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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
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joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
Just an update - I spoke with Kevin this afternoon - I should have my 'table back with the Cardas re-wire in 5 days or so - hopefully by Saturday, but by next week on the outside. Hooray!

I will, of course, post results as soon as things are settled in. I can hardly wait.
joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
Turntable arrived tonight - The sound is completely different - way, way more "air" and treble sparkle. I'm going to let things settle in for a few hours, then I'll post some "just out of the box" recordings later today.
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty
227 posts
 
I'm excited about hearing the results!
joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
Here are two "fresh from KAB" audio samples using my SL1210 with the Cardas Tonearm Rewire mod. This is after about 2 hours use only.

http://rapidshare.com/files/126702193/TooManyPeopleCardas.aiff.html

http://rapidshare.com/files/126688160/7StepsToHeavenCardas.aiff.html

(I have had several failed attempts to upload Venus but I'll try again in a bit.)

My initial impression as written early this morning (way more "air" etc...) was based on listening through my newer integrated amp (NAD 304) - When I switched back to the same phono stage as last time (NAD 7100), the sound was still airier, but only slightly.

So far, these setups sound very, very similar to me. I am using 18 year old AQ Ruby (1m) interconnect... no idea what the capacitance is (no meter and no word from Audioquest yet) so I may not even be loading the cart properly.

Perhaps some of you have more resolving systems than mine and can hear greater differences? I'll be interested to hear your impressions.

Have fun!

-Joel
joelv's avatar
joelv OP
103 posts
 
http://rapidshare.com/files/126713680/VenusCardas.aiff.html

And here's the third track.

I should have the fluid damper in a couple of weeks so we can compare that as well.
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