Technics turntables with a Naim system
Posted by: ngarritson on 10 February 2017
Has anyone run a Technics turntable (I'm thinking of the SL1200Mk2 specifically) through a Naim system? I'm wondering if it's okay as a source or if it's intolerable. The rest of my system is an 82/hicap/250/ATC SCM7s.
Perfectly fine
I used to run one (actually 2) into my 72/140 many years ago. It was actually OK. I replaced them both (lack of use) with an LP12 which I still have.
Very early Naim documentation recommended either a Sondek or a Technics turntable. Indeed the very first Naim system I heard (32/160) had a SL1600 tt into JR149 speakers-and it was an ear-opener for me. Technics tables are plenty good enough.
I feel certain that for the money you could get a better sounding turntable without all that non-value adding bling. And you'd probably have money left over to buy a stack of albums.
Ron Toolsie posted:Very early Naim documentation recommended either a Sondek or a Technics turntable. Indeed the very first Naim system I heard (32/160) had a SL1600 tt into JR149 speakers-and it was an ear-opener for me. Technics tables are plenty good enough.
Ah yes, wasn't that the SL-110. I think that recommendation didn't last very long though...
I wonder how well an SL1200mk2 stacks up against the 220 pounds basic Rega. It might be better, or not. But if your heart is set on the SL1200mk2, and it is a thing of wonder, then go for it. there is way too much humbug and rampant nonsense talked about "compatibility" and "synergy" in hifi. Good products work well together, period.
jon honeyball posted:I wonder how well an SL1200mk2 stacks up against the 220 pounds basic Rega. It might be better, or not. But if your heart is set on the SL1200mk2, and it is a thing of wonder, then go for it. there is way too much humbug and rampant nonsense talked about "compatibility" and "synergy" in hifi. Good products work well together, period.
The Technics is better both in soundquality and handling. No pitch instability or running too fast either with Technics. I have a Audio-Technica LP5 with AT 95EX mm which is also better sounding than a RP1/ RP2.
A DD turntable has great expressive rhythmically which suits Naim very well.
Why not?
The Strat (Fender) posted:Why not?
it's not all about Rega and Linn turntables in Naim land.
This is an interesting comparison of a Technics SL-1200G to a $40,000 Caliburn turntable, complete with video and comparison tracks. The sound comparison is closer than I would have expected.
Moderated post: Skip - I have removed the unauthorised link. Please do not post unauthorised links in the Hifi corner. Thanks.
Robiwan posted:The Strat (Fender) posted:Why not?
it's not all about Rega and Linn turntables in Naim land.
Certainly isn't 
Then it's settled. If Jon, Ron and others give the all clear that's good enough for me.
Some additional context - my interest in the Technics is so I can mix. The first time I heard Ben Watt DJ at a club he played almost 100% vinyl. I didn't recognize a single track he played. It was all new music and it was phenomenal. He had the place whipped into a frenzy. His mixing skills were incredible. Every track flowed into the next as if they had all been recorded with that intention. I had heard a lot of DJs play at that club before but may of them used digital sources like CDs. The vinyl sounded so much better. That experience has always stuck in my mind.
Also, I have ~75 vinyl singles and remixes. It'd be fun to be able to mix them together rather than just playing them one by one on a traditional "hifi" turntable.