Both sounded pretty good. But if you are one with a rather eclectic taste in music like me, you want a durable all-rounder that can make everything sound good, and my trusty Technics 1210 mk2 never let's me down.
I owned a Technics back in the 80's and now I have a Rega RP-1. I think that both turntables deliver, but in my opinion, accessibility is key. Accessibility in easily changing speeds. I own 45's and it drive me nuts to lift the base on a Rega just to change the belt position to spin at 45 RPM. Just for that alone, I go with the Technics.
That is a useful comparison. Technics stopping the SL1200 production was one of the most short-sighted decisions in the audio industry history. I pretty much agree with the findings and would add that most of the sound differences probably come from looking at the two turntables playing. I reckon that if they were not shown, these differences would be diminished more. Since we are not talking about a brand new SL1200 anymore though, I think a fairer comparison would be between an SL1200 with the RB300 arm compared with a Rega using the same mat as the SL1200. Then we'd be talking apples to apples.
The real winner would be the Technics with a Rega Arm! I have a modified SL-1200 MK2 with a Origin Live armboard and a Orgin Live modified Rega RB250 arm ("structural upgrade", internal re-wire, external re-wire, slotted armtube and polished silver finish) and it sounds better than any other turntable I have heard!
Absolutely obvious differences! With my eyes closed I could easily identify which deck was which even with low bitrate RUclips audio through crappy laptop speakers. The Technics sounded hard, shrill, forward and two-dimensional and made me want to turn the volume down. The Rega sounded much more natural; the music swelled and ebbed with real dynamics as the musician's playing volume altered; the Technics tended to "shout" everything at the same volume. Nice, deep soundstage too. On the very first track (the Sarah Vaughan) the Technics didn't separate the kick drum "bombs" from the double bass; It wasn't until the Rega sample that I became aware of the kick drum at all.
@@yogi9631 Just the opposite; I'm 62 and going a bit mutton. The obvious differences I noted all pretty much refer to the musicality of the performance and not to "hifi" concepts such as tonal balance, bass "extension" etc. Just relax and listen to the music; it's all obvious but, I suspect, the harder you try the less likely you are to hear the changes. The bass drum disappearing on the Technics is actually a quantifiable change; there's simply much more going on when the Rega plays. Enjoy your day and thanks for your comment
@@russputin6294 Perhaps I didn't try hard enough. For me it was just a quick and casual comparison. 5 to 10 minutes the most. I fully and totally give up at "musicality of the performance". I just don't have them golden ears.
@@yogi9631 It sounds completely counter-intuitive but, in my experience, the harder you try to hear differences the less likely you are to succeed. I would try playing the video in the background while browsing a magazine or even - seriously - listening from the next room with the door open. It's a matter of distracting your mind and allowing your subconscious to do the work. Nothing to loose but an interesting experiment? Something that often works for me is to pick out an individual instrument, such as the bass, and try to follow that through the track. This, again, distracts your "thinking" mind which allows your subconscious free reign. I was doing this, exactly, when I realised I hadn't heard the syncopated kick drum before which had suddenly appeared on the Rega but I wasn't aware of, at all, as a separate instrument on the Technics. have fun but above all remember it's all just opinion at the end of the day ;0)
I found that on my RP6 with Ortofon 2M Black, tarting it up with all the GrooveTracer mods, especially the delrin platter, kicked everything up more than a few notches. Everything got quieter and smoother. Highly recommend the GT additions. Thanks for the video work.
Sold my Planar 3 for an SL-1210GR. I'm not looking back. I've never heard the 6, though. In my experience, using the same cart (Nagaoka mp 150), the Technics floored my Rega. Deeper bass, more slam, more shimmer on the highs, better imaging, you name it. I think it's due to 1) much better speed control and 2) the increased flexibility in cart setup. Rega's biggest flaw is the fact that they'll go over the moon to make using non-Rega carts a PITA. No precise VTA or azimuth adjustment and the absence of useful spec information (wow/flutter, capacitance, ect..) on their tables/arms does not sit well with me.
I agree the biggest downside to the Rega is the inconvenience of the fixed cartridge and lack of adjustability. I do believe the P6 sounds nicer than the P3 in my listening at the store. for my Rega I had to get custom adjustable feet and a 2MM spacer for under the tone arm to get everything perfect for the cartridge. It's a much bigger commitment. I use my Technics for listening in the studio and it is so convenient! stop/start with a button, need a mono cart no problem swaps in seconds. BTW I found the best phonosatge for my technics is the Tubebox S2 with some Telefunken tubes. Its next level on that thing. =)
Two absolutely world class turntables! I would be over the moon if I owned a Technics V2 or the Rega Planar 6! Can't go wrong with either tbh. Great video, just subscribed.
