Why does the Harmon Kardon T20 get a bad rap

[arcorob]

I saw this TT and said wow..very cool.even has adjustment for capacitance (may be a gmmick)..but in researching, seemed to get dissed.

Anyone give me a real life view ? Thanks

 

[rnorton]

I've never heard anyone diss the T-20. I'd prefer one to my T-25. The T series really benefit from having the underside of the plinth and the bottom cover damped with lots of plasticene clay or mortite. The T-20 and T-25 also benefit from clay inside the platter (watch your balance).

 

[Pio1980]

Wasn't aware of it being diss'ed, just ignored. Frank van Alstine prefers the later T25 for it's more-easily accessed arm bearings for silicone fluid damping.
The ITO hanger bearing arms as on the T20 and other H-K TTs have a resonance problem that can be tamed with a damper, see this thread for the fusebox gimbal damper; http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=3318000#post3318000

 

[Bigerik]

Never heard it dissed, and I'm one of the biggest h/k fans in this joint.

Ignored is more accurate. Just h/k's take on a cheapie turntable.

 

[Pio1980]

With a properly working and damped arm it should be a worthy high-compliance cart friendly alternative to a similarly appointed Project, Music Hall, or REGA.

 

[AltecDarpa]

is it a graphite arm on that?

 

[Sam Cogley]

is it a graphite arm on that?

That would be a T-20C.

 

[Pio1980]

I think it is a coated aluminum alloy tube with stepped composite and alloy fittings, pretty rigid for low-ish mass.

 

[arcorob]

So ..sort of my thought

What I was think...this thing is like a music hall or rega...just an HK..so how would it be with an ADC..say I mounted my ZLM on there..would that be a good match ? Thanks

 

[Pio1980]

I'd think so. BTW, the cart that's in it now should take a 20 or 30 series stylus as an upgrade path.
I'm using a 'P' mount Ortofon/Digitrac NE 200 'Tombstone' in my mod'ed T60 and it rides warps just fine without working the woofers and the bottom end is extended and solid.

 

[PeterFCassidy]

You are over sensitive.

Most T20 owners sort of strut around proudly and sniff at the roses being thrown at their feet.

Who's actually disparaged this noble TT?

 

[GAR2112]

I'm looking at a HK T-20 on CL for $115.00. One of the feet is broken off and there is no dust cover. Love the looks and simplicity of design. Is this a good price ?

 

[Sam Cogley]

I'm looking at a HK T-20 on CL for $115.00. One of the feet is broken off and there is no dust cover. Love the looks and simplicity of design. Is this a good price ?

Seems high for the condition, unless it has a killer cart.

 

[penkosey]

I've had one before, just briefly, I thought it sounded good. The only reason I didn't hang onto it was cosmetic reasons. I, too, am curious if this turntable could be considered to be roughly in the ballpark of, say, an entry model Pro-Ject or similar?


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[rnorton]

I've had one before, just briefly, I thought it sounded good. The only reason I didn't hang onto it was cosmetic reasons. I, too, am curious if this turntable could be considered to be roughly in the ballpark of, say, an entry model Pro-Ject or similar?


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I think it's a grade above that. Or two.