Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron von Kriterium
The AT LP120 is an adequate entry level turntable. However, its wow and flutter spec is not very good for a direct drive turntable and it's even worse than many decent belt driven turntables. It also doesn't have damping on the plinth and platter. If it breaks, there are no parts for it. Like everything else in today's electronics market, they are made to be binned if they break down. That being said, you can do worse for entry level. The AT LP120 generates a lot of discussion on the internet. There is a large camp that loves it and there is a large camp that hates it. My guess, though, is that most people who hate it haven't listened to it. I think it can be improved with a new platter mat and, most importantly, it won't damage your records if set up correctly. Also, don't use the crappy built-in phono stage. Line out directly to the phono stage in the amp.
There are parts everywhere for the Technics tables. Besides, while it traces its lineage back to the late 70s, you could still buy new, old stock a few years ago. So, some aren't that old.
It should be noted that the drive system on the Technics SL series was also used in cutting lathes due to the utmost accuracy required. I would say their drive system was better than any of the so-called higher end tables of the era and of the modern higher end tables.
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Well, I just spent an all nighter looking at my options.
The Technics prices are all ridiculous and many of them on Kijiji etc. require servicing or something else is wrong. I've looked at the Super OEMs but I don't like the bubbly 2000s look of them as I prefer the 1200 look.
The AT LP120 is about $400 Canadian as are the other Hanpin variants like the Reloops and honestly, that price point is still a bit off-putting to me. I have never heard a proper turntable that has been calibrated, serviced, and has good wow and flutter specs, etc. let alone a decent audiophile system so I have no idea if it's worth spending upwards of $600-$900 for a Technics 1200 or a modern Hanpin variant/evolution (or some would say knock off) like the Reloop 8000 or Pioneer PLX-1000. Is it really worth it? I've never had audiophile gear to compare so the specs aren't something I can really imagine right now.
One feature I do appreciate on those is the +/- 50% pitch (tempo) control. I am not into DJing and don't need the majority of DJ features but a 20-50% tempo control and direct-drive turntable seems to be a key feature I seem to really want. I love slowing down records to create an all-new sound.
This is all getting even more complicated. Sigh.