To my ears he Rega sounds much better in pretty much every possible measurement. Warmer, better midrange, much better trailing edges of trebble sounds.
I have the Rega P3 50th anniversary deck, Nagaoka MP-200 cart. I believe in a blind test, you wouldn't be able to distinguish one from the other. Both sound great to me.
Very nice review! I've always loved Technics. But I have to say the Rega sounds dynamically a bit better: more definition and more clarity. However the old MK2 does a very good job. Last but not least: although the MC-3 Turbo is a great cartridge, another cartridge perhaps could have another result. Best regards from The Netherlands!
i actually preferred the rega for the queen track, the low end was more present and it sounds more open a better put together, I really enjoyed that track on the rega, as for the other the difference was more difficult to perceive but the rega has more air in it, BUT considering the price at which you can get a Sl1200 in very good shape, it truly is an amazing value, I love my MK5.
@@VinylTonic no quite the contrary, thank YOU for taking the time to put this video, it is really well put together and helps to give an idea to people like me that can audition in person even less have the exact same equipment to test just the turntable.
I would stick with whatever player made music(there is another method, but people think it's controversial, while I use it even to set the volume). If the record player makes it sound more like music, that's the one. I would suggest the newest Technics might be a better choice(than the older DD's). I think it has to do with less speed correction.
I found the Technics to be slightly harsher in the end of side 'mistracking' zone. The Rega handled itself better and with more depth and detail. I would not describe the Rega 6 as an entry level turntable though! That would be the P1 or P2.
Very well done! From my perspective, the Rega was a real treat in the lower registers. Meaty base. The Technics 'table did everything else better, but, the real question here is what cartridge/phono amp combinations contributed. Excellent video, you have a new subscriber! Please carry on!
Very different turntables that resume an old but very pertinent confrontation in hi-fi: macro Vs. microdynamics. The Technics has rithym, pace, drive. It's a feet-tapper. Not so much for the Rega, which has a little bit more detail, more instrument separation. I'd go with the Technics, but it's a matter of taste and, most importantly, of majority of music genre to play.
Technics wins hands down. How can't you hear the difference, especially in voices. Overall, much more clarity and transparency. Didn't expect this, though.
Yeah the Technics was designed in a different era, when people had much higher expectations from home audio. Nowadays everything needs to be portable and light, but sound accuracy gets lower priority. Rega resembles that modern ideology of home audio, with their compact design, lightweight plinth and flimsy parts.
@@verenigingvandemagogen4548 that's Rega's design philosophy - the lightweight rigid plinth is designed dissipate vibrations. It's nothing to do with cost cutting. The Technics is the opposite - direct drive with a heavy damped plinth.
And there I was thinking it was my own Technics bias (Mk2 and Mk5G owner). Agree with your sentiment entirely. Reviewed the shoot out using Grado 500e / Audiolab Mdac Plus and with the setting cranked up to 1080p. ultimately I guess you love what you love and I love Technics!
Technics is heard with much greater weight, a more consistent sound. In this test Rega gives the illusion of greater detail because it has a "thinner" sound .... it is Rega's signature. Technics sounds much more natural and pleasant, it is neither less nor more informative compared to Rega
I've done this test myself many many times.. This video is the same result. Technics wins in sounstage and clarity but just doesn't quite nail the sibilence as well and tends to splash and grain. Rega has a little extra colour in the bass which is 'musical' but also less neutral I would say. I've struggled to get the Technics to track as well as the RB300 Rega. I think it's down to the difficulty in getting the alignment as accurate on the Technics. Also maybe the straight tonearm helps I don't know
thanks for your detailed content. I agree with your findings too. I did a lot of listening, recording and blind 24 bit/48k capture playback and my listening notes are still the same.
