• 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?

Technics would also be my recommendation, if it's working right. If not, look for something similar, but not the AT. Mom's Technics has operated flawlessly since 1978 when I bought it, and really hasn't seen that much use, and no abuse - there are lots of them around in good shape, and your buddy may have improved upon the one you have under consideration. I'd only avoid it if a probem were evident, or if he is a dj.
 
I own a LP120-USB and I wouldn't call it garbage. Obviously that term is very subjective, but what I owned previously (and old Onkyo TT) was garbage, imo.

I would call the LP120-USB a starter turntable, which is exactly what I used it for last year. I'm now at the point where I'm ready to upgrade, but the AT has served me well and I would recommend it for anyone starting out, if funds are tight.

I don't know the Technics, but the concerns mentioned here would be my concerns are well. Like an old car, there could be more mileage and potential work required for an old TT. It could work great for many years, or it could require frequent maintenance, so it's hard to say.
 
Last edited:
The AT is mfg in China, need I say anymore? It's one step above a toy turntable like a Crosley. The Technics will outperform/outlast the new AT 30 another years from now.
 
majick47 said:
The AT is mfg in China, need I say anymore? It's one step above a toy turntable like a Crosley. The Technics will outperform/outlast the new AT 30 another years from now.
Click to expand...

So just so we are clear, you're basing this opinion on never having owned either TT in question?
 
I have 3 Technics direct drive turntables that are all 30+ years old, that still work perfectly. Mine have seen substantial use, and specs have likely drifted a bit over the years, but the platter bearings on all three seem smooth and quiet, and the speed is rock solid. I trust them all to still be working perfectly this time next year, and quite possibly, this time next decade.

The only problem I have ever had with any of my DD Technics TT's was that one had damaged tonearm bearings. That was due to abuse. If you have the opportunity, check the tonearm for play. Unless severe damage has taken place, bearings can be adjusted.

I never have tried the AT-LP120, but I never have needed to. As long as my Technics run, I have no need for a new TT with inferior specs.
 
The PL-120 (older one without USB) is far from being a toy TT - I auditioned one at a Pawn Shop once :)

Will it best a D303? Dunno, never seen one in person
 
Never owned either model, the Technics or the Audio Technica. I'll still put my money on the 30 year old Technics besting the AT in performance and longevity. I'v seen plenty of Technics turntables and as much as the Chinese try to make the AT look like a Technics it's no Technics.
 
Neither. Sorry for being mean, I had to say it. I could probably find something way better for $250


Ben aka MacKat
 
iLUVanalog said:
I certainly would not agree with that assessment. Have you actually owned the table?
Click to expand...

I would agree with LostTurntabl's assessment that the AT-LP120 is garbage, and I'll add that no audition is required to make that assessment. All that's needed is the ability to read a spec sheet and understand what the numbers are trying to tell you. Specs won't tell you everything you need to know about a turntable, but they can help you separate the trash from the turntables worth auditioning. The 0.2% WRMS wow and flutter spec -- not even peak flutter, but weighted RMS -- puts the LP120 on the list of turntables that aren't worth an audition. Its high torque might make it useful as the basis for a homemade RCM, but the fact that it flutters like an epileptic pigeon makes it unsuitable for serious music listening.
 
Last edited:
Dr Tinear said:
I would agree with LostTurntabl's assessment that the AT-LP120 is garbage, and I'll add that no audition is required to make that assessment.
Click to expand...

It seems extremely disrespectful to refer to a piece of equipment as "garbage" after two other AKers have stated they own or have owned it and found it to sound good. The current AT-LP120 has the same wow and flutter spec as its predecessor, a 'table TONEAudio Magazine found to outperform the stock Technics SL1200. You might audition it and find it unacceptable, and there's nothing wrong with saying so, but you don't need to sling garbage on someone else's opinion, especially when they've actually owned and enjoyed the product.
 
You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig. No the Chinese didn't use/get the original tooling/machinery/parts from Technics/Japan. Never heard of Tone Audio Magazine, is it the same mag that reviews the white van speakers? I wouldn't waste my time auditioning it, as someone else said it might be better served as a DIY RCM platform.
Some people own and enjoy Crosley turntables, each to his own.
 
majick47 said:
You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig. No the Chinese didn't use/get the original tooling/machinery/parts from Technics/Japan. Never heard of Tone Audio Magazine, is it the same mag that reviews the white van speakers? I wouldn't waste my time auditioning it, as someone else said it might be better served as a DIY RCM platform.
Some people own and enjoy Crosley turntables, each to his own.
Click to expand...

Some people post opinion backed up by experience and some people post hyperbole based on prejudice twords Chinese-made products. :rolleyes:
 
Greyson said:
Some people post opinion backed up by experience and some people post hyperbole based on prejudice twords Chinese-made products. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

My opinion about the AT-LP120 is not based on its country of origin. It's based entirely on a specification that reveals the unit to be crap. There are quality turntables made in China, including the Well-Tempered Amadeus and the Opera Consonance models that Grant Fidelity sells. The AT-LP120 just isn't one of them.
 
Last edited:
I think it's important to remember that we're not all Sinophobes here. I think it's more important to moderate our language in all areas, bearing in mind that words can wound us.

It's one thing to express the opinion that "A" is better than "B". That's a comparative assessment that shouldn't cause offense. It's also a direct answer to the OP's (remember him?) original question.

It's quite another thing, however, to make categorical statements that a particular thing is "garbage". It advances nobody's understanding. All it can do is cause offense, especially on the part of readers who happen to own and enjoy the thing in question.

John
 
I have a 30 year old Technics SL-D303 and re-capped the board and upgraded its cable.
It has the same specs as a SL-1210 that I recently sold. More here: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=398862

attachment.php
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom