Shootout: AT-PL120 vs. SL-1200MK2

[beatcomber]

Bumping because I listened to a PL(not LP)120 this morning in a pawnshop. I damn sure do NOT need another TT but for his lowest price of 100.00 I am tempted.

For that price you can probably get a vintage table that is better than the AT.

 

[Frank Sol]

For that price you can probably get a vintage table that is better than the AT.

I believe the pioneer PL-560 I picked up last month is 'better' but the 78 capability on the PL120 is tempting. I bet the PL120 can be dampened but I dont need another project

 

[sebrof]

Of course, the 1200 is more than twice the price of the AT, so this should be no surprise.

I don't intend this post to be a slam on the AT-PL120; on the contrary, for $150-$200 it is an excellent starter table packed with features.

How much did you pay for the new 1200?
I see them for about $1k.

 

[Frank Sol]

How much did you pay for the new 1200?
I see them for about $1k.

3 year old thread

I bumped it :sigh:

 

[guest102]

Why, I asked, should I repeat myself when I can get a computer to do it for me.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=5105814#post5105814

p.s. I won't claim the thin Technics mat is the be all and end all for AT-PL120s and derivatives, but I am still liking how much better it sounds over the cork mat I was using.

 

[beatcomber]

How much did you pay for the new 1200?
I see them for about $1k.

I was lucky to get one when the gettin' was still good. $375 shipped from Musician's Friend in 2008!

 

[bbb777]

I have had my pl120 since June 2008. I bought it new for like 150 off of amazon. Never had an issue with it and have enjoyed it. I've got a AT440MLa Cartridge match with a Cambridge 640-P Pre Amp into a Marantz 2215B Receiver.

I'm sure i'll upgrade one of these days, but really enjoy this TT

 

[beatcomber]

I have had my pl120 since June 2008. I bought it new for like 150 off of amazon. Never had an issue with it and have enjoyed it.

They're cheap, but they're not junk. I bought mine in 2005 and it never gave me any trouble. After I moved up my daughter used it for a few years and I finally sold it a month or so ago.

 

[BrocLuno]

Mine's still running for used vinyl preview and test play along with 78 spins. Narry a bit of trouble in all these years.

I'm thinking about treating the bottom of the platter with pick-up bed liner (polyurethane) to dampen it a bit.

On mine, the favorite cartridge turned out to be a Tonar T2001 with aftermarket stylus (http://www.ebay.com/itm/260301369275?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649) from William Thakker. Been on the for months now. It's a rebadged Nagaoka, but I don't know which one? In any case it's a good match and sounds surprisingly good. Next up would be the OM Super with Digitrac 200 stylus

 

[guest102]

I have said a number of uncomplimentary things about my PL120, most of them tonearm related. For now it's problems seem in remission and I can relax and enjoy what it puts out.

But, moving on to the reason for this post, in my mind Audio-Technica has done at least one thing right in designing this turntable, and that was to put the reverse button behind the pitch adjuster. You have to go looking for it to use it, a bit of inconvenience your cartridge may be thankful for. One thing that makes me nervous about Stanton's ST.150 is having it's reverse button in among the array of front row buttons, just waiting for an accidental touch.

 

[Rob.]

But, moving on to the reason for this post, in my mind Audio-Technica has done at least one thing right in designing this turntable...

Umm... correction.. Panasonic designed this turntable. Audio-Technica just ripped off the design ! :thumbsdn:

 

[Pio1980]

It just looks like a Pana-Tech TT, it's definitely not directly from any of them AFAIK.

 

[boreas]

Umm... correction.. Panasonic designed this turntable. Audio-Technica just ripped off the design ! :thumbsdn:

To the extent that elements of the AT are direct copies of Matsushita design (just thought I'd toss another name in there), yes, but lost of the similarities are cosmetic suggestions of Technics tables.

John

 

[Pio1980]

To the extent that elements of the AT are direct copies of Matsushita design (just thought I'd toss another name in there), yes, but lost of the similarities are cosmetic suggestions of Technics tables.

John

Gutshoots of the A-T courtesy of A-K member Wayner;

Gutshots of the SL-1200 off the 'net;

Plenty of detailed pics of both arms on the net to compare.

 

[Greyson]

As always, you can read my comparisons and hear audio samples from each turntable here;

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=444759

 

[mech986]

 

[Vinylmasters]

I've tried playing LPs and 78's both ways and like the results of the soft side better for both. The printed side on mine is stiff and the 78's don't lay as flat.

LOL! And I thought I was the only one who did that!!

 

[BrocLuno]

Soft side up

Well, at least there are two of us

 

[arcorob]

There is also a recent thread

50 pages, 700+ posts with audio samples here
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=510524

Ignore the arguing and stick to the facts/details and audio clips

to save you time, those clips are still available HERE

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=D25B243EF6E53584!133&authkey=!ABxDMm3-YV8zk_U

They are labeled as test

Obviously the Technics is a better builit and engineered table but for a person on a strict budget the AT120 is no slouch and from the clips you will hear, quite pleasing...Enjoy !!