT w/ three Bo¡ng's, a yellow Achromat, and the Houdini Isolator. So very glad you recommended this trio - Wow! What a difference.

[@TheMammut69]

Hi Paul, thx again for the great video. I’m in to buy a 1500c , but starting out with the 2M Blue. Is there already a great improvement in sound, especially the bass?

[@Extremesam43]

Great video Paul. I like to upgrade all my turntables. Thanks for explaining that all stock tables can be improved. It answers my question for whether or not it's worth the effort. Clearly, it is!

[@johngarnet2826]

Quite comprehensive Paul. I note the kit adds improvements which take the total cost to upwards of £1500. To complete this assessment, it would be very interesting to view an additional vlog comparing the upgraded turntable with various other £1500 but unimproved turntables, ones which you may have perhaps previously reviewed and commented upon favourably. - I'm curious to learn if the kit transforms the £900 1500C into one of the top £1500 turntables.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi John - in a moment of weakness, I did this sort of thing with the Pro-Ject EVO but really, that's not the point of upgrading. You shouldn't upgrade this turntable to reach point X to then judge its performance against other turntables at a similar value. The idea is to get the best turntable you can afford (this or something else) then upgrade a single part if/when you have the cash, possibly weeks or months or a year later. Then you save up some more, then you buy another part after a further 6 months or year, etc. The point of this review is to show you that a pathway exists in the first place. That there are long-term options if you want to see this design as a long-term investment. If you only want to 'best' another £1500 deck then save up for that immediately. The upgrades I talk about here are for those who would never be able to afford that kind of kit or reach that sort of price point.

[@christinearmington]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you. Very helpful comment answering the question 🙋‍♀️ I have in comparison with the 1200. The process of learning the differences sounds intriguing. Perhaps even if one could spend more it may be more instructive to start from a simpler product. 😁

[@Ian-bl2xo]

​@@christinearmington

[@pogbellies]

Great and thorough review. So in summary your recommendation are in order, 1st change the 2M red, 2nd get the Achromat, 3rd get the Bo!ngs, and if you’re feeling flush the headshell and decoupler. (This latter does seem at odds with conventional theory about rigidity and mass.) I’d be interested to know your reasons for going for the 540ml rather than the 95ml, and your thoughts about the Achromat as opposed to the Origin Live mat. Purely for personal reasons as I was thinking of both the latter products if I go for the 1500c.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The moment the Funk Firm follows 'conventional theory' is the moment I see my psychiatrist. Actually, the Funk Firm isn't the first company to come to this conclusion, I've already reviewed The Enabler from Origin Live on this channel which draws the same conclusions. Basically, the idea is to decouple the arm, remove the arm from the equation which means that poorer arms won't impact as much on the performance as before. That's the idea. It's a sort of Socialist approach to cartridges - it's there to provide more equality so you don't have to buy a £3k arm to get good performance. That's what I hear, anyhow. Your order is fine - especially if cash is the governing factor - but it's not necessarily what I'd recommend if performance is the only variable. But if you're intention is to go for the full kit, any order is ok. And the 540 offered more performance capacity. Thinking about it, the Goldring 1042 would have been even better. Check out the Hexmat Eclipse review - in there are thoughts on a host of mats inc. the Origin and Achromat.

[@nunofernandes4501]

A good 10 years ago I bought a Pro-Ject Debut III and although it sounded decent I was always left with a nagging feeling that it could do better. So yes, I started where the manufacturer left off and changed the platter mat to a cork + rubber one. It tightened things up for sure, especially the bass. Then it was time to say goodbye to the very basic Ortofon OMB 5E cartridge. In came a Sumiko Pearl and oh was I delighted with the transformation... it seemed I had bought a whole new and better turntable. It's like cheap but well built guitars made out of decent woods. You can tinker and replace several parts and end up with something able to compete with more expensive stuff, even after the upgrades are accounted for. That's half the fun of analog, mechanical things. The tinkerer in you will revel in the tinkering.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Nice one, Nuno - glad to hear you've been proactive.

[@RUfromthe40s]

decent?a friend of mine ofered me one and i told him ,if you don´t take it i through it to the garbage, it sounds like nothing i ever heard in my life, any old cheap turntable as better sound, porra não me digas que és português, desculpa mas tens de mandar isso pó lixo, a cartridge é o som do prato a pearl já ouvi e em bons pratos tem um som aceitável, a série OM nos anos 80 era melhor que a 2mblack ,os pratos DUAL ficaram famosos em princípios de anos 80 por terem uma OM só que punham de lado a marca dual na cartridge e durava 4 vezes mais tempo

[@RUfromthe40s]

desculpa ,não quis ofender

[@OKuusava]

Sumiko is even older desing as it is sonson of old Excel, so older than OM -but easier upgrade would had been stylus, that 5 is sad, 20 is thinner cantilever and nude. Those cheapos Projects wow and rumble specks are just humor itself.

[@indranilpoddar7195]

Thank you Paul for a detailed review. So would this kit be applicable for an outwardly similar turntable that you have reviewed efore the Reloop Turn 5. How does it compare to the more expensive 1500C and is it worth getting the kit to upgrade the Turn 5? Which is much heavier than the Technics BTW…

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would guess the kit would need to be adapted specifically to the Turn 5 and I'd really need to test it on its own terms to see if there was any benefit. I'd hate to speculate at this distance :)

[@tonydeniro284]

I prefer the looks and bells and whistles on the 1200 mk7...I like the strobe feature etc, that's just me. I have one and upgraded platter mat to the kabusa glass Mat combined with a thin technics rubber mat. Plus, I installed a tone arm lift mechanism for auto lift at end of side, as well as replacement feet, also from kabusa. Using a Nordost blue heaven power cable and Atlas element turntable interconnects. I installed a Shure m97xe cartridge which I think sounds great, plus it has that vintage look with the brush feature...you can't touch this cartridge for under $300...prices through the roof.

[@trevekneebone369]

Very well presented and explained. I have a 1200 GR to which I have added an Achromat. Might look at the feet next. What is considered to be the best first upgrade? The cartridge? I am running a 2M Bronze with Blue stylus (long story!)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Depends on your system and your budget, Treve. It's easy to generalise but I'd need to know more about both before I offered advice.

[@camerado24]

Other than the VM540ML (absolutely fantastic and worth every penny) and the isolation feet in general, the rest is quite fine examples of snake oil. Never believed in acrylic mats let alone platters (tried both). They just make the sound leaner, and that should never be mistaken for more definition. Besides, you are pretty much obliged to use a clamp with those. Which is one more hassle. If you have a dark sounding cartridge (I don't), maybe you could counter that with an acrylic platter or mat. But in general, leather mats are the way to go, especially if you have something like VM540ML (again, superb). And if we tend to believe this "houdini" (also tried) then every manufacturer have been lying? Sorry Paul, it sounds just a classic case of hi-fi rationalization every time you say "real hi-fi should come to you". I beg to differ. I always argue a good hi-fi component "instantly speaks to you". And even though there is a valid argument to be made for break-in required for speakers, cartridges and valve amps, good ones show you immediately what kind of cloth they are cut from. Bring your wife, father, bestie to the room whenever you have a new component, and see yourself how they almost every time nail it!

[@seanlancaster]

I bought a vinyl mat and I just started using it. But it just seems like it will result in slippage. I am not inclined to keep using it. I'll go with cork or the included rubber.

[@jackturtle131]

Ella Fitzgerald - Brighten The Corner Awesome album, Thank you Sir

[@JodyM2]

Did not like the 2M Red on my 1200 Mk2 that cart picks up surface noise like no other. Happy With Grado Green.

[@whittiertennyson6297]

Hi Just have question for you about this turntable. How is the power button of this table ?? Just got the same table and the power button is missing presses now and then. The power button on this table does not feel very reliable ?? I can somehow understand it has some delay because it is logic controlled (does not respond to very fast presses) but it feels kinda irrational, all the other buttons work and respond like a charm. Someone else was talking about this same thing in reddit. Does it need a somekind of power down and up cycle ???

[@nasskhan4543]

Good review. I look forward to eventually hear this modified deck at a hifi show in the future. Might go for getting the feet & platter mat. I have a feeling that another manufacturer will do an elaborate plinth upgrade. I own this deck & I changed out the std Rca leads to Qed Reference ( the red ones) & changed 2m red to 2m blue. Even now this deck is impressive.

[@stephenstevens6573]

The red to blue upgrade is profound. I much prefer the ortofons to the audio-techina

[@enrage6073]

My Teac TN-5bb will also lift the arm but it will also stop the platter (can be deactivated) It also has a fully tunable SEAC tonearm. The only minus was the standard Ortofon Red cartdridge which I changed for an AT VM740ML

[@atexnik]

sl1500c also has auto-stop, it just needs to be activated. Look for my other comment to learn how to achieve that.

[@that_laughing_hyena]

another great and intresting video i was wondering though. Are you going to review the Audio Technica VM540ML cartridge, or any other Audio Technica VM500 / VM700 cartridges ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I wasn't planning that Justin but I'll make a note, sure.

[@ajkyte]

Loved it....thank you 😊 Is there any reason why this kit couldn't be used with the new SL 100c....

[@PHILALLMAN]

You can .....it's identical to the 1500c but without the built in preamp

[@AndyBHome]

Part of what restricts manufacturers is sometimes a need to use components or materials that they already have. A big company like Technics/Panasonic would often likely be looking for ways to utilize existing designs, materials, components, and manufacturing capacities. That's why flagship and experimental products are so expensive to make - because they are often designed as stand-alone products without consideration for how they'll fit into the company's pre-existing production chain. Almost nothing made by a big company is designed from scratch. They usually start with an existing design and indeed they usually attempt to reuse as much as they can from other products they already make. That's usually good for consumers because it means we get well designed products for a significantly lower price and with known, proven performance in many aspects. Sure there are drawbacks to this too. Instead of getting a foot that was designed specially for the front right corner of this model, you get a foot that's designed for all corners of a model that hasn't been made for a decade. But it's also a foot that has been in production for 20 years and possibly had it's design adjusted to accommodate for problems that weren't found until years after it went into production. I love things that are low volume, hand built, and no compromise design. But it's only fair to expect those things to be literally ten times more expensive and typically possess some quirkiness in the design that makes them less than completely perfect in every possible way. Luckily for us audiophiles, we're usually willing to accept some compromises, usually in flexibility, as long as it's in the service of sound quality.

