I really like these comparisons Michael and appreciate the work that goes into creating them. I would love to see other tables in the mix- e.g. VPI Prime, Rega RP-8. Thanks again.

Great Video Michael. Sounds wonderful! Big fan of your video's. Got back into records recently and wow what a difference from CD's!!

excellent choice that turntable of yours is so special thanks for uploading loving the videos

I first learned of the existence of this recording/LP through your video. I don't know how this original pressing sounds compared to the one I recently acquired (England 1972 VSD 713/14) - and taking into account my completely different setup - but the sound and performance is great. This has certainly become one of my favorite recordings (in general, and of these songs in particular). Thank you!

What an exquisite voice. And recording- airy, clear, detailed, even through my iPad. Wow. 😳🤩🥰🔥❤️🕊 Even deeper, more dimensional image with even more intimacy on the second! Amazing technology. 🥳🌀

That surprised me, it was the Technics for me. I’m off to buy one. Thanks.

When it come's down to the KING OF AUDIO you my friend are the KING.Peace!

Both captivatingly beautiful. Fantastic. Sound is different but not objectionaly. The big rig had more romance.

My grandfather (who i never met) managed Jenkins music company in KC wayyyyy back in the day. He had a record out called Markles Miracles... would love to find one. He passed away almost 43yrs ago when i was 2 weeks old. Really enjoying your vids big dog. Thanks for making them.

Technics 1200G is amazing. I had the 1200gr first and really enjoyed it but after upgrading to the 1200g you can really admire the sound quality along with amazing quality in engineering.

Not gonna get in to "more air, brighter" and what not. What I have noticed is she sounds more alive and happier... just happier.

Michael, It is interesting that we can clearly hear differences with digital at 320kbps which is what youtube allows. I know it is a difficult question but how much of the difference is masked by the compression?

To my ear they were close. I did not hear an $8000 difference. Thank you for teaching me about this record. I must get one now.

I would love to hear the 1200G against a SP10 mk2. That would be a contest that will clearly show how Technics has progressed

What capacitance and resistance settings are used with these two tests, and what interconnects did you use from the tables to the preamp? These things can have a significant effect on the output

What I would really want to hear is a comparison between the previous 1200 Mkwhatever and the new 1200G. It would most likely shut up all the commentators who think Technics is just upping their price for no reason.

It was this final review that convinced me to buy the SL1200G ... I even bought the music used in this demo lol I bought mine for 2k so not to bad. I've owned many cool turntables including Linn LP12 and various Rega incarnations, even an SL1200mkII/SL1210 mkII and I'm super pleased with my purchase. the SL1200G sounds very different. Detail, imaging, depth, and presentation is audiophile quality 👍

I was surprised to hear a difference on my laptop, but given that constraint, I could still hear the expansiveness and natural quality of the continuum clearly, albeit with extra surface noise.

Michael, Are you sure the 24/96 downloadable files (on your website) of this vocal recording are labeled correctly? After listening to those files I still prefer the sound of the B file which is supposedly the Technics. I find it interesting and mildly bothersome that I prefer the sound of the less expensive phonograph.

Thanks for bringing this charming song to us. I listened to the whole album and there are gems in there. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the LP. Here is the translation I found ... Damn sweet! The spinner When I was a little girl I tended the sheep. Lirou lirou lirou … Lirou la diri tou tou la lara. I had a little staff and I called a shepherd to me. Lirou lirou, etc. For looking after my sheep he asked me for a kiss. Lirou lirou, etc. And I, not one to be mean, Gave him two instead of one. Lirou lirou, etc.

Woof. Your very expensive TT really never fails to impress. For most of us, it is completely unattainable. Thank you for the demo. I personally have entertained the technics for my next TT, among just a couple of semi affordable units. Could you ID the cartridges please? You are a real piece of work Mikey, thanks for your, well, everything. Please carry on!!

Fun video. Thanks Mr. Fremer. No trouble hearing the difference between the tables despite being through KZfaq. Running Parasound electronics and Focal Sopras.

Assessing this via youtube is difficult. Could you tell us which you think is better, and if the price difference of the more expensive one makes it that more justified or is the difference really drastic, please? I can't detect much of a difference even through my high quality comp speakers.

