In 2013 when I first set-up my ultimate-system and probably my last system, I was using the original classic Technics SL-120. I equipped two of them both with S.M.E. Pre-Improved arms. I was still using a AT-440MLa and AT-150MLz I bought in 2003. I enjoyed what I thought at the time to be excellent sound.
In 2014, I tried these tables with the Denon DL-301Mk.II. I didn't make any change except for the new addition of the cartridge’s superior sound quality. The better sound quality prompted me to strongly reconsider the wonderful world of moving-coil cartridges. A world I strongly rejected due to the high costs from when I started out in Hi-Fi in 1967.
I went on to listen further and wondered why I denied myself a better playback sound for so long. Beyond the elevated costs, I was just being stubborn.
Fast forward to the present and I find there’s still no need to upgrade my tables. I find these early introductions of direct-drive tables satisfying and they were the first in addition to the SL-1100 and the SP-10 way back in 1970-72. In 2018 I purchased two minty SL-1100s that I use in my second system. I chose the SL-1100s for a c=second system because of the specular performance I received with the SL-120’s. When first introduced, I disliked the SL-1100 until I mated it with an arm I always knew I could only dream of, the Dynavector 505. I felt since their introduction, the Technics tables in 1972 were too industrial looking for my tastes so, I bought a Tannoy-Micro-Seiki TM55 in 1974. Still have it, don't use it and it needs new caps.
Presently, the two tables shown are still mounted where they were with the two AT cartridges mentioned above.The only changes were better quality cartridges. The only change was better sound quality because of the better cartridges. I learned that if the table is on par in giving good quality performance in the first place, a better cartridge and tone arm will shine thru regardless.
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Below: First setting up of my ultimate system in early 2013.
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Below: Three years later, same old SL-120's but, with a Lyra Delo and Lyra Kleos and better work lites. Added additional factory S.M.E. arm counter-weights.
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Below: The almost overbearing 'Dynavector 505 tonearm on SL-1100.
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Below: SL-1100 + new acrylic arm board with a Grace 840 arm I modified to use with heavier carts. plus a Ortofon Cadenza Blue.
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P.S. I still have my very first TT I purchased in 1967, a Garrard entry-level 40B. I had just started working in Manhattan and couldn't afford anything else. In kit form I bought, a Dynaco PAS-3X pre-amp and Dynaco ST-35 tube amp. Bought two empty speaker enclosures on Cortland St., aka 'Radio-Row' just before they knocked it all down. I installed my old Fender Bassman's two 12 inch drivers and bought two RS exponential 7" horns. It was entry level but, sounded better than the family's Magnavox console. Then the service took me away in 1968 but, when I came back I went almost hog-wild in this hobby. I bought a new AR-Xa TT and a Shure M55 in '72 and in 1971, two new AR-3a's.
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