[@timleelim9930]

“Never think that [a turntable] manufacturer knows best.” Say that to the faces of hardcore Linn LP12 enthusiasts and their sales reps if you want a bit of fun.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hehe

[@robison5396]

A very cogently reasoned argument to upgrade and an interesting video, thank you. I have just ordered a 1500C and will certainly consider this kit, although budget restrictions will play their part.

[@truman4956]

Love to see a comparison of the Funk Firm tonearm vs The Wand tonearm on the 1500C vs stock tonearm

[@RUfromthe40s]

the cadenza black S from ortofon fits and sounds perfect there

[@michaelmettler5831]

Thank you for the comprehensive review ! I have an Achromat that I will test on my 1500C soon. Did you use the adhesive stickers to fix the mat to the platter or did you leave it “float” freely ? I wish the design for the Funkfirm feet would love up to the Technics standards, they could get mor design conscious customers on board.

[@ryansudding667]

I really struggled with the mat. I put thin double sided tape on it. Not ideal. What did you do?

[@rogercobb3092]

Look into the Isonoe feet. Cheaper, a better value and dampen vibration better IMHO.

[@saxon3980]

@@rogercobb3092 thats the way I went. I also bought tg he acromat which was that warped it made me seasick. Ended up buying a herbies mat, and Goldring 1042 and it sings.

[@stevep2111]

Great video!! It makes me wonder if this kit would work on the Audio-Technica - AT-LP140XP which is less than half the price of the Technics sl-1500c and if it makes the Audio-Technica closer to the Technics stock or Tecnics with the Kit10? I would love that video :)

[@alexbradley3731]

I too would like to see this Kit on a AT-LP140XP (Schiit Mani pre and Nagaoka Mp110/150 or at-vmn95sh shibata setup). Lets pester Paul as i think this would be a killer combo. **Make it happen PLEASE PAUL !!!**

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Let me have a chat with Funk on this one. I know they have plans for future kits so...who knows?

[@alexbradley3731]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you, the style of the AT- LP140xp with the lights or even the AT-LP7 ( please review this AT phono, it is AT's audiophile turntable and is highly rated, vow and flutter ect)

[@EddieJazzFan]

Can you use those heavy (28g) Ortofon SPU integrated cartridges on the Technics?

[@peterstudley1804]

What the funk is going on here , well I'll tell you , its called the laws of diminishing returns, you take the wonderful technics 1500c costing approx £900 and throw another £640 at it , bringing the cost to £1540 that's more than the cost of a technics sl1200 GR which is a more competent deck in every respect. The only upgrade the fine technics 1500c needs is the cart, I'd recommend ortofon 2m bronze or nagaoka mp200, that is it ... most of us are ageing males in this hobby and our hearing is not as accute as it was in our teens . To see any noticeable differences this kit made you'd need to run it thru a computer program, and if you are hearing any real differences you are either gifted with perfect hearing or very young. I myself have a technics sl1200G and to my 51 year old ears sounds just fine. With all the constant upgrades you are seriously missing the point of playing and listening to your favourite music. Rant over .

[@ianjones1034]

Well put Peter ,couldn't agree more

[@deadandburied7626]

Love my GR, got it for 999 🎉

[@andyskiles9542]

Speak for yourself. Rant over.

[@carlhamilton1635]

Spend the money on an upgraded hearing aid! Job done 😂

[@peterstudley1804]

@@carlhamilton1635 we're all heading that way .🙄

[@robertfalloon]

Great review as usual. I just think that to spend 640 quid on a 900 quid turntable (not including the cartridge upgrade) seems a but crazy. I'd perhaps be looking at a table at 1500 pounds instead if I had the extra cash. Anyway, I have the SL1500C with AT540ML and it's a great combo, a big improvement over the 2M Red. In my opinion what the funk kit does is take a great looking turntable and make it look ugly... I know I'm shallow, sorry 😁

[@alexcox4703]

Like you I replaced the OM red with the same cartridge as yours, I brought a hexmat also, and to be honest I’m really satisfied with it. I also brought an external pre amp, I don’t think I can justify further spend on the table

[@yacawntmiss]

That 540ML is a difference maker! I replaced an AT95E on my Technics SL1600 with it and a critical step in making it work was to thoroughly clean my albums. Quite a surprise as I thought I was doing a good job. I had a bit of dust just the other day on Who's Next during Bargain. I quickly cleaned the album and stylus and returned it to excellent service.

[@tubularbells0677]

Don't feel like you are shallow...aesthetics are important in how you feel about an item. That is important to me as well, and I hated the look of those Bo!ng feet.

[@danielwilliams-rl1ps]

Hello Paul, Love your Videos!!! I Have a Question? I love your comparison videos like your record mat video & record clamps and weights Video. I believe you should do one on Cartridge Enabler From Origin Live and Funk Firm Houdini and any others that are worth mentioning or just a comparison between both. Thank you for your time and patience. Best, Daniel

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Can’t post a link right now but the Enabler is here in the channel. And thanks.

[@zarades]

Hi, Paul! Thx for the video. I didn’t understand why you tested 3 parts of the kit separately but paired them with totally different cartridge. Knowing that cartridge makes maybe one of the biggest differences in sound quality. Doesn’t it make the test mostly not relevant to the quality of the kit parts?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I used the same Audio-Technica cartridge throughout the review. I even went to some lengths to talk about that and why I chose that model.

[@zarades]

@@TheAudiophileMan thank you for the reply, Paul. My bad. You do actually say that at 12:40, that you are going to use same upgraded cartridge for both turntables. I must have missed that while watching the video for the first time .

[@mrrx]

Hello Paul, can you shortly compare Soundeck vs Achromat? Which one is more suitable for this turntable from your experience?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

In the Soundeck Comments, look for the rayred73 (I think it is) comment. I talk about that in the reply.

[@jean-lucd3846]

So you are talking about test but I can't see any test results. You describe what you seem to hear. That is not a test.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

If you want measurements and stats, that's fine but that's not how I do things. Not on this channel. If that's what you need then you're in the wrong place. I've worked under regimes that have utilised every measurements-based variant under the sun. Often using kit valued at many tens of thousands of pounds and under a series of different conditions. Been there, don't like 'em. Check out my video on How To Buy HiFi. It discusses this very point. Ultimately, if you don't like how I do things, you need to find a critic out there (KZbin or wherever) who's more in line with how you think. Someone who uses measurements and takes that route. Good luck in your search.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Oh and thanks to Aki who noted, within the Community Tab that this Funk Firm kit is called the Kit 10. Kit 10...Kitten? The Funk Firm Kitten it is then! :)

[@davidthielfoldt8918]

I have never had a turntable before and am thinking of getting the rt81 and upgrading the cartridge to a ortofon om10. Gonna plug this in through my denon receiver and listen through my towers. Since it's my first turntable is this a pretty decent setup?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes, the 81 is a fine turntable. There's a review of it on my channel, in fact: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKWng56oarOIibc

[@pjc8682]

Hi Paul! I am in the market for the next turntable in this price range. I have narrowed it down to NAD c588 and Technics sl1500c. I wonder, if you could give me any suggestion(s) that would help me in making the choice. I have already NAD c533 based on Rega (destined for a separate room and I am looking to play with enhancement to that one in the near future; I have had so much fun in the past with it in its original disguise...). Therefore, I am leaning towards direct-drive system this time. On the other hand, NAD c588 seems to be in the sweet spot of engineering, too. I like the NAD's approach that, I believe, circumvent to some extent the marketing dilemmas of manufacturers in lining up their extensive turntable portfolios. It allows NAD to compose/build their decks more freely and competitively in qualitative terms with achieving a good pricing at the same time. I like this concept. Any thoughts? I would appreciate it very much. Last but not least - I really like your content, the style and the methodology. Exemplary. Thanks a lot!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Many thanks. Did you see my 588 review? Vastly under rated.

[@cnhhnc]

Vinyl jockies hear all kinds of things that those of us who lived through the Age of Records bid farewell to, we sighed when noise floors and snap, crackle, pops were silenced. The old school boys cried foul, digital! How AWFUL, ANALOG is where it is at as their ears continued to get worse and worse, OLD. Seventy plus years of age and still hearing like a bat, lol! I don't think so! I've heard 20K+ vinyl systems and, sorry, I just cannot hear what is being claimed. My hearing? No worse and no better than the oldsters! And, I can play various musical instruments by ear. I have a decent set of ears, sorry!

[@pjc8682]

@@cnhhnc what is it then: "noise floors and snap, crackle, pops " or "what is being claimed"? Maybe you are looking for purity where it doesn't matter? Decent set of ears are bothered by crackle and pops? Are you a musician or an audiophile?

[@kevinbrock7223]

Great review and good news if you already own the deck but…add the cost of a 1500 plus the Kit 10 and you can surely buy a better Technics with more potential, such as a replaceable arm. And despite being a decent design the arm does seem to be a weak point on the Technics. I’ve never owned a DD but it’s terrific to see them making such a strong comeback. Hopefully I’ll hear one sometime.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

You could say that about any piece of hi-fi though, Kevin. Where does it end? :) That is, what if you can only afford a 1500C? Then you wait a while. Then a bit longer. Then you manage to save a hundred to two but no more. Then upgrading your current deck might be the best bet. As I say, you don't have to buy the entire kit in one go here.

[@kevinbrock7223]

@@TheAudiophileMan Absolutely right. I wish I’d ended my hifi journey a long time ago. I’m not so sure I didn’t have more fun with the original Rega 2/3, NAD 3020 and AR 18’s. But it’s lovely to see so many turntable options in 2021. And if I had a Rega or Technics I’d certainly be checking out the Funk upgrades.