Thank you Mike for doing a vocal track comparison! I think the Caliburn sounds smoother and more detailed - though by necessity I am limited to hearing this on my android phone (Kyocera HydroWave). On site listening I'm sure highlights even more the difference between a $2k TT and a $100k TT! With analog playback spending more does usually give improved sound. Just don't expect miracles at the low price end - though with careful matching of TT's, tonearms and cartridges excellent results can be achieved! And don't forget the phono stage!

What a voice words cannot describe her voice great video

Technics SL 1200G is crisper and more detailed to my ears and taste. Thanks for the excellent comparison demo.

The continuum is way more balanced and clear, more define, absolutely beautiful

Great video, thanks Michael! :)

may i ask what kind of record clamp you are using (continnum turnatble).

Mister Fremer, I always enjoy your take on the state of the art in vinyl, thanks for the fine work (such fun!) Listening to your shoot-out on a Kenwood KR-6400 receiver and a pair of open ear Sennheiser cans, the Technics sounds a bit brighter, and the Continuum is by comparison warmer. The "latter platter" also seems more substantial, rounder and less anxious...? Having listened back and forth many times I have fallen for this artist, such amazing chops. Both tables are lovely, and I usually prefer a brighter sound but the winner this time is the well-tempered Continuum. on another note... I bought the Music Hall 5.3 rosewood table (Ortophon Bronze) based on your opinion, spent more money than I ever have on a turntable, then got the Rogue Audio LCR-MK III phono pre. I love them both. I'm a professional keyboard and saxophonist, and we notoriously spend money only on instruments and rack gear, but I finally said, "Enough!!" Instead of getting that new horn or software plug-in I bought a mint TEAC A3440 w/dbx, and an analog mixer that is paired with the A3440. Lots of cables later, and some great buys on a pair of ADS L710's and L880's things are sounding much sweeter here at the monastery, much, much sweeter... Since going analog-all-in parishioners are bringing me their vintage gear and I'm inundated with Tuners and Receivers and tables. A crazy buy from Jersey-- a used Yamaha YP-11 turntable with Stanton 681EEE cart straight into a (gifted) Marantz 2220B Receiver is what started the whole ball rolling. ( I couldn't believe how good it sounded) So, Mister Fremer, you have started something up here at The Friary in the Poconos, and I like what I'm hearing. I'll tug on your coat later, I'm thinking about saving time on record cleaning without breaking the bank--currently doing a labor intensive manual five-step method. Help!! brother Jimi PS- I pray while I'm cleaning (Cleanliness is...)

Was the same pickup cartridge used on both turntables? I didn't hear any difference.

Nice Mofi collection behind you ;) Much like Impulse records or early era Columbias, the spine makes them instantly recognizable. The Caliburn's control is clearly evident here in the playback much like the video you posted yesterday. I'm sure you have run the Feickert app on both tables? It would be interesting to see the data from both posted side by side.

Wondering if the technics tonearm could use dampening fluid to get a warmer sound . Either way it still sounds great .

Yes beautiful piece of music Michael. Good choice.

Hey Michael, I love your videos. May I ask if you would have a preference between this Technics or the Rega rp10?

Can you do a comparison of the new Denon VL12 Prime turntable and the Technics? I'd like to get your professional opinion on the VL12. I recently purchased one (not for DJ use) and I think it sounds amazing.

Hi . I want to point out the following, for there to be objectivity between the two turntables they should have the same head and the same cartridge and the question is what do they have??

Will you ever be able to compare the sl1200g vs the sl1200gr? I wonder how much difference there is with the "budget" model. I have been looking at vpi prime scouts and the sl1200gr. They are both within a reasonable price of each other. But i dont have anyware to audition any of the new technics stuff yet. I think guitar center can special order them but they are not able to mount a cartridge and demo one for you. I think guitar center thinks they are DJ tables.

I love ur show man!

Both sound the same coming to me via KZfaq on my 2009 Mac Pro (2008 edition) and Bose speakers. Ok.. so thee cheers for the SL-1200G .... with which cartridge? And thank you!

Thank you Michael for your review of theSL 100C very helpful I am considering it if I can afford not crazy about cartridge but…..

That was a great story. Love it.

