Compact tech-filled Technics Turntables - old vs older
I was surprised at how many people were interested in the Technics turntable I featured a few weeks ago in the review of those terrible powered speakers. However I also liked that turntable so much that I upgraded to the most recent model Technics released in this form factor. Given that I now had the first and last of this range it seemed silly not to make a quick video comparison.
Comments (22)
Hey Mat - there's a retro look at the Technics SL-J33 turntable in the regular 'Vintage Hi-Fi' slot in this month's HiFi News...
Unfortunately I don’t get that magazine - it’s normally a bit too high-end for me.
I saw this meme, and immediately thought of you. It goes: For the record, A person born in 33 was 45 in 78.
great video, but you failed to test(insert feature here) and you seemed very(insert emotion here) as you did it. Also the lighting was(insert opinion here) . Oh and I saw this, why haven't you reviewed this yet?! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BO356A0
:D I kid I kid...
Nice video. In your closing comments you mention how many manufacturers only make the most basic of turntables now. Certainly true but of course Technics is probably the exception. After all they made the SL-1200/1210 for donkeys years. Then stopped. Then restarted with the Hi-Fi only G/GR and now the more DJ friendly MK7 is out. Not a linear tracker ... but still, if there was one company that stuck with turntables - it’s Technics. I have the GR and it’s just a thing of beauty :-)
Yes Technics make some nice expensive turntables - I was thinking more along the lines of the auto record size detection and direct one button track selection - that’s like a lost art.
I only own a single turntable and it is a modern Audio-Technica that I bought at Frys. I only paid like $150 for it, but a vinyl enthusiast of mine came over one time and laughed at it. So I guess it isn't respected so well, but still, I think it sounds pretty good.
Out of curiosity, was it the AT-LP60 or the AT-LP120? (By the way, I've often heard the same vinyl "enthusiasts" point potential Crosley Cruiser buyers to the AT-LP60, so if it's that, how ironic...)
It may have been an analogue era, but manufacturers really squeezed out so much performance with what they had. I'm looking at you, iTunes, with your 128kbit audio.
Enjoyable video - and I second your comment about manufacturers having "lost the keys" to the technology. New turntable offerings start with cheesy belt-drive units (all with lightweight platens) .... and jump straight to $4K behemoths with custom-machined components and teakwood bases. The middle price range is a desert .... and that's why I still use my reliable, 40 year old Technics SL-5200.
Good video. However, Audio Technica does still make a P-Mount cartridge that sell for $39 on Amazon or at B&H Photo Video.
Everything I read told me that AT had stopped selling P-Mount cartridges - so that’s good to know.
Very comprehensive. I have one of those Behringer’s and would recommend it to anyone. It is properly good and at this price a no brainer to have tucked away. Apart from the phono function it so useful for testing and comparing systems especially when using double blind software like Lacinato ABX from a computer. Also it can be used in room acoustic measurements.
Thanks Mat.
Really enjoyed this.
Wow -- that is a THOROUGH review! Really interesting and well presented as always!
It feels so long since I touched this video that I really can’t remember much about it, however I’m sure that however thorough it is - I’ll definitely have “forgotten to....” show something.
Great vid! One thing I'd really like to see on your channel is a review of a currently available Audio-Technica turntable (maybe vs an older one?). I know reviews of the current models are available elsewhere ... but I trust your reviews more! And it would be nice to have a review of something I could go to the mall and buy new, with a warranty, rather than hunt down a used one on ebay, gambling on condition and shipping. Just an idea though! (And a bit selfish since I'm looking at buying one) :)
Which models in particular - the AT-LP60, the 120 or something else?
Spooky, I was just searching for the last video after I found the (apparently well-known) issue with my Audio-Technica deck and heavy weight vinyl...
I hadn’t heard of this issue - what happens?