[@hbhamilton3410]

I really enjoyed your video. Does the Funk Firm have the same kit for the Technics SL-1200GR? Or will the same kit for the SL-1500 work for the Sl-1200GR? I saw that you gave the phone number contact. Do they have a website? Thanks in advance.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Website include in the Description now and, do you mean this? : www.thefunkfirm.co.uk/technics

[@hbhamilton3410]

@@TheAudiophileMan Yes, thanks. I was told by Arthur that a new website is replacing the old one. The new products will be on the new website. Until then, I’m unable to order Kit 11, which is specific to the 1200GR model.

[@bklynhubby]

Hi Paul! Great video. I don’t doubt the positive effects of this and other upgrades, but I can’t help asking the question: why not just combine the 850 cost of the turntable and the 650 from the kit and buy a 14 or $1500 turntable in the first place? Understanding that one may not be able to afford $1500 all at once, I wonder if the fully kitted turntable in this video would sonically beat an out of the box $1500 turntable?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Because upgrades are not for those who consider “the first place”. They are for those who had lived with an original design for - quite possibly - years, are on a limited budget. Then want more.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

I bought a 1500c a couple of months ago and love it. A solid no nonsense turntable with nice clean lines. This review has piqued my interest, darn it! Maybe I could upgrade one bit at a time, £700 is just not viable in the current climate.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's what I mentioned in the review - a bit at a time is fine.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

@@TheAudiophileMan DAMN You've got me hooked- just when I was satisfied. I guess that's the name of the game when we're chasing audio perfection! Excellence is a journey not a destination!

[@unklecorky2181]

I really hate the mushy feeling buttons and mushy feeling cue lever.

[@ScottRutledge]

Paul does the Funk Firm offer upgrade kits for the SL-1200MK7 by chance?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Watch Friday's video for an answer.

[@SpeedyMcGhee]

If I wanted to start out with just the Achromat which one do I get? The 1200SL? the website says Choose the original 1200 mat. I assume thats the 1200SL? Just want to be sure.

[@peterstudley1804]

I've got a sl1200G, I've managed to find a technics mk2 platter mat RGS0010 to replace the 3mm mat it came with its a solid heavy piece of rubber and there's lots of capacity on the VTA to do this , can I detect any real difference,,well I'm not sure but aesthetically it looks better and I've kept my deck technics. 😀

[@jonesc1978]

I bought an Achromat for my SL-1200GR. It wasn't flat or round. I E-mailed The Funk Firm who told me if it really bothered me, they would replace it, but due to the nature of the material they are made from, they can't guarantee Achromats will retain their shape over time. Considering they cost ~£100, it *did* really bother me, so I sent it to them for a replacement, recorded delivery. It's been a few weeks now and I have not yet received a replacement. I have e-mailed them a few times, but apparently they are so busy they don't know which way to turn (they actually blamed it on this video!) and I am not a priority. I'm not sure at this point, whether or not I will see my money or a replacement mat again.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Let me forward this note onto the company, Christopher. I'll get back to you if I get a reply.

[@DIRECTSOUNDVINYL]

Thank you, little question. Can you say me the value of your anti skating for the VM 540ML on SL1500C. when i use a blank lp for test, i must use a value of 3 for 2gr for my VM540ML.

[@RFerreira2009]

I have the 1500C with a VM540ML and I have anti skating set to 2.

[@mrrx]

check also level of your deck

[@aussierob7177]

A few years ago i replaced my Pro-Ject 6.1 turntable with the Pro-Ject Perspex magnetic suspension Turntable, Which came with a Pro-Ject arm and Ortophon cartrige. Although it sounded better than the 6.1, i was not entirely happy with it, so i made a few changes. First i replaced the arm with a Hadcock unipivot tone arm and replaced the cartridge with a Denom DL 110 high output moving coil cartridge. Because of the stiffness of the magnetic suspension , a unipivot arm has no trouble tracking the record. The tonearm/cartridge resonance of 10 hz was well below the audible threshold.The result was a new listening experience i could not believe.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Nice one, Rob.

[@atexnik]

3:30 press 33 and 45 simultenously, and while holding them depressed, switch the Auto Lift slider to On position (obviously it should be in Off initially). Now, you have Auto Stop and Auto Power off after 20 minutes. The settings retain even after power cycle. Does this sound as a true semi-automatic turntable to you now?) You're welcome!

[@harveyniblett1078]

Did you mention a Carbon Evo upgrade video a little while ago? 🤞

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Check the Community Tab for an update on that.

[@mariocassar6087]

Wow Funk performs MIRACLES…. down the rabbit hole! Just try an AT -LP140XP with a Denon DL 103r and Lehmann Decade phone amp!

[@a3marketing991]

What happened to the Funk Firm tonearm upgrade for the 1200?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I thought I saw something of that nature on the Funk website?

[@Richbroth]

What phono would you recommend as a substantial upgrade from the in built phono? That doesn't break the bank.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

And how much would that be in budget terms?

[@Richbroth]

@@TheAudiophileMan $500

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Around that price, I'd look at the Moon 110LP.

[@mden2490]

If we were discussing the sound quality between the 1500c and the Fluance rt 85 is there a discernible/ demonstrable difference between the two. Are you getting $700 more in sound quality, performance etc.. in the 1500c?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I've yet to review the 85 - because I've struggled to obtain one. Took me all my time to get a 81 and an 83. I'm in the UK, you see. Fluance has zero presence here. I know the company sound signature (it does have one) and the facilities though so I can *guess* but nothing more. So bear that in mind. Fluance offer lifestyle designs. Sound is very good indeed. I've given the 81 and 83 good reviews. The issue is their auto return features which adds high-frequency noise to the sound but, if the auto return thing is important then the 85 is your bag. the tonearm is reasonable and is the bottleneck, it could be better, the plinth is good, aiding bass. The 1500C also has compromises but a lot of those are removed by this upgrade which takes the 1500 to another level. In broad terms, the Kit 10 is far superior, yes.

[@mden2490]

@@TheAudiophileMan thank you so much for your reply. I apologize, and I do not mean to correct you, though the RT 85 does not have an auto return function? It has a stop function when the arm/stylus has reached the end the record. Reason why I am skiing is that I recently purchased the audio technic LP3, and have been using it straight out of the box have not changed anything. It Sounds OK, but I just cannot get past the plasticky feeling of the unit..especially the buttons that engage the automatic functions they’re loose and again are made of plastic and does not really lend itself at least to me to be pleasing and it feels frankly a bit cheap feeling. Granted it’s only $250, But I’d rather spend another $250.00, to get a better quality turntable all around, and I think based on many reviews and even your comments that it should be just fine.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@mden2490 That's what happens when you type on the move :) I meant audio stop, not return. The issues remains because of the extra hardware needed to accomplish this feature. If you ever want to upgrade, give me a shout and a budget and I'll help all I can. Incidentally, if you're looking around the 500 mark (unless I've read you incorrectly) then an EVO is the best value design I've seen out there.

[@mden2490]

@@TheAudiophileMan it’s okay no problem. 500.00-600.00 is my budget. I am not a big fan of having to unscrew the tiny screws to change out a cartridge..like the EVO, if I am correct . I like the style of changing the cartridge like the RT 85, technics, etc..screw on and off? What do you think of Teac TT’s, pioneer plx 1000, or the AT-LP 140xp. I know you are not a big fan of this as they are not audiophile TT’s though I am primarily looking for sound quality?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@mden2490 I understand re. the cartridge thing. As for the 140? A lot of people think I don't like the 140 but that's not true. I just think it needs converting from DJ to home use and a few tweaks enhance its performance. Onto your main point, considering your requirements, I'd look at the Audio-Technica LP5x which offers a great performance for the cash.

[@stephenstevens6573]

The end question seems to be, after the added cost of the kit 10, does total investment equal out to superior performance than what is available in that total price range for a different turntable(model, manufacturer, etc...)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's not really a fair question, Stephen. It might be better, it might not be but it's still not fair. Most kits or upgrade parts are targeted at those who have just enough spare cash to buy in their main turntable. In this case £899 (in the UK). Then time passes and maybe...maybe they can save a hundred. Maybe two. Then they might wish to upgrade the feet or the mat, etc (you don't have to buy this kit in one go, as I said in the vid) to further enhance what they already have. And then you go from there. Of course, if you have a larger budget than £899 in the first place then sure, go for the better design but then your point is a moot one.

[@stephenstevens6573]

@@TheAudiophileMan I understand. As an audiophile, it comes down yo our obsession with upgrading constantly....as an owner of an sl-1200 mk2, you always wonder about upgrades...the headshell thing is the one thing, I guess, I just don't get.

[@rogercobb3092]

Before I’d buy the 1500c and this overpriced kit, I’d get a used Linn or a 1200.

[@marcionbruno8197]

So, if you had to choose which of the three ingredients made the biggest difference and/or gave you the most bang for your buck, which would it be?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Urrggh - that's a tough one, Marcion. Probably the mat because it's the easiest fit of the three, its relatively low cost and does help in sonic terms.

[@RUfromthe40s]

the only good and not too expensive turntable , this already sounds good with the AT cartridge but you can change it and have the best sound possible

[@borlibaer]

If I like increasing sound quality of my vinyl records on my commercial good / high quality turntables and cartridges on my 30000 EUR Audio System, I am simply listening to Compact Disks. 🤔

[@EclecticMusicMan]

How does the Houdini compare to a cheaper enabler?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It's been a while since I reviewed the OL accessory and I couldn't A-B them here but - from my failing memory, so take from this what you will - the Houdini offered more maturity and richness in terms of overall presentation. Even though the Enabler was and still is an excellent product.

[@kezzawd]

The 1500c was available before this year - I bought mine in 2020

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes of course. My mistake. In fact I think it was late 2019.

[@fctryoffetsh39]

It should be good out the box only upgrade when you need to replace stylus that's when you'll decide

[@oldgoat8861]

Myself....if one can afford it.....I suggest the 1500 to the beginner. Purchasing for my son as an example......It has the ability to "TEACH" the beginner without the cost. How to truelly set t the azmuth, weigh the head and arm, correct tracking, be able to buy updrade accessories (phono amp, vibration accessories, wires) to utilize on "THE NEXT UPGRADE". This is FORGIVING on the persons wallet as he JOURNIES in his music and system. The individual now has the "TOOLS" they acquired on their jorney to purchase the "High End Upgrade" or be satisfied with their phono as is.