May i ask, are those 2 tables uses the same cart and needle? Are they both hooked to the same system? If they use different cart and stylus well difinitely they will sound different. Cause if they do used the same cart and stylus with identical system i see no reason for them to sound different. I tried it with my friends, same everything except for the tables, one is a cheap but decent jvc tablle from the 80s and the other one is a very expensive table, none of them can tell the difference. They produce the same sound. So i sold my expensive table a bought a vintage denon dp62L, never been happier.

Her vocals have more body on the Continnum than on the Technics, as well as the low strings. There's simply more warmth. Also there's greater depth to the sound. I wouldn't have believed I would be able to hear much difference​, but there it was. There is the question about the tonearm/cartridge resonance point on each and how that might have affected the sound.

what are your feelings of the new sl-1000r technics?

what did you put in the middle of the record on the continuum,,,That i did not see on the 1200?

Have you tried the manual torque gain adjustment on the 1200g? I've read that turning it to about 1/5th of full improves note decay, sustain, and overtones.

oh beautiful record and performance by the way.

I have the Victoria de Los Angeles recording on both Vinyl and CD. I've also got the Kiri Te Kanawa recording on CD. Wonderful music. BTW, the language is Auvergnaise. They are an ancient people in the Midi area of France. Limosin is in this area. In the full set, some of the songs are in French.

Thanks for the comparison - and for putting the high-resolution files for comparing on the website. Also thanks for hinting me to this record! Just ordered a copy; going to listen to the Japanese pressing of French songs sung by a Soviet soprano singer recorded in Europe by a US American label... on my German turn table through a Japanese amp and English speakers... good audio knows no borders :D Thanks again, ~ Michael

Did you use the same cartridge for both turntables?

I think the sound is close. In that regard, that is a big win for the Technics 1200G. I also think further cartridge experimentation with the Technics 1200G in pursuit of a 'best match' scenario would close the gap even more. The Continuum is the superior turntable. I cannot imagine anyone would think otherwise. However, this is an audible example of diminishing returns on display. I believe that the Technics 1200G with a best match cartridge placed in a system that someone really enjoys would be a fabulous edition with no reason to ever look for an upgrade. You will have a magnificent vinyl experience in your possession.

What's the difference in sound between the 1210GR and the 1200G?

Are you set up same cartridges on both player?

SO that store WAS the "Music Exchange" in Kansas City ... thanks for buying a record from that shop

The Continuum/SAT/Lyra combo brings out far more detail and nuances of her voice. It has greater dynamic range as well. This, over the internet via my AKG headphones, IS recognizable. IMHO.

Interesting observation here, according to my ears and perhaps my mood... and speakers: 1) contrary to the expected and often superior lowered noise floor of a high end turntable, the Continulum reveals more of the imperfections in the groove, perhaps etched from previous play, minor but it is there. This background "crackle" residual as I call it, is not as apparent on the Technics 1200G. Whether this contributes to a sense of more air and space is a matter of the characteristics of human hearing (less distraction) and personal preference. 2) There is actually more air and space by the Continulum, in particular the rather bright reverberation of the singer's voice, not as much heard on the 1200G The background noise residual may be distracting from that.. a better record (perhaps impossible to find) would reveal the superior resolution of the Continulum. 3) Natania's voice has more body and substance and detail on the Contiulum. I call this "vocal texture" much like the texture of a fabric, close up, we can see exactly how well it's made, the actual interweave of the strands. In sound production, "vocal texture" is the harmonic character of a voice, its subtle nuances, its unique identifiable signature... The voice is an amazing instrument as the beating of the reeds are largely a part of its quality, (and can be heard in better sounding hifi systems) plus the various resonant cavities, the natural talent (and acquired) the technic of singing, how to shape the throat and mouth... "vocal texture" is my own contrived term.

Hi Michael, nice one. Both good but the SL-1200 was a bit peaky on the higher midrange. Must be some resonance in the tone arm?

It sounds like there’s quite a bit of sibilance. Is that just this particular vinyl? Or maybe a config issue?

Just wondering if it was the exact same cartridge on both decks?

Um ... both sound good? Is the second one worth (sorry - does it cost ...) about 10x more, or something ... ?

I wish I could get my old Dual 1218's background that quiet but, on my studio monitors at this low bit rate I can't hear the difference.

This is, indeed, an extraordinary recording by the great Seymour Solomon. Both samples sound good, but I am listening on my MacBook Pro using Apple earbuds. Not your most critical listening system. Serious music lovers, though, should try to get a copy of the 4-track reel-to-reel version, which is simply breathtaking.

