Technics SL-1300, Shure V15-V, V-LPS?

August 8, 2014 - 4:43pm

commsysman

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Joined: Apr 4 2006 - 11:33am

dougspeterson wrote:

I used to spin direct to discs decades ago on this antiquarian setup above. Over the years I have become all digital. I still have this analog front end, and plan on firing up, still have the discs! Musical Fidelity V-LPSII MM/MC Phono Stage.

Question: if reviewed today by Stereophile, what Class, if any, would they likely be assigned in Recommended Components?

The Musical Fidelity V-LPS II phono preamp is pretty good; I used it for years. I don't think there is a better one for under $300. It might be rated Class C; hard to say.

I now have the much more expensive Musical Fidelity M1 ViNL, which is one of the very best. It is rated Class B now, but I would rate it Class A.

I think that turntable is not the best around, however. I very much doubt that it would be mentioned.

I think you would find the sound quality of the Music Hall MMF-2.2 to be a considerable improvement, to name one good example.

August 8, 2014 - 5:10pm

#3

bierfeldt

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Joined: Oct 26 2007 - 2:30pm

They are way better than the consumer technics stuff that was sold as recently as a few years ago. I had one that was crap but these older pro tables were really good.

I have three friends who have pro gear from technics that they now use at Howe and love them. I don't know the exact models they have but I heard them and am far from convinced that an entry level table from pro-ject, music hall or rega would be a step up, especially for bass heavy (hip hop) music. Those Shure cartridges are great for hip hop too. I would probably replace the cartridge if it is older, a newer Shure would be a good choice for bass heavy music or an Ortofon 2m red or blue for other music.

August 8, 2014 - 6:33pm

#4

dougspeterson

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Joined: Aug 5 2010 - 1:31pm

My SL-1300 is a relative of the pro 1200. These appear to have a generally good reputation. However I recall in the day that direct drive cogging gave rise to a sound --despite the very low wrms wow and flutter--that was not taken seriously by audiophiles. I see a recent review at sister site Analog Planet of a Audio Technica direct drive table apparently meant to fill the hole left by the 1200, with similar sound. Those classic direct drives were never formally reviewed by Stereophile, which makes you wonder.

The Shure V15 V and MF V-MPS II were both class C IIRC.

August 9, 2014 - 7:21am

#5

bierfeldt

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Joined: Oct 26 2007 - 2:30pm

If one considers the price point that they are at, I believe they will underperform relative to the competition but it wasn't and still isn't priced like an entry level table. My point is, the entry level tables may not be a real step forward, likely more lateral. If you want real improvement you may need to step up to the 2nd level of tables like a VPI Traveler, Rega RP3, Clearaudio Concept or Music Hall 7.1 to see a real difference in performance.