[@user-lj8oc6rl6k]

Αφου εισαι ωραιαιαιοος!!!

[@jmccullough975]

Can anyone tell me which tt I should get this technics 1500c or the project debut carbon pro S

[@christinearmington]

Haha! Chaotic piano 🎹🌀👍🤦‍♀️😆

[@sherlockholmes2010]

Does the kit work with the Technics 100c too ?

[@bobby666666]

I would have thought so. The SL100C is the same turntable minus the Phono Stage and a cheaper Cartridge to the Ortofon 2M Red.

[@sherlockholmes2010]

@@bobby666666 ok. I'd Chance the cartridge anyway. Ortofon 2m black LVB ;)

[@bobby666666]

@@sherlockholmes2010 That would be obvious to change as the standard Cartridge is a cheap £29.00 Audio Technica. I was considering a new TT next year, but costs have risen so sticking with my current one with some upgrades instead.

[@Akstergrind]

Is that that "holy" cardigan again, Paul? Well, I guess it's Sunday!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hehe - it's back! (and front...just no side bits)

[@Akstergrind]

@@TheAudiophileMan It should have its own KZbin channel!

[@Akstergrind]

But seriously, though, I've spoken with Mr Funk Firm and done a very small amount of work for him, and it seems that the companies FF are making upgrades for are not pleased that their products are being upgraded in such a heinously successful fashion. I guess this is understandable though, given that they foster the idea of their products being "the definite article", not to be messed about with and, (shock horror) improved by some upstart!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@Akstergrind Really? Interesting.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@Akstergrind Well it's old and haggard enough to stand up and walk around on it's own so you might have something there :)

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Asian I think Specifically Philipino listener auditioned on KZbin a bog standard technics 1210 mk 5 to a 600 gbp rega 3 and he like the technics more. Maybe time to upgrade the p3 to the level of the Technics lol

[@conkerman01]

I am unconvinced by the Houdini. Rather expensive to just try also. Boing feet are a pain in the bum if you like to use the lid on the table when playing. I have them on a funk gett! As wells as a 540ML. So ymmv.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Why not give the company a ring and say that to them? That is, if you have any possible interest in buying one (if not, ignore this :) ). Home demos are - especially these days - quite common. Maybe you could come to an arrangement.

[@conkerman01]

@@TheAudiophileMan fair comment. Maybe I will.

[@rev_rev9006]

What is the issue you have with the Boing feet with lid on the TT? I would be interested to have them on my Technics SL-1200 GR... Always playing with the lid on. Thanks for your response!

[@conkerman01]

@@rev_rev9006 if I open close the lid it really upsets the deck. I think the hinges may be too tight. This is on a funk Gett! So. Pretty lightly built deck.

[@tonydeniro284]

Great video, however, if the technics needs this much help, why not just buy a funk firm turntable? Lol Also, for the 645 or so british pounds/$865 USD, you are almost at the cost of a new technics Mk7!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Any turntable needs 'help'. No turntable is perfect. They all have spare capacity. Even the Mk.7. And the point of upgrading is that you buy your turntable, you wait a while. Then a bit longer. Then you manage to save a hundred to two but no more. Then upgrading your current deck might be the best bet by adding one enhancement. Then you do that again when you've saved up another hundred or so. As I say, you don't have to buy the entire kit in one go here.

[@jensbondarenko9195]

It would have been never so easy to record the output of the Technics to a sound file with a portable recorder and let us all hear what you say you’ve heard.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The moment I play a piece of vinyl on this turntable or recorded songs from the same, KZbin will hit me with a copyright strike which will threaten the existence of the entire channel. I’ve known people to be hit with copyright strikes because they hummed a piece of music on a video. Never mind played it from a piece of physical media. Next, even if I found a piece of copyright-free vinyl, you wouldn’t be hearing this turntable’s sonic capabilities. You would be hearing the capabilities of your chosen viewing device: phone, tablet, laptop, etc. Nothing more than that. The moment the sound of this turntable even entered the microphone of the chosen recording device, the actual sonic envelope of the turntable would be lost forever. Add to that the incredible compression techniques employed by KZbin, the transferral of the sound across miles of cables and across storage devices and 50 other stops on the way…no. You’re hearing a nice noise. Nothing else. Even if you do hear a ‘difference’. It’s means nothing at all. You’re hearing the difference between one processed sound and another. So no. You won’t get that from my channel. Anyone who does this is, at best, being lazy and/or lacking in knowledge and, at worst, is deceiving their viewers.

[@jensbondarenko9195]

@@TheAudiophileMan ok ok ok, thanx for the answer. I meant to record by line not by microphone. The copyright problem is really a thing, I didn't thought of that.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@jensbondarenko9195 Line…microphone…it doesn’t matter. You’re still not hearing the component. See above.

[@chrislj2890]

3:25 "Not a true semi-automatic." What turntables return the arm that are not fully automatic? My TEAC has auto stop and lift and it is a semi-auto, and this should be considered to be also in my opinion. As for the upgrades, I think the money would be better spent on a higher quality cartridge.

[@deadquietvinyl]

Funny, nobody talks about adding a 2m Black cart on this TT. Combined with Achromat mat (nice piece, btw) the frustration is total!! VTA is a never-ever-ever-story here. Most of the records have some dished surfaces. That’s the quality control nowdays… This combination will make you feel like the VTA scale is not enough. Trying to get rid of this TT fast, same with 2m Black that has a 0.5mm height from the vinyl surface… horrible combination in all ways!

[@Simplyveej]

Great review, but wonder why you're speaking in such a stilted manner. Doesn't sound as conversational and natural as your prior videos.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That's probably due to my tight trousers.

[@NOMQN]

But you should’ve heard Paul before he undertook the Funkfirm Trouser Upgrade

[@raffaelevalentini9498]

Italian please! ❣️🤗👍🤝🎼🎶🎵▪️

[@jdekong3945]

looks horrendous, no thanks!

[@michaelmettler5831]

I agree, the design could be sleeker and more in line with the Technics industrial simplicity.

[@davidlees9096]

Get hold of a Stanton 500 cartridge thay take up to eneything

[@b3amsvvti]

Good video, but not a fan of the way you speak each word separately

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Many thanks for the first point and, as the second bit? That's me. That's how I talk. That's who I am. Take me or leave me.

[@TuiCatNZ]

Silly me thinking a £600 upgrade would maybe include a better tone arm and/or cartridge. Sold pass.

[@SurnaturalM]

I have the impression that much of all this is subjective. Maybe it's just me, but I'm very sceptical. Besides a good cart. I don't think the other stuff makes a difference. One my friend buy a lot of expensive gadgets and swear it sound better, and I just don't have the hearth to tell him I don't hear anything different. It's very hard to tell him that I don't hear any difference when he already bought thousands worth of stuff like this.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Of course this review’s subjective. I spend half my time on this channel explaining that my reviews are subjective. Mainly because our ears/brain processes music in a wholly subjective fashion based *completely on personal bias*. Hence the different opinions between you and your friend. No one is wrong, you are both right, you a both pandering to your brain. As for the review here and other reviews on this channel if I might be allowed to widen the topic a tad? If you trust me as a critic then great and I talk about that very thing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3-6pnhjZt55gJo If you don't trust me as a critic then find another. And I don't say that out of nastiness or malice or bitterness or anything horrible. Again, I advise this in the video above. You need to filter trusted critics. It’s one of the responsibilities you have as a potential customer. Find the critic whose bias parallels your own. When selecting HiFi, I use my ears (brain). Ultimately, when if comes right down to it? So should you. Again, I repeat, you are completely right...for you.

[@charlesriveraemail]

The new Technics has a very plain look, a cheaper look. The 1200MK2 looks were more beautiful

[@leyland9999]

Heat? Do you really think any heat is transferred from the stylus tip, through the record into the platter mat? Who do you think to convince here! Sure, due to the friction caused by the stylus there will be heat generated. This “heat” is not capable of heating up the mat in any way. The only way to get rid of any heat is wet-playing the record, such as the ancient Lenco Clean. This entire heat story you try to making us believe is a a joke. And therefore, making the entire video a joke as well. Sorry.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I think you might be misunderstanding me here. It's the vibration from the stylus action but also the motion of the platter, the bearings from the turntable and tonearm and any vibration from external sources (i.e. RF, etc) that can cause issues in sonic terms. There are a range of technologies that are around to drain and/or dissipate these vibrations. Some hifi shelves and turntable support systems drain vibration to the floor. Other tech tries to convert vibration into heat, which then escapes into the air. The Achromat is one of the latter. It's not unique in doing this. There's many other products out there that take this action. It's a well understood and much utilised mechanic.

[@kukko83]

@6:37 "...to replace the useless rubber example." Useless?? How?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would advise you to check the other reviews of replacement platter mats on my channel. I've done a few and I go into more detail there but, generally speaking, the rubber mat looks great and performs badly. It only damps a minimal array of frequencies leaving the rest to cause sonic havoc. A basic cork example is far better but there's other, better performing, examples out there for more cash. The Origin Live, in house, example being one, Funk Firm's Achromat being another, the Sounddeck, the two from Hexmat et al.

[@RUfromthe40s]

the 2mred is so bad that i think i never heard such a bad sound ever maybe the sure m75b in late 70´s

[@I_0..0_I]

Almost 700 quids for this?!? 🤦‍♂️

[@Kwippy]

With their low end turntables unlike this one, Technics knows that their turntables don't always spin at the correct speed and so they come with strobe lights and fine speed or pitch adjustment to allow manual checking and correcting. The bonus is their low end decks is you can change the pitch of the music to your taste and are not forced to listen to music the way the artists intend you to. Make Beyonce sound like Barry White, and Bieber sound like a chipmunk.

[@brucegelman5582]

Just trying to make some cash off Technics owners.Nothing to see or hear here.

[@scottbarker9058]

any-1..whoo pays..yup-thousands 4a magnetic cartridge..NEEDS THEIR BRAIN-EXAMMINED!!!...HILLARRIOUS....

[@deanbull7767]

Looks all plastic.