Yes, of course the Technics SL-1200 is already superior in every way to the AT-LP120. That’s not why I created this video. I made this video because I have noticed a significant increase on YouTube, and multiple other online forums with people stating that the AT-LP120 is much better than the SL-1200, and in some instances speaking as if the SL-1200 came after the AT-LP120. Anyone who know’s direct drive turntables understands that the original 1979 design of the SL-1200 Mark 2 along with its successors, the MK3, 4, 5, 6, G-series, etc. was and always will be the godfathers of all direct drive systems. Any other imitation turntables are simply low-end reproductions.

These are not traditional comparison videos! While many others already understand the reasons why the SL-1200 is better, the point of these videos is to thoroughly explain and educate people who do not know, what the SL-1200 is, and why statements about the SL-1200 being the cheaper, or worse option is in fact a false misdirection. The LP120 and other imitation turntables only exist because of the SL-1200. You couple that, along with the much higher-end parts, and build quality of the SL-1200, it’s physically impossible for the LP120 to be a superior deck. Additionally, price point has nothing to do with this comparison, and the Technics SL-1200 is not 4, 5, or 6 times as expensive as the AT-LP120. Our SL-1200 was 600.00 before the add-ons we gave it. There is a vast selection of perfectly fine, used SL-1200’s on EBay and other websites that don’t even cross the 500.00 threshold. You just have to search. But again, these comparison videos are not about the cost.

This first video demonstrates the comparison of audio through ambient sounds, vocals, percussion, and strings. I used the same cartridge because the purpose is to test if any difference exists in the turntables. If I use a different cartridge for each deck then of course they’re going to sound different, and then the audio test is no longer an accurate representation of the individual turntables’ performance.

Then, beginning at 7:51 I look at materials and build quality between the two decks. This portion concludes Part 1. In Part 2 located here: I further examine anti-skate, vertical tracking angle, accessories, visual waveforms, and one new very disappointing loss that caused me to have to ship the LP120 back to Audio Technica for repairs before I could even start Part 2 of my comparison.

I hope these videos shed some light on the growing confusion that’s being wrongfully spread around the internet. It’s not about being a normal comparison and then deciding which one is better by the end. It’s about a side by side revealing of the reasons why these other statements on forums and YouTube are inaccurately painting a false picture to the history of these turntables. I have the comments on these videos set to approval before allowing them to post, so to keep people accountable to a professional and respectful demeanor. Thanks for reading, and to those of you who show support!

Albums used in this video:
1) Leo Kottke – Greenhouse (1972)
2) Ella Fitzgerald – Ella at Zardi’s (2017 Record Store Day exclusive)
3) Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (2016 remastered release)
4) Gregory Alan Isakov – That Sea, The Gambler (2007)