Michael, so what;s up with all the high end tables having straight tonearms and budget tables are S-shaped?

would the "record clamp" make a difference? I think maybe so.

Superb!!!!!

The Technics sounds a little brighter and the Continuum seems more neutral. Both are fantastic machines.

Beautiful song. Bailero left me speechless. Thanks for the heads up. Alfred Deller singing Henry Purcell would be a great test.

Did each TT have the same cartage?

My impression is that Technics leans toward a crowd-pleasing sound, crisp, bright, and fresh, a lot more than the other one which sounds darker and deeper.

Note. It is not possible to judge the ambiance, sound quality such as frequency, accuracy, etc. of the cuts being played because the sound I am hearing is the result of MP3 compression. What I looked for was wow, rumble, distortion introduced by the light weight turn table vs the heavy platter - things like that. To really judge, I'd have to either hear the comparison live or via 192/24 files.

I'm very impressed with the Technics. It comes MUCH closer to the reference rig than I would have imagined. I had 2 Technics SL-1200 MKII that I used in my night club and I took one home to compare on my audiophile system, which at the time, was a Linn Sondek and a Souther Straight Tracking arm. THAT SL-1200 sounded horrible. They have made great strides in the performance of the new SL-1200!

Given the chasm in price of the two turntables, we would surely expect a difference. I like how the 1200 sounds and would be more than happy with it, though I'm bound to say my SL1600 Mk2 is pretty remarkable too. That the Continuum is better is a given (smoother, yet with luscious detail), but seeing as it's out of the reach of most enthusiasts, self included, I'd rather focus on how well the Technics acquits itself in what is, to all intents and purposes, a totally unfair contest. Interesting though, so please let's have more.

Based on the video, it looks like 2 different arms. Is that the arm that comes with the Technics? Second listen has the Caliburn more fleshed out than the Technics. I was already amazed at your 24/196 copy of your turntable at the MSD room at the California Audio Show. It, too, had a more fleshed out midrange than almost all of the other turntables that I previously heard. I think the Caliburn might be better, but the cost eliminates it from most people's budget.

The Contimuum seems more fleshed out and/or nuanced, but I could accept the presentation of the Technics(I'm not totally sure which is more accurate.). I would say buy the Technics. How much does the upgraded arm make to the Technics?

Do you think the 2000 is as good as 1200?

There's an "edge" and slight grain to the loudest parts on the Technics recording that bothers me a bit.

Amazing record

Of course through the mediation of KZfaq etc it's hard to really hear much more than 2 models of the sound. But from what I got through my PC and 50 lb. 2.1 Logitech computer speakers . . . well, both very nice. A bit more "something" in the Continuum. As is so often the case with high end systems this difference is subtle. I used to say, "It captures the air in the room better." But today I'll go with, "It's the same vocal. But in a different Universe. A more stable, even, slightly darker and more sonically magic Universe." What is that difference worth? What is the soliloquy from Hamlet worth?

OK SO the crazy expensive one seems like I might be able to listen to it for a longer amount of time. If the two were at the same volume, going through the same speakers, then the Continuum wins the day. For some reason, to my ears, the Continuum seemed to be at a slightly lower volume. I don't know if that's because the Technics is "shriller" or just louder?

Oh! How much is enhanced the beauty of the sound with the "clicks" and "humm" the composer undoubtedly had in mind but forgot to write on his music sheet! 😅😅😅

The question is can you modify the 1200 to match the Continuum Caliburn or how close can you get to matching the performance of the Continuum Caliburn with a modified 1200?

I'm a 1200 owner and have no problem admitting the second turntable clearly sounds better. Specifically, the background instruments sounded better. I know this is a coarse playback on KZfaq, but my rig has a decent sound card connected to Bose speakers using good cables. Not exactly audiophile but better than most computer sound systems.

When vinyl sounds good it sounds really good. Strangely my turntable has bad days, but most of the time it sings and I'm just using a Dual 1218 and a V15 III.

I assume that after playing the record on the technics you waited a number of hours so the groves could recover before playing the record again on the Continuum which sounds to my ears more as a human voice with soul a clear winner

I can hear a clear difference! no question the the Caliburn has a more natural tonal balance, especially in her voice, just sweeter + a noticeably wider soundstage, having said that the Technics is a mighty fine turntable at the price and is probably a bit of a bargain, I'm wondering what it sounds like with an sme iv or v on it as soundhifi have done?

Is the same cartridge on both?

It's really interesting that the turntables sound exactly like I'd expect them to for the price and the price difference even in this wonky format. Also of note is that both tables pick up about the same amount of record noise.

hey, 1200 junky and great fan of taking the piss out of the audiophile craze speaking here. so totally unbiased to say the least. Did hear the difference right away listening on nice bookshelf speakers+ meh-ok-ish amp, at stupidly low volume, 480p resolution after driving the loader all day at the construction site LOL. definitely the audiophile spacecake is richer in the lower mid frequencies in a way that is pleasant - at least to me - and brings less edge on the trebles, which makes it overall warmer but with no muffled feeling at all by comparison. very very nice, can't wait to hook up two of them on my ttm57 and run serato scratchlive lol

I like the mustard on his chin.

Technics- $2000. Continuum Caliburn- $65,000. No, they shouldn't sound close.

is it me or does the technics arm seem to have trouble when the singer goes really high? i just dont like the sound of that arm after hearing the SAT arm

Well after listening to the comparison a number of times, it was interesting. First I found the volume on the Technics a smig louder which could fool you if your not careful. Must be a difference in the output of the cartridges Michael ? Certainly the Continuum with the SAT is more refined, But I was surprised how close they were. I even found that the Technics sounded like it was more open and had more air. My guess that is not the case, but maybe setup has something to do with that too. I sense the cartridge weights and VTA are slightly different as well to contribute to those differences. Michael I know you dont set VTA but rather SRA which I personally like to set by ear. Realistically its virtually impossible to do a completely fair comparison, the Continuum and SAT should Smoke the Technics shouldn't even be a contest, but with to many variables shockingly the Technics didn't embarrassed itself and actually sounded pretty good.

Anyone with reasonably good listening skills should hear a marked improvement of the Continuum and SAT Arm. Its not even close. And it would even be a even larger improvement when played on a good system rather than the compressed audio from youtube. But yet people will discount there is a difference either because they cant justify the price difference or simply dont know what to listen for. Besides being able to hear more detail in the recording, better clarity of instruments, hall ambiance, air, delicacy you hear a greater range in her vocals. Although the SAT is not in my budget the few times I have heard it, it is an amazing tonearm. I was even skeptical it was that much better than some of the other state of the art arms I have heard. I was shocked how much more detail was coming from that tonearm It is now on my list of audio products that has pushed the state of the art in analog playback. Not many products have revolutionized analog playback like the SAT tonearm, the Aesthetix IO phono stage ( with upgraded tubes and dual power supplies ) the PC 1 ultimate and a few other outstanding cartridges. I'm not convinced I have heard huge turntable sonic improvements because there are still some older turntable designs that sound outstanding to me. People need to understand that small improvements in sound does come at a premium, but for those trying to get the best possible sound these costs can be justified if it gives the investor greater enjoyment and pleasure. Welcome to high end audio

Please tell me the second one was technics ... :)

The 2nd play ,whether or not it was really the Continuum, was "thinner " and "shallower"

What cartridges are you using for the Technics as well as the Continuum? I feel like the differences in Cartridges is the reason for differences in sound imaging. I've analyzed your lower frequencies and subsonic frequencies of this video and it seems that both Turntables hold up about the same. So I think its based on the difference in Cartridge here

I couldn't tell the difference between both turntables. What I can tell you is that both are at such a high level that, to me, there is no audible difference. At least listening to the recorded sound in the internet. I don't know if I were sitting in the same room where the turntables are and listening to both once again I would be able to discern any difference between them. Even in this mp4 sound, I can tell you that the system you have is as good with one or the other. Thanks for showing us the alternatives to the best of the best?

There is a a lot to be said about Technics if it can sound as well as a 90,000usd table but it may be a very different if we were actually there listening instead hearing a digitized form... I am sticking with my 43 year old Sansui 525 manual with a rare Precept cartridge and a Grado Gold for now ..Nice vid

The Continuum sounds more musical, dare I say it, more analog. The Technics sounds thin, somewhat mechanical, and more "digital." This demo confirms my preference for belt drive turntables.