• 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

Technics SL-1200MK2 vs. Audio Technica AT-LP120 Blind Test

Greyson

Greyson

Super Member
Blind Test - SL-1200Mk2 - AT-LP120​
tts.PNG

Okay, so technically it's an SL-1210Mk2. Let me explain my reasoning before anyone says this is pointless. Yes, digitizing an analog signal means this won't be a test conducted with labratory precision, however, both signals are being digitized and reproduced on an identical medium, meaning that any difference in sound quality should be evident between two recordings taken with the same equipment.

Build quality is no contest. The LP120 is 80% plastic, has feet that are useless for damping, cheap buttons, a sticky pop-up light, and a stiff cueing lever.

Test specs:
Both turntables are hooked up to my mid-90's Sony GX909ES reciever. The output monitor on the reciever is connected through a stereo RCA to 3.5mm analog cable which goes to the Asus Xonar D2x soundcard in my computer. The source audio is taken at 192khz/24bit resolution and encoded to Uncompressed PCM.

Each turntable used the same Ortofon 2M RED cartridge and SH-4 headshell. Each turntable used the same rubber Technics platter mat. The same copy of each record was played on each turntable. The LP120 is operating in "line" mode, bypassing the internal preamp and using the Phono input on the Sony.

Can you tell which turntable made each of these recordings?


Jazz - Miles Davis - Blue In Green ("Kind of Blue" Parlophone | 33rpm)

Turntable #1 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1244235/Turntable/1-milesdavis.wav
Turntable #2 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1244235/Turntable/2-milesdavis.wav

Rock - Radiohead - Just ("The Bends" Capitol Records | 33rpm)

Turntable #1 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1244235/Turntable/1-radiohead.wav
Turntable #2 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1244235/Turntable/2-radiohead.wav

Electronic - Thievery Corporation - The Heart's A Lonely Hunter ("The Cosmic Game" Eighteenth Street Lounge Music | 45rpm)

Turntable #1 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1244235/Turntable/1-thievery.wav
Turntable #2 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1244235/Turntable/2-thievery.wav

edit: For archival purposes the answers are now here in the first post: http://pastebin.com/embed_js.php?i=Yt64h8vg
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Listening using cheap computer speakers, so this is not terribly revealing but what I can tell using these POC is this:

Jazz: #2 has some odd motor type noise. Tone isn't quite as bright either, and the highs are not as clean. Prefer #1 on this.

Rock: #1 has that motor noise this time. Also the less crisp highs. Prefer #2 here.

Electronic: slight motor noise #2, sound is pretty similar but the mids are little muddier on #2. Prefer #1 here.

I can't tell which machine is which, but am I hearing the motor noise on the same table each time? I'd be real dissapointed if that machine happens to be the 1200 just based on all the amazing things people say about it but having never even been in the same room with one I have no experience.
 
Both turntables were set to quartz lock so any pitch issues are a mechanical concern and not operator error. (I double checked to make sure neither of the pitch sliders had gotten moved before recording)
 
js1138 said:
One of the first two seems to be considerably off pitch.
Click to expand...

You're not kidding! Blue In Green #1 is way too fast/sharp! I mean a LOT! From the first note I could hear it, really off!

These are taking a long time to load. Still waiting fro B.I.G. #2 to load. OOPS! Error, Will Robinson!! Won't load B.I.G. #2 Sane with Radiohead #1. Maybe we're overloading the server.

[EDIT] Since I couldn't hear #2 I can't say whether that one was off as well or in which direction and by how much but #1 is bad, bad, bad!

John
 
I only had time for the first one and decided to wait to see if I can get to my DAC at home and headphones instead of computer speakers. That said, first two links #1 seems fast/harsh with the background smeared a bit and more surface noise. But, this was on very small laptop speakers...not at home right now.
 
I've snipped a bit of the lead in groove for the first two and normalized them. the difference is amazing. I'm going to try to post them.
 
Track #1. Prefer the 2nd Table (huge difference b/w the two)

Track #2. Prefer the 2nd Table

Track #3. Couldn't distinguish a difference.

A great idea! ..though I'd prefer being able to download them so I can toggle b/w the two more easily.
 
The audio files are uncompressed so they're about 30mb each so that might be the problem, atleast I certainly hope it isn't being overloaded.
 
My guess is that the 1200 is #1 with jazz and #2 with rock. Haven´t listened to the third. I like these kind of tests.
gusten
 
There's no way to save face with this so i'll just come out and say it. Blue in Green #1 is playing at 45rpm. I must have forgotten to change it back after recording the Electronic sample.

You may point and laugh now. I have made a new recording with Turntable #1 and replaced the file.
 
Greyson said:
There's no way to save face with this so i'll just come out and say it. Blue in Green #1 is playing at 45rpm. I must have forgotten to change it back after recording the Electronic sample.

You may point and laugh now. I have made a new recording with Turntable #1 and replaced the file.
Click to expand...

Hey, this morning I put my pants on backwards and didn't realize it until I had finished off my third cuppa coffee and had to use the restroom.

No harm, no foul.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom