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Technics 1200 Sent for KAB Mods - w/Audio Samples

Hi All -
Like many Audio-goners, I've been curious about the KAB technics 1200 mods. I've just sent the 'table to KAB for a rewire but recorded three samples of the un-KAB-modded table for future comparison. You can download them from Rapidshare if you are curious! (you get one download every 30 minutes for free, or just change computers and download from there if you can't wait).

I made 3 selections that I am very familiar with. I'm already a little sick of them since I had to record them, edit the recordings, and bounce them to AIFF (44.1Khz, 16-Bit). Using these as a baseline, I hope to be able to readily identify the changes any upgrades will bring.

Current system consists of: Technics SL1210MK2, Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, and the phonostage of an old NAD 7100 receiver. This was fed to my Pro-Tools MBOX and recorded at 48KHZ, 24 Bits. These have been bounced to AIFF files so that they can be burned onto a standard CD for comaprison.

The tracks are:
Paul McCartney, "Too Many People" from the original US Apple pressing of RAM:
http://rapidshare.com/files/120396900/TooMany1200NoMods.aiff.html

Miles Davis, "Seven Steps To Heaven" from a 90s Columbia standard-issue "Seven Steps..." LP.
http://rapidshare.com/files/120381110/7Steps1200nomods.aiff.html

Holst, "Venus" from The Planets conducted by Adrian Boult, Angel 1967 LP.
http://rapidshare.com/files/120368827/Venus1200NoMods.aiff.html

Now, the name "No Mods" is a slight misnomer, as the table has brass cones instead of the original feet. Despite this "mod", the stock 'table sounds kind of ordinary.

Note that I used "real world" used records for this instead of audiophile pressings - this was done on purpose. I am interested in upgrading my turntable in order to enjoy my current record collection, which includes all-analog British vinyl Beatles as well as some other great-sounding goodies, but also some not-so-well-cared-for finds.

I hope others will find this useful and fun!

Take care,

-Joel
128x128joelv
zenblaster
504 posts
 
Is the only mod you are getting the Cardas tonearm rewire? And are you using the stock Technics headshell?
edo_musica
113 posts
 
joel,

Interesting approach to digitize the 1210 output before and after KABing. I'll be tuned in. Have a KAB 1210 myself, but (un?)fortunately this is my first TT so I don't have any reference in my system. Have fun.
Ed
joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
Hi again - I'm starting with the Cardas-rewire-to-RCA mod, so there will be another interconnect in the mix too. This will probably arrive at KAB by Saturday, so as soon as it is upgraded and shipped back, I'll record and post the results. The fluid damper will follow soonafter.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
I have about 25 hours on a 1200M5G that I got from KABUSA w/Goldring1042 cart -Technics HS. Since KAB has been out of the Fluid dampers for awhile I have been able to get a good idea of the sound without damper. Kevin emailed me yesterday to let me know that the dampers will be in very soon so I am looking forward to trying it out.
BTW- I am fairly impressed with the Gring 1042 cart /Technics synergy in my system. It has been very open and revealing without being bright- the freq range is much broader than I am used to. The vocals make me keep playing just one more album. I have to thank Kevin-KAB for convincing me too spend just a few more bucks to get a pretty special cartridge.
If you are thinking of purchasing one of these tables, my experience has been that the extra service you get from KABUSA to go along with the goldmine of information you get from Kevin is one of the biggest bargains in analog today.
Don't forget to thank the dj's for making it all possible!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,274 posts
 
Joelv -- that new Cardas arm wire and the interconnect could probably benefit from a little break-in before you make the test recording.
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