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Look for one of their used DD turntables in your price range
Technics SL-1200GAE or VPI HW-40 or …?
Hello all!
I’m looking for my “reference” direct-drive turntable and am looking at these two usual suspects: the Technics SL-1200GAE or the VPI HW-40. However, I was wondering if the VPI is “worth” the more than triple the price of the GAE? Also, is the new motor Delta Sigma Drive technology Technics introduced in the new GR2 models worth waiting for should it (hopefully) trickle up to a G-model?
I’m happy to pay for performance should it be difference making, but as I’ve not auditioned the VPI (I have listened to it at several Capital Audio Fests numerous times), I wonder if the substantial price difference is warranted in real-world listening.
Thanks for any insights…Enjoy the music!
Arvin
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- 36 posts total
I own the below turntable and it is much more affordable than the above discussion options and have not heard any of the above. I only compared it to the Mofi Ultra Deck and preferred the Stealth. The part time audiophile reviewer below owned the Technics 1200G for several years previously and basically stated in this review that the Music Hall Stealth sounded essentially the same as the much more expensive Technics. Anyway it's another good option for much less money that could be put toward other items such as cartridge and phono stage, etc which probably have even more impact on the sound. Music Hall Stealth Turntable | REVIEW - Part-Time Audiophile (parttimeaudiophile.com)
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A familiar Audiogon motif: OP asks should I buy A or B. Responders say buy C instead. I would only say to disregard a reviewer who says there’s no difference between the Technics and the Stealth. Sorry I can’t help with your choice as I’ve not heard either TT. I advise you to take a careful look at the features of both as regards tonearm and TA mounting, platter construction, ability to dissipate extraneous energy, etc., and use those factors in your decision making. Their both going to keep near perfect speed stability. |
Technics have removable headshells, allowing a collection of cartridges, MC/MM/Mono regarding Technics specs, here’s the database
My recommendation is to get a TT that has/allows two tonearms, 1 with removable headshell (1st one), eventually 2nd arm if you get into Mono for instance, ready to play stereo/mono in a listening session within seconds |
From my experience with current VPI I'd go the technics. I found the VPI prime 21 i bought two years ago rather lacking in fit and finish. I had issues to the point i sold it back to the dealer and bought another brand. My tone arm was not straight, the tone arm lift didn't work out of the box, the motor made noises. regardless my experience with current VPI was disappointing at best. Technics has basically perfected the direct drive motor that everyone else copies. I doubt VPI even makes their own direct drive motors, and even if they did, they do not have the resources that technics have for development. |
- 36 posts total