KAB 1200 vs. everything else.

"I disagree. I'll take my silver disc player over the KAB Technics any day."

Actually, I have to disagree with Tvad here. I have a somewhat highly modded KAB SL-1210M5GSE, with a Benz Micro Ace cartridge, playing through my old model McCormack MPD (with Rev. A mods) and, use to think digital was better than vinyl. My digital player is no slouch and, I've owned quite a number so, I have some breadth to base this on.

Of course, all of this is dependent on the quality of the source material but, all things being relatively equal, I hear the KAB/McCormack combo to be the most believable and certainly, the most enjoyable. There is more music flowing into my listening space and, it is always gaining more of my attention vs. the digital equivalent.

I can now see why some vinyl lovers are willing to spend more money, to enhance this experience - I know I’m certainly no different. Having said that, I will keep the KAB gear, possibly upgrade the cartridge, change the tone arm, mat, etc but, don't see pursuit past this. I know it could get much better but, it has already exceeded my expectations by such a wide margin – I’m now that rare audiophile – happy with my equipment lot.

Tvad, with all due respect you are expecting too much from the Technics. The KAB modified tables are fine tables, but by sticking on expensive peripherals (and I use the term peripherals loosely) like a 2K cart and 5K phono you’ll only end up revealing the SL’s shortcomings; hence your preference for your 3910.

I own two Technics tables myself – you can take them only so far and no more.

Cost wise an analogue setup is significantly more expensive than digital; sadly one has to both dig deep in your pockets on all the analog components and match these components carefully to have something that competes and beats a nice digital setup. That includes a topflight table.

Regards
Paul

I think Pauly's point, and mine, is that the KAB Technics, although obviously a great value, is limited, arguably not worthy of a $2k cartridge, and possibly not revelatory in comparison to a good CD player, although you'll get arguments, of course, on that.

Personally, I think the KAB fully modded version is one flavor of ice cream comparable to other good value tables in the $2-3k range, IOW, punching above its weight, but not overly so.