Technics SL-QX200 vs Technics SL-D2

[bigtigmn]

So I've been using an SL-QX200 with a P228. I had planned on putting a P-mount M92e cart with a M97xe stylus in soon.

I just purchased a SL-D2 and I only plan to keep one. At first glance the SL-D2 looks more substantial and has a normal mount which is handy. I just installed a M97xe

I'm very curious about some thoughts about the differences between the two.

I'm about the do some listening tests and will post some thoughts on those as well.

 

[Roivas]

I'd be interested to know how this all turns out. I have an SL-D2, and it is a very respectable table. It has a curved arm and is a pretty straightforward semi-auto deck. As for the other, I don't have experience but I know that I like Quartz-locked for sound, but am not a huge fan of straight tonearms. These are personal preferences, of course, but sharing those is what a forum like this is all about.

Anyway, I would be a bit bias towards the SL-D2 just because I'm familiar with it and it takes standard cartridges instead of P-mounts, which gives you a bit more flexibility.

 

[bigtigmn]

So far here are the results after listening for about a half hour. I listened mostly to one song for about 20 minutes working to discern differences. It's an album I recorded in my studio so I already had a good idea of some of it's intricacies from the studio.


Isolation - The SL-QX200 seems to have quite a bit more microphonic tendencies. I don't know the vinyl term for it but when placing both tables on the workbench that the Advents were on both tables received a sort of microphonic feedback mostly from low frequencies but also highs. Although they were both suspect the SL-QX200 was a little worse. Moving to secure location helped this.

Frequency Range - The SL-QX200 seems to have a lower extension maybe in the range of 5-7hz. It's fairly noticeable as it brought subharmoic instruments back to focus that I remember being int he original recordings. These were not nearly as present on the SL-D2. Also I heard the effect of better stereo imaging on the SL-QX200. A guitar present on the right of the track seemed to have more presence on the right. My assumption is that is simply due to the back the SL-QX200 seemed to have a clearer or more present high end.

Dynamics/Depth of Field - The SL-QX200 seemed to win here as well, changes in vs to chorus etc, seemed to jump out more, and although it was slight I could catch revery tails a little better on the SL-QX200.

All of these differences were very minute mind you. I really had to look for them.

Still curious other folks thoughts though about the tech side.