First this posted subject and then the heady SL-1200 vs. all TT's of the world on another thread. After seeing both I couldn't resist submitting my comments. I currently own an MMF-7 with stock cartridge (150 hours of listening) and now a brand new SL1210 M5G, which I bought two weeks ago. Unfortunately the MMF-7, and all of my related gear, is stored away due to the fact that I live in a rental house now and do not have a listening room with a "sweet spot". That being said, I still needed to get my vinyl fix each night so I set up my trusty old Thorens TD-165 (Grado Gold Cart) thinking that it would survive the current location with kids tracking through all the time. WRONG! The suspension set-up of that rig is too lively and it quickly went back in the box. So I pulled out the JVC QL-A220 Direct Drive TT (M97xE) for stability sake but felt big withdrawals from the sound quality that the MMF-7 was capable of generating. My "temporary" amp is an old Sony STR-GX6ES II with a built in phono pre-amp so I thought maybe this would be the problem. Not wanting to pull out my MMF-7 along with my Eastern Electric M520 tube amp with all NOS upgraded tubes, Cardas power cable, etc., Graham Slee Silver Edition phone pre-amp, Anniversary Ring-Mat, and large, efficient Klipsch Forte II speakers, I decided to pursue a relatively affordable but very stable TT that would handle the "all in one" music and TV room situation while improving the listening experience. I consulted with some audiophiles in the PAAG group in Philadelphia and learned of Kevin at KABUSA and the legendary SL-1200 TT's. After doing some extensive research and then talking to Kevin, I decided to take the plunge. Although I only have a couple of hours of listening logged, I am very impressed with the Technics running through my old Sony ES amp. I originally purchased the Shure M97xE to improve my JVC's performance but notice that this cartridge coupled with the SL1210 is a vast sonic improvement, as well it should be as I set out to accomplish this.
I thoroughly enjoy reading these forums as I already have cartridge upgrade plans for both the SL1210 and the MMF-7. Thanks to all for that. I look forward to the day that I am able to have my full set-up again and then I can A/B the two TT"s side by side and comment on sonics, imaging, tracking, etc. In the meantime, this set-up will have to do. Regarding justifying your purchase Jay, I agree with others out there: just relax, put some tunes on and enjoy the music. Pursue meaningful tweaks but not too many costly ones because some of the best can be homemade.
Lastly, does anyone know what an old JVC QL-A220 Direct Drive TT is worth? Condition is 7/10. Thanks.
I thoroughly enjoy reading these forums as I already have cartridge upgrade plans for both the SL1210 and the MMF-7. Thanks to all for that. I look forward to the day that I am able to have my full set-up again and then I can A/B the two TT"s side by side and comment on sonics, imaging, tracking, etc. In the meantime, this set-up will have to do. Regarding justifying your purchase Jay, I agree with others out there: just relax, put some tunes on and enjoy the music. Pursue meaningful tweaks but not too many costly ones because some of the best can be homemade.
Lastly, does anyone know what an old JVC QL-A220 Direct Drive TT is worth? Condition is 7/10. Thanks.