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In Praise Of The DirectStream

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Posted on January 18, 2021 at 18:26:51
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1403
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 I've had this DAC for about two years now. It was the DAC, coupled with a Melco server, that led me to part with my SOTA Technics 1200G turntable and associated high-end cartridge and phono preamp, worth over $10K.

I listen to jazz. Acoustic jazz, recorded in the 50s and 60s - in analog, obviously.

Several times in the past 18 months I've been tempted to buy a vinyl setup again (I kept my records), partly because of nostalgia, partly because - probably - I like to buy things.

But then I listen to jazz on this digital setup - Miles, Blakey, Hubbard, all the good stuff - mostly Redbook recordings, and I'm blown away. It doesn't get any better than this. It just doesn't. I've heard it all.

 

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You should like it more with new firmware! n/t, posted on May 7, 2021 at 16:33:57
panhead
Audiophile

Posts: 920
Location: chicago
Joined: January 20, 2007
 n/t

 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on January 19, 2021 at 19:36:04
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I didn't think a SL-1200 could hit $10,000! Was that $1000 for the TT and $4500 each for the cartridge and phono preamp ;-)

I still have my KAB modified SL1200mk2 along with a couple modest cartridges including the Dynavector DV-20X H and a SoundSmith retipped Benz Glider SL.

I ditched vinyl a few years ago for high quality digital playback including my own ripped CD collection, hi-res downloads, and now mostly streaming Tidal and Qobuz.

My KAB Technics SL-1200mk2 & SoundSmith retipped Benz. Packed away in storage.




 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on February 6, 2021 at 12:12:44
PaulF70
Audiophile

Posts: 1403
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 30, 2006
 Clarified below but yeah I meant the 1200G which is $4K and then cart & upper level Tom Evans & ASR phono preamps.

As to carts tho IMO the Audio Technica LOMCs for around $500 are ALMOST as good as anything. (I know that comment will just prove I can't hear to many and maybe I can't.)

The 1200G was the best table I ever had, better than the best Rega (my previous favorite brand) and the giant Basis I had that probably cost $20K new. If I do ever get a TT again I will buy another. That is a completely stock 1200G, nothing changed. What is different about it is speed stability is just completely perfect; even the most expensive belt tables can't do that. It had no other weaknesses such as noise like many direct drive tables. They really did that one right. Now, I'm sure the older restored 1200g are respectable also.

Still not motivated, esp. when I listen to my DSD128 vinyl rips or - better yet - Direct DSD recordings from Native DSD and elsewhere.

 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on February 8, 2021 at 11:58:19
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 > As to carts tho IMO the Audio Technica LOMCs for around $500 are ALMOST as good as anything.

I agree with you about the new Audio Technica cartridges. I like moving coils and my favorite is the AT-ART7, which sells for $1090 from LP Gear.

I know that direct-drive turntables take the prize for speed accuracy and speed stability, but my new 3-phase belt-drive motor with tachometer speed control is nearly as precise as direct-drive. It's speed accuracy is just as good and its speed stability is very nearly as good as your Technics.

I also agree with you regarding digital. I, too, have switched from vinyl to digital because the sound quality of digital these days is just as good or even better than vinyl as far as I can tell. My favorite digital format is DSD. I make DSD128 copies of my favorite records and I love the sound of DSD256 from Native DSD.

Happy listening!
John Elison

 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on January 24, 2021 at 14:28:59
Todd Krieger
Audiophile

Posts: 37333
Location: SW United States
Joined: November 2, 2000
 "My KAB Technics SL-1200mk2 & SoundSmith retipped Benz. Packed away in storage."

Kind of unfortunate, actually...... If you know someone who sets up turntables with a good protractor (like the Feickert), you might be stunned over what you've been missing.....

Listened to the Yusef Lateef "Eastern Sounds" on vinyl..... The capture of the performance and acoustic venue was breathtaking, no digital source can touch it...... (What's funny is we listened to Zeppelin on CD afterwards..... )

But again, if you don't know anybody who sets up vinyl rigs with precision, maybe you should sell the rig..... (It looks like a really nice rig.) Heck, if I had the funds, I'd put forth an offer.....


 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on February 8, 2021 at 12:13:56
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I can't imagine letting anyone else set up my turntable. It's not really that difficult. Sure, it's time consuming and tedious, but it's really not difficult. Moreover, once it's set up, it doesn't change. Therefore, it's not something you need to do very often. I guess if you let an expert set up your turntable, you know that it doesn't require adjustment very often. Consequently, I prefer to do it myself so I know it's done right!

I'm a perfectionist.

Happy listening!
John Elison

 

Grandchild, posted on January 24, 2021 at 12:57:40
mlsstl
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: Midwest
Joined: September 1, 2015
 With a 3 year old regularly around the house, an expensive turntable and cartridge are a bit too inviting. I worry a lot less about the Raspberry Pi! (And that is also an overlooked advantage of Ohm speakers with their "cans" over the driver -- far more childproof than your ordinary speaker.)

 

RE: Grandchild, posted on January 25, 2021 at 15:51:36
telackey
Audiophile

Posts: 289
Location: Oklahoma
Joined: January 15, 2006
 Yes, I have four children under five. It took a lot patience--and more than one instance of cleaning unidentifiable sticky goo off a record--before the fever left them.

I cannot be too critical though. I remember what befell my father's record player, namely, me...

 

RE: Grandchild, posted on January 25, 2021 at 18:00:13
Todd A.
 I remember washing an LP like a dish to get the Noxema cream off of it...

 

He's got the 1200G, posted on January 21, 2021 at 13:11:47
jbrrp1
Audiophile

Posts: 483
Location: Minnesota
Joined: April 24, 2007
 The recent re-envisioning of the 1200 that lists for $4k.

 

Ah, that explains it - I think, posted on January 21, 2021 at 18:00:47
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I know Technics discontinued the SL1200 line a while ago but reintroduced newer models with some upgrades. I haven't kept up with the differences so I tend to lump all SL1200's in the same basic category. All are excellent but imagine some are more excellent than others.





 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on January 20, 2021 at 02:29:54
dbphd
Audiophile

Posts: 1674
Location: Montecito, CA
Joined: September 6, 2006
 Abe -- Do you display your SL-1200 Mk2? I have one and a Thorens TD 124 with SME III arm and Ortofon 30H cartridge that I think I use as visual icons. Music via Roon is so convenient and sounds so great it's hard to make a case for analog, but the vinyl setups are handsome.

 

RE: In Praise Of The DirectStream, posted on January 21, 2021 at 17:57:43
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I still have a few dozen albums and I might display the album covers on the wall. Of course, I'll need to display a turntable to go with the wall art.

We are in the process of finishing our basement and when that's done, all the toys come out again ;-)



 

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