• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

New AT-LP120 or older Technics SL-D303?

L

lamberticus

New Member
I have someone willing to sell me an old Technics SL-D303, but totally overhauled (new caps, sound-dampened, cleaned pots, new M97xe cartridge, etc.) for about the same price as a new Audio Technica LP120 turntable, so about $200-$250 or so. I am not worried about the built in pre-amp quality as I will be attaching it to an older pioneer with a phono input. What do you think would be a better turntable?

Any other suggestions in the under $250 range for turntables?
 
Register to hide this ad
Of your two choices I would certainly recommend the SL-D303. The build quality is superior to the AT and it sounds like the current owner has done all the right things to it. Of course it isn't a SL-1200 in terms of quality, but it has a good reputation for reliability and quiet operation.
Welcome to AK lamberticus!
 
If the work on the Technics was done as well as stated and the tonearm and platter bearings are good, then I'd go for the SL-D303 over the AT-LP120.
 
Gave my Technics SL-D303 and an Ortofon OM 10 cartridge to a good friend.

Presently doing weekend duties in their cottage.

Very reliable direct drive turn table! :thmbsp:
 
Last edited:
Yet another vote for the Technics. Nice turntable indeed. The price being asked makes it no steal but if all the described work has been done competently it's a reasonable deal.

John
 
Without a chance to audition them first, I would take a new LP120 over a 30-year old Technics turntable every time. Sound quality is affected by bearing condition for both platter and tonearm; the Technics has had 30 years of use or abuse to cause wear or damage to those vital parts, and the "overhaul" you described didn't mention dealing with that potential issue. In addition to potentially sounding better, everything in the AT is new (such as the motor), so it stands a good chance of lasting longer than a 'table that's already 30 years old. Other features may not mean much to you, but I would also value the versatility of the built-in preamp and 78 rpm speed.
 
I'll offer another vote for the Technics. The AT-LP120 is a turntable-shaped toy with high wow and flutter. A real turntable such as the SL-D303 will blow the Audio-Technica into the weeds if it's properly set up.
 
Another vote for Technics SlD303.I am using it as a second table and its very reliable,sounds good too.

Regards,
Sachin
 
Uh huh ...

LostTurntabl said:
The ATLP120 is a garbage turntable, avoid it like the plague.
Click to expand...

Unless you own one or have run one, your statement is inflammatory and is the garbage in this thread.

No, it's not a great TT, but I have run one for years as daily driver testing playing used vinyl and such and it's a fine inexpensive machine. I have heard of QC issues with late production, but that can be taken care of under warranty if you get a bad one.

It'll also spin 78's out of the box which a stock 1200 won't do. The arm is decent and the speed is dead on. Where did you get your information :scratch2:

I always amazes me that vinyl heads will consider dropping $400 on a higher end AT cartridge, or microphone and think it's a good thing to do, and yet the criticize a turntable made by the same company? Audio Technica know what they are doing and have for many years. In this case they are building and selling entry level turntables for those entering the vinyl playback arena or wanting to spin 78's again. It's as well engineered as can be expected for the price point. I think it's actually over-built for the price, and a value considering the cost of a new condition 1200.

The weakest feature is the built-in phono stage. But, if it's all you have to mate with a AVR, it is a starting point. It can be switched off and then the machine is pretty quiet, both electrically and mechanically :music:
 
Last edited:
Dr Tinear said:
I'll offer another vote for the Technics. The AT-LP120 is a turntable-shaped toy with high wow and flutter. A real turntable such as the SL-D303 will blow the Audio-Technica into the weeds if it's properly set up.
Click to expand...

I think you are mixing apples and oranges. The AT LP120 and the PL120 are two different animals. The PL120 is a decent TT. Will the 303 blow it away - no. Will it best it in a head to head, maybe? That would depend on condition of the 303 most likely :scratch2:

Will the LP120 compete with these two - no. It is sub-par :(

Model confusion reigns here. Gotta be careful which model we are discussing. Easy to get the wrong model, specs and user experiences mixed up :(
 
BrocLuno said:
Unless you own one or have run one, your statement is inflammatory and is the garbage in this thread.

No, it's not a great TT, but I have run one for years as daily driver testing playing used vinyl and such and it's a fine inexpensive machine. I have heard of QC issues with late production, but that can be taken care of under warranty if you get a bad one.

It'll also spin 78's out of the box which a stock 1200 won't do. The arm is decent and the speed is dead on. Where did you get your information :scratch2:
Click to expand...

I went to the Audio-Technica Web site and read the specifications. The wow and flutter spec was 0.2% WRMS, vs. 0.025% for the late, lamented Technics SL-1200. The average speed of the AT-LP120 may be dead on, but the speed stability leaves a great deal to be desired. Even the cheapest Pro-Ject and Music Hall turntables spec out better for wow and flutter than this Audio-Technica model.

BrocLuno said:
I always amazes me that vinyl heads will consider dropping $400 on a higher end AT cartridge, or microphone and think it's a good thing to do, and yet the criticize a turntable made by the same company? Audio Technica know what they are doing and have for many years. In this case they are building and selling entry level turntables for those entering the vinyl playback arena or wanting to spin 78's again. It's as well engineered as can be expected for the price point. I think it's actually over-built for the price, and a value considering the cost of a new condition 1200. ...
Click to expand...

Are you sure that A-T actually builds the AT-LP120? A more likely scenario is that they slap their logo on a cheap Chinese OEM deck and market it as an Audio-Technica product.

Regarding your post #18, the OP asked about the AT-LP120, not the PL120. It seems that you're the one mixing up the model numbers.
 
I had one for about a year to decide if I wanted to spend more money on vinyl and on equipment. Being able to plug it in and start listening is what got me into vinyl long enough to start caring about building a nice system, and you cannot fault it for doing that.

I played records on it. It produced music that sounded good. Specs and everything else.... whatever. That's what I actaully heard.

Sold it to a friend for cheap when I bought the Technics and it got him into vinyl as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom