Technics 1200G VS VPI Prime Signature
Music Direct currently lists 28 B Stock Items, 2 of which are VPI. The most, 9, are Mark Levinson. I’ve had a VPI Classic SE with 10” 3D uni-pivot arm for the past 8 years, no issues. I don’t think it’s any more difficult to set up with a cartridge than other arms and it’s as stable as any gimbal arm playing on the record. It’s totally adjustable including azimuth, some arms are not. It’s also an amazing tracker, in all this time it has never skipped or malfunctioned—pretty amazing. |
I know that some do not think the arm on the technics is that good. Well, I will tell you that it is. Its very versatile, the 1200G package is tough to beat. Yes you could change the arm to a Triplanar and probably get close to state of the art quality but the arm that comes with this table is no slouch, trust me. Great value for the money. The arm that comes with the 1200G definitely blows away the arm that comes with the prime. very stable design and great tracking arm |
Since I moved my Zyx cartridge from my Rega P5 to the Technics 1200G, I am very happy. I don't know why I wasn't able to to get good performance from the combination P5/Zyx (I tried everything: spacers, tungsten CT, thin or thick mat, etc...). With the Technics, that's really good, with great respect of the whole frequency bandwidth. Now, the poor records sound poorer than poor and the good ones (good mastering / press) are amazing.
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Interesting thread, I too would strongly lean to the Technics given the choice. I have owned two VPIs--a Scoutmaster (which I hated) and the original Classic (much less hate). I really didn't like the tonearm on either and recently got out of the VPI business and bought a Pure Fidelity Harmony--which is just leaps and bounds better than the VPIs to my ear. The dealer I bought it from is also a VPI dealer and so I had him switch tables during the demo. After two songs on the Prime or Prime Signature, all I could think of was "sounds like a VPI". To me, they are all about "audiophile sounds" and less about connecting you with music. You want tone and a nice big soundstage, buy a VPI. You want an engaging listen, try something else. To me it's an "admire it" vs "be moved by it" type of thing. As always, it comes down to a personal preference--I know there are tons of folks who LOVE their VPIs. Just figure out what camp you are in. I do think the Technics is a good enough base to support much higher aspirations. A couple of guys in my local audio group have added the added an Integrity Tru-Glider tonearm to the Technics and seem thrilled by the combo. |
I had a VIP and hated it too, cheaply built, the designer does not “believe” in anti-skating, can you imagine an engineer not believing in science? The tonearm fatboy has a lot to be desired. the motor is too light to keep from moving when changing the speed. So many things that are just not right.
I am glad I sold it even if it was at a significant loss.
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