Thank you for the video, very nice and concise. I had the chance to listen to an earlier model 'TECH-nics SL1200 at my cousins', years ago. It was great how much 'good forward' sound emerged from it. I own a P6 for half a year now (MC) and still, I recognize pretty exactly what sound it produces in your video. My opinion: please listen to the piano harmonics in the Queen track to find the Planar 6 has far more wide frequency 'analogue' (yeah, I said it) sound there! 🇳🇱
@@maddoc68 Is it funny? I dunno but ive still got a high end DD from Pioneer PL-51 waaaay before Technics came along and always the same with DD they just dont want to loosen up... great for headbanging (and nightclubbing of course!) but not great for really letting music into your soul. Technics is just mass market, Panasonic sales machine and not a serious TT without serious mods and even then it still wont loosen up and relaxxxxxx
@@maddoc68 i dont care for hifi nonesense, dont care for measurements (im a low power SET all valve guy) but if you cant hear what to me are obvious differences then unlucky for you because your ears and brain must be sadly lacking!
One factor not mentioned here is the upgradability of the Technics. The bearing can be serviced for example or the headshell can be replaced with one made from Ebony. But the best upgrade is the feet. The feet on the SL1200s are dreadful. But for a hundred bucks you can get Isonoe Feet (in effect mini trampolines) or Maglev feet from Ali Express for even less. This lifts the unit to Planar 10 levels. Another meaningful upgrade is to open the chassis and from inside and also from underneath Dynamat can be placed. This all means that micro-vibrations are all but eliminated. But even without any of this why would anyone take a belt drive when a direct drive can be had for less.
Great effort and Interesting demo. For me it was still very very hard to tell any differences. Both sounded almost identical. Anyways can I suggest you do another demo but this time labelling them with just A and B decks vs Technics and Rega? This way we can really sort out them golden ear listeners.
With the Rega I heard more richness and tonal saturation on each note and more textures. Also the Technics seemed to accentuate sibilants more and sounds thinner in the midrange. The Rega sounds like humans playing music in a real space. The Techincs to me sounds more mechanical and flat.
Just to make one rather obvious point - you're judging the Rega while (as far as I can see) it has a very large resonant mass attached to it, in the form of its lid. The Technics doesn't. In my experience that will directly affect the sound of the deck.
Just for it's look and design I would prefer the Rega RP6. For it's easy use, high versatility, flexybility as well the high quality and durability for decades I prefer the Technics. I dreamed of a 1200 without DJ equipment and detachable cables with a Ortofon 2M Blue and easy adjustable tonearm. So I did the absolute right decicison to buy the Technics SL-1500C at a local dealer and this was no mistake. I just changed the 2M Red stylus against the 2M Blue.
Listening with headphones, the SL-1200 sounded better to me. Much more width and sounstage. The only one that was not better was the Otis Redding track. The biggest weakness of the SL-1200 is the tonearm wire and I think if that is changed out to match the whatever tonearm wire is in the Rega, I think there would be a bigger difference there. The SL-1200 tonearm wire is just not a good match for MC carts and even MM carts can sound kind of dull. I think that is what was going on here. But the first jazz track and the Queen track sounded much better on the 1200 becuase those tracks did not have as much low background information that really shows the difference in tonearm wire, but it did show the difference in the tables for sure. The Rega on that first track just sounds flat compared to the 1200.
Turntable is an instrument. Thats why those two tt are very different. Rega is amazing, i had the RP1 and it sound beautiful. But the technics got more benifits. With the rega you have a lot of options for upgrade. With the technics you got a tt for lifetime, only cartridge will be at mind. No belts or spacers. Thats why i purchased the 1210GR.
Technics is Technics, no doubt about it. A 40 years old DD table is competing edge to edge with a brand new audiophile beltdrive that is made with modern sophistication. And it comes out winner especially in bass frequencies and soundstage. Can Rega do that after 40 years?
Have you played a record of white noise through both and recorded it? By looking at the frequency analysis, you could pinpoint exactly what the frequency response differences are. Of course, what matters to us more is how we perceive the music. But bias is so hard to counteract... It's probably affecting us more than we know.
Never tried that. It sounds very scientific. 😊 I just use my ears which I do know is subjective. At the end of the day the way it sounds to me is most important though.
Yes it’s a must to do a reality check on your perception every now and then. It’s way too easy to think something sounds better simply because it looks better or costs more. Our ears are easily tricked.
rega wins, hands down. i hear more channel separation between left and right and a larger soundstage and clarity. there was subtle dynamics that are heard witht he rega vs the technics. but i will add that the rega may have better quality tonearm cables, headshell leads and rca cables which is what your mostly listening to besides the cart/stylus itself. Rega hands down was built to have a better hifi upgrade on these wires vs the technics are a generic wires. Not to say technics is not a good turntable, because it absolutely is but those rewire upgrades on a technics would do wonders if applied. the rega is great for home use and hifi or audiophiles, the technics is great for the road. both turntables are king and the technics wires can always be upgraded. There is a reason both turntables have longstanding names and all its models resemble one another only making upgrades to its parts and not selling you gimmicks. every rega is looks pretty much the same, and every technics looks the same because they are both quality. if you compare them to other makes, like for example numark or some other brand, every turntable seems to have a new look, with new gadgets and new claims of of new technology. Regas and Technics models are upgrades that are not necessarily aesthetic, they are internal and parts upgrades such as the motor or platter or tonearm, etc.
The Technic sounds similar to CDs and DACs and and the Rega sounds more natural, I’d go for the Rega. Thanks for the video, I’m sure it will help a lot of people who are deciding between these two units.
I detect alot of pain for Technics fanboys knowing their beloved SL isnt even close to a Rega P3 let alone a P6 with an Ania or Apheta cart. The Technics makes all music sound like digital... processed and metronomically uninteresting... literally sucks the life and soul out of music leaving something badly missing. It should have remained in nightclubs where it belongs.
I have had 2 technics in the past and both had problems with the electronics, I still have 3 regas and one I have greatly upgraded with all aftermarket extras, I like the look of the technics but wish I could find one that kept working.
The conclusion is fascinating in that I thought there was a very audible differentiation between the two - and through my LG TV speakers no less. The Rega had much better separation between vocals/instruments, more fullness around same. The Technics presentation was compressed/flat and nasal/thin. I've owned the 1200 multiple times and this comparisons nails why I just don't like it. Genuinely shocked the difference would be so clear despite YT compression and mediocre speakers though.
The P6 makes that other "turntable" sound broken! Have you got the "broken" turntable set up to it's best? Nice video thank you for the comparison. PS. The other "turntable" cost more in the u.k,you may be better of using a Rega P2 to make a fairer comparison so the "broken" turntable stands a slight chance!
Yes i set up the 1200mk2 well. Had it serviced by a solid tech and cables upgraded too. Cartridge was also set up and tested by my turntable tech as well.
Overall the Rega sounds better here...BUT it costs around $2k. You can buy a 1200mk2, make some improvements to it for less money and bring it above the Rega overall. There is a video I watched the other day where all the person did was edit the video to switch between the stock internal power supply on his 1200mk2 and whatever external one being used, and the difference was very obviously better...clarity, openness, details, sheen, the soundstaging, etc.
The Rega is a superior music player. Instruments and voices sound more natural and it is also more rhythmically precise. Also surface noice was more pronounced with the Technics, as was sibilance, which points to a peaky top end which could give the false impression that it has a more detailed sound.
@@backrack01 I think the biggest contributor to the sound quality between the decks is the quality of the tone arm. So if it has not been improved on the new deck then one would expect a similar outcome. Although for the price and given Technics excellent reputation one would assume that they will have addressed such obvious weak areas.
I have a SL-1210mk2 and a Rega Planar3. I changed the wiring throughout the 1210mk2 for higher quality audio, as these TT are tuned for Disco and Club playback. I put on a Longer heavier counterweight for better tracking. I use the Nagaoka MP-150h, You can use the MP-110H, Realigned In the Headshell. Then the Schit-Mani Pre-Amp Into My amp and speakers. It Is like the band are right In front of You, You can hear every note pluck and reframe so clearly. If You close Your eyes You can even place the Performers exactly where they should be. The Rega, Is In It's box In the loft where It belongs. Even with a Red Devil Belt, It still couldn't keep the correct speed. Thanks for sharing, and go with the SL-1200mk2 do the Improvements, and You will never want another TT.
The SL-1200 is not tuned for disco and DJ use whatever that means. It was intended as a high-fi table but the pros adopted it because it's built like a tank and a direct drive. The Technics beats the Rega in every aspect you can measure. Lower rumble, lower wow and flutter, everything.
Technics is so smooth. Such a pleasant to listen first jazz track on it! But every other Raga were better. Maybe if the vinyl is got to be masked imperfections, Technics is way to go. Other clean records are great on Rega. So detailed!
That smoothness on Technics is actually the sign of inaccuracy of the turntable. I hear it as the sound is smeared. It is typical for cheap budget turntables.
@@brave1671 Yeah. I think, when you listen to an old records or bad records, it may be a good thing. I was experience that, when bought a better cartridge and distortion in left channel was killing me. IDK is it a bad records or bearings/misallighnment of my cheap turntable, but it's a fact- on most of my old vinyls start to annoy me. With the previous cartridge it just played with that distortion, but not so sharp to ear.
The Rega sounded less congested with better microdynamics, performances in the recordings were better separated and described. The Technics sounded thinner and more nasal. I had to concentrate harder to hear things that the Rega resolved easily, whenever the recording was played back on the Technics. Your comment about using a better phono preamp with the Technics was odd. If the Rega was better than the Technics the addition of a different phono preamp wouldn’t make it catch up. Perhaps changing the tonearm would make more sense. The Technics was outclassed by the Rega in the form you presented it.
Any subtle differences were lost in the youtube encoding. The signal to noise ratio is no doubt better with the Riga, but the 1200 will still be giving the dame performance in 50 years time, I doubt the Riga will be. 1200's a indestructible. The "MK" stands for "mark" - so 1200 mark 2.
u definitely hear alot more from the planar 6, and thats normal , given the price difference of both TT (as of 2022). that said, i just bought a sl1200mk2 used as my first tt, and i m damn happy/satisfied with it haha.
Thank you for making this comparison! I find it really well made and serves as a good reference to the differences between these turntables. Owning a P3 myself I instantly recognized the Rega sound. I agree with your comments (and taste in music) but I’d like to ask you about something a bit off-topic: what is your impression on that Icon Audio?? I have their HP8 (headphone amp) which I used to listen to your video and I love it, but it’s been tough to find other people’s experience with their phono stage. There just doesn’t seem to be that much information around... Do you find it has a particular sound signature, or any notorious flaws?
I love the Icon Audio Phonostage. I plan to do a shootout of it against the ProJect one I have. It is much more open and tubes than the ProJect. Overall everything seems more open and dynamic and better tone. Also, wrapping tubes makes a much bigger difference. The mono switch and volume knob are really handy too.
Is the ortofon mc turbo cartridge a mm or a mc cartridge? Did you use this same cartridge on both tt's? I thought the Rega sounded warmer and more detailed. Great comparison between two awesome tt's.
I used the exact same cartridge on both turntables. The MC3 Turbo is a High Output MC cart. They recommend you set it up for MM on your phonostage for loading as it is high output.
I think this shows how great the Rega is here. I could hear the difference on all tracks except the Holiday one. It just sounds more together but I agree maybe if you got a good cart and stage Technics would be good enough. I'm interested just have a kid who would wreck it so sadly not an option at the moment
Yep. Rega is much more delicate. I had to wait until my kiddos were over 8 to buy the nicer TT and cartridge. Before that it was Technics and a $100 cartridge and a lot of “don’t touch this please.”
The Technics is good but it just wont loosen up... music sounds well timed but is too rigid, mechanical and almost digital. The Rega sounds alot better imo where only the music remains and it gets into your soul instead of just processing it in yer head
1200mk2 is better in any way. It’s not just heavier and more robust, but sounds better and even measures better. P6 is a flimsy piece of polyurethane foam with a cheap Chinese OEM AC motor mounted onto it. The tonearm tube is hollow carbon without shielding, instead of aluminium of the 1200, so it’s sensitive to RF noise. Oh yeah btw, those Rega P6 foam plinths warp over time. Good luck fixing a bent plinth! 👍
The Rega armtube is one piece cast aluminum. Its first bending mode is 280 Hz; the current Technics GR arm has its first bending at 85 Hz and many problematic resonances (according to Paul Miller's lab report for Hi Fi News). The Technics arm bearings are low friction but older ones are often loose, while Rega bearings are very robust. Chattering bearings sound lousy. The Technics likely has a better main bearing and definitely speed stability. How the two decks handle vibration is a matter of debate--the Technics is low Q. That plus the arm resonances probably accounts for the muddiness and sameyness of the lows and low midrange. It's a good product, but it has audible and measurable deficiencies that the Rega lacks, and vice versa.
Hello, interesting comparison, although the results are very relative. The differences are very small, perhaps the Technics sounds more open and faster, while the Planar is quieter and rounder. These results can tip the scale back and forth by swapping the cables or the turntable mat as the differences are subtle. Although the settings are the same for both cases, it depends on each recording. For example, if the record is boring, perhaps with the 1200 the results will be better, or vice versa, if the record is more strident, the Planar will win. This in terms of sound ... there are other parameters such as robustness, durability, stability, confidence and practicality, where the 1200 has a clear advantage over the Rega. I like both, they depend on the context, such as the recording, the preamplifier, the rest of the chain and even the acoustic conditions of the room, but above all, the taste and perception capacity of each one. I liked your channel, I just subscribed ...🧐
Thank you for the thoughtful comment Roberto. It is very much a personal taste choice here and no clear and obvious winner winner. I like how you explain the middle ground. Also, I am very inspired by your channel. Keep up the great work!
@@VinylTonic Thank you very much friend ... I see that we have similar styles of music, my next video is a song by Billie Holiday. I'd like to know your opinion when I publish it. My channel is not focused on audiophilia or equipment reviews. The concept tries to reflect the 'atmosphere' that is created when I put a vinyl on my turntable, a warm and personal way to get closer to the viewer. This does not mean that it neglects the technical aspects. One of the parameters is to use good quality pressings and in the best possible conditions. Regards!
Rega wins by a long shot, more deep and smooth, airy presentation, while Technics delivers more mechanical sound, but this was not fair comparing SL1200 MK, it must be GR version in this shoot out.
Both great turntables but Rega is clearly better. Technics sound smeared and compressed in comparison. Rega is cleaner, clearer and more detailed. The treble is clearly cleaner and the bass notess have much more texture. Bass notes on Technics sound the same, flat and mechanical. Rega gives better timing and presence to the sound. Do I hear some IGD on Technics during the Queen track? Technics sound more like a cheap budget turntable (which it also is)
I was using the same thing a couple of years ago the Rega P6 with the Ortofon MC-3 Turbo then I moved to a Dynavector 17D3 cart with the P6 and a Manley Chinook SE Phono Preamp and it was insane the detail retrieval, but I got a USED Rega RP8 and blew the P6 out of the water way better for almost the same cost. But finally I sold all of the other Rega TT's and bought a new Technics SL-1200G with a Audio Technics ART9 cart and was even more impressed with the combo. Bang for Buck has to go to the Technics in sound it does everything well. But as of recent events I decide to get out of Vinyl where my Technics is on Ebay right now with $2,000 in upgrades ready to ship. :(
Oh man. What a journey. I have drooled over the Chinook many times. Once a vinyl collector always a vinyl collector you will be back. I took a 10 year break while having kids and put some in storage and sold everything else. Now it’s a new chapter and really fun again.
@@VinylTonic The MC3 Turbo is a nice little cart does everything well for its price. But I highly recommend the Audio Technica ART 9 XI or XA just blows any other cart out of the water in the $4k price range for only $1200. I have a Chord Dave DAC and listen via headphone mostly with some other highend gear. But it is more of getting bad vinyl, or having cartridge problems that have been frustrating me more then anything. I have my stuff on EBAY now and here is my INSTAGRAM russb3n see it in action. Keep up the great work everything sound great..
@russb3n are you still out of the game. Did you go total streameing? I can't decide if I should get into this vinyl game it seems like an expensive hassel? lol
I didn't hear any difference with my PC speakers... probably says a lot more about Logitech speakers than the video lol But it doesn't surprise me that a brand spanking new Planar 6 which is 3x as expensive as a battered MK2 wins it. I think a comparison with an SL-1200GR is a bit more fair, at least in terms of price and age.
I agree. I wish I had a new Technics. Only got my old reliable 1200 MK2. 😎 The nuance and difference between the two with the same cart and phonostage is so close. You need fancy headphones and a nice headphone amp to hear it and even then...subtle.
@@VinylTonic Yes, the differences are very small. When I just had my SL-1200G, I compared it with a Pioneer PLX-1000 and SL-1200MK4 before I sold those. While the 1200G was in a significantly higher pricerange, the audible differences were quite small. The build quality is significantly higher and feels more solid though. Also vibration damping is way better. In the end, the cartridge and phono preamp is what makes the biggest sound difference.
Some thoughts - did you try swapping carts to see if the difference you hear is due to manufacturing variations in the carts? Were both turntables set up optimally - both perfectly level, tonearms, carts/styli aligned correctly, stylus weight, tonearm level correct?
Technics is heard with much greater weight, a more consistent sound. In this test Rega gives the illusion of greater detail because it has a "thinner" sound .... it is Rega's signature. Technics sounds much more natural and pleasant, it is neither less nor more informative compared to Rega
There’s a difference in price here as well .. I really wanted to give the rega a go .. maybe the P3 but now I’m back to my original idea of 1200 upgrade .. tone arm, cart and power supply .. levels up the cost and I’m probably sure a better sound .. I love pro-ject and Rega turntables still and part of me wants them to better the 1200/1210 .. but definitely the weak point of the 12’ is it’s tonearm
I own a P3 with groove tracer, neo power supply, Rothwell simplex, Grado Gold/8mz. I own a Technics sl 1200gr kab damping trough, Rothwell Simplex, Grado Gold 8mz. The difference isn’t subtle. The Rega combo is much better.
Wow. What a difference. I've owned both and the Rega with an SME type VxMR vs the Technics SL-1200mk5 was no contest. The Rega has a very outstanding bass as I've been a Jazz live fanatic especially in Chueys at the time. You have a love of the hollow sound of the Rega is pathetic. I've has a tri-amped Threshold/ Accuton / Focal for bass drivers and a variety of tables of which the best was with the SME-3 - Technics SP-15 or SOTA are the best I've heard. Get rid of your preconceptions. I would like the EPA 100 with ruby bearings as this is the greatest by far and I mean by a massive margin. Once you hear it, the control and damping that is part of the build is technically and by every form of testing beyond anything that has ever been made. All but frictionless, it stays in the grove for any of the medium compliance cartridges. Considering Doug Sax had the Technics SP-10mk2 with obsidian base and EPA 100 tone arm and Stanton 981L as his reference, it makes sense. By the way, most of your records were cut on and SP-02, using DEC PDP10 and rotational accuracy and speed looped monitoring over 1000 times per rotation and later the VAX 32 bit system with the Neuman (as always) and Ortofon cutter system is so far beyond your mind that unless you see it, you would not believe it as the power of this monster and accuracy has NEVER BEEN EQUALLED by any master cutting system PERIOD. Many times stronger and accurate than the SP-10mkIII well over a decade before.
What you are not doing is having a common factor, which is the phono cartridge, if you want to compare turntables use the exact same cartridge in both of them, unless you want to compare them out of the box, which is not the case for the Technics. E.g use a nagaoka cartridge for testing. The same one for both
Both sounded pretty good. But if you are one with a rather eclectic taste in music like me, you want a durable all-rounder that can make everything sound good, and my trusty Technics 1210 mk2 never let's me down.
Rega wins in my opinion. Just sounded better.
I owned a Technics back in the 80's and now I have a Rega RP-1. I think that both turntables deliver, but in my opinion, accessibility is key. Accessibility in easily changing speeds. I own 45's and it drive me nuts to lift the base on a Rega just to change the belt position to spin at 45 RPM. Just for that alone, I go with the Technics.
I have upgraded my Rega with a twin belt system and a PSU, which means the speed is changed electronically so no lifting off the platter.
Both sounded good, I preferred the Rega but maybe the Technics for a party
That is a useful comparison. Technics stopping the SL1200 production was one of the most short-sighted decisions in the audio industry history. I pretty much agree with the findings and would add that most of the sound differences probably come from looking at the two turntables playing. I reckon that if they were not shown, these differences would be diminished more.
Since we are not talking about a brand new SL1200 anymore though, I think a fairer comparison would be between an SL1200 with the RB300 arm compared with a Rega using the same mat as the SL1200. Then we'd be talking apples to apples.
The real winner would be the Technics with a Rega Arm! I have a modified SL-1200 MK2 with a Origin Live armboard and a Orgin Live modified Rega RB250 arm ("structural upgrade", internal re-wire, external re-wire, slotted armtube and polished silver finish) and it sounds better than any other turntable I have heard!
😲
Amazing that and old technics still can hold its own with a record player that is around 1600 bucs without a cartridge
Absolutely obvious differences! With my eyes closed I could easily identify which deck was which even with low bitrate RUclips audio through crappy laptop speakers. The Technics sounded hard, shrill, forward and two-dimensional and made me want to turn the volume down. The Rega sounded much more natural; the music swelled and ebbed with real dynamics as the musician's playing volume altered; the Technics tended to "shout" everything at the same volume. Nice, deep soundstage too. On the very first track (the Sarah Vaughan) the Technics didn't separate the kick drum "bombs" from the double bass; It wasn't until the Rega sample that I became aware of the kick drum at all.
I couldn't agree more.
Wow your heard those differences?? You must have golden ears.
@@yogi9631 Just the opposite; I'm 62 and going a bit mutton. The obvious differences I noted all pretty much refer to the musicality of the performance and not to "hifi" concepts such as tonal balance, bass "extension" etc. Just relax and listen to the music; it's all obvious but, I suspect, the harder you try the less likely you are to hear the changes. The bass drum disappearing on the Technics is actually a quantifiable change; there's simply much more going on when the Rega plays. Enjoy your day and thanks for your comment
@@russputin6294 Perhaps I didn't try hard enough. For me it was just a quick and casual comparison. 5 to 10 minutes the most.
I fully and totally give up at "musicality of the performance".
I just don't have them golden ears.
@@yogi9631 It sounds completely counter-intuitive but, in my experience, the harder you try to hear differences the less likely you are to succeed. I would try playing the video in the background while browsing a magazine or even - seriously - listening from the next room with the door open. It's a matter of distracting your mind and allowing your subconscious to do the work. Nothing to loose but an interesting experiment? Something that often works for me is to pick out an individual instrument, such as the bass, and try to follow that through the track. This, again, distracts your "thinking" mind which allows your subconscious free reign. I was doing this, exactly, when I realised I hadn't heard the syncopated kick drum before which had suddenly appeared on the Rega but I wasn't aware of, at all, as a separate instrument on the Technics. have fun but above all remember it's all just opinion at the end of the day ;0)
I found that on my RP6 with Ortofon 2M Black, tarting it up with all the GrooveTracer mods, especially the delrin platter, kicked everything up more than a few notches. Everything got quieter and smoother. Highly recommend the GT additions. Thanks for the video work.
Sold my Planar 3 for an SL-1210GR. I'm not looking back. I've never heard the 6, though. In my experience, using the same cart (Nagaoka mp 150), the Technics floored my Rega. Deeper bass, more slam, more shimmer on the highs, better imaging, you name it. I think it's due to 1) much better speed control and 2) the increased flexibility in cart setup. Rega's biggest flaw is the fact that they'll go over the moon to make using non-Rega carts a PITA. No precise VTA or azimuth adjustment and the absence of useful spec information (wow/flutter, capacitance, ect..) on their tables/arms does not sit well with me.
I agree the biggest downside to the Rega is the inconvenience of the fixed cartridge and lack of adjustability. I do believe the P6 sounds nicer than the P3 in my listening at the store. for my Rega I had to get custom adjustable feet and a 2MM spacer for under the tone arm to get everything perfect for the cartridge. It's a much bigger commitment.
I use my Technics for listening in the studio and it is so convenient! stop/start with a button, need a mono cart no problem swaps in seconds. BTW I found the best phonosatge for my technics is the Tubebox S2 with some Telefunken tubes. Its next level on that thing. =)
@@VinylTonic nice! I'm using a Tube Box DS with the Gold Lion gold pins. Sounds amazing
Love my 1210GR!
Agreed iv had a few rega but always go back to my 1200 . Way too many positives in its favour
Two absolutely world class turntables! I would be over the moon if I owned a Technics V2 or the Rega Planar 6! Can't go wrong with either tbh. Great video, just subscribed.
Thanks for the video but the Planar 6 vs SL-1200GR would be a better comparison as the MK2 hasn't been changed or upgraded in decades.
Sl1210 M5g with the upgraded tonearm & hifi gold rcas cables , all from factory , I have both models mk2 & m5g .
To my ears he Rega sounds much better in pretty much every possible measurement. Warmer, better midrange, much better trailing edges of trebble sounds.
righty
Try the technics with a shure m447
Both turntables sound great, but I’ll stick with the Technics 1200mk2. Had mine since 1989 and I absolutely love them 😎
I have the Rega P3 50th anniversary deck, Nagaoka MP-200 cart.
I believe in a blind test, you wouldn't be able to distinguish one from the other. Both sound great to me.
Great comparison with the two turntables I actually own and I prefer the P6 myself as well...thanks!
🙏
Very nice review! I've always loved Technics. But I have to say the Rega sounds dynamically a bit better: more definition and more clarity. However the old MK2 does a very good job. Last but not least: although the MC-3 Turbo is a great cartridge, another cartridge perhaps could have another result. Best regards from The Netherlands!
i actually preferred the rega for the queen track, the low end was more present and it sounds more open a better put together, I really enjoyed that track on the rega, as for the other the difference was more difficult to perceive but the rega has more air in it, BUT considering the price at which you can get a Sl1200 in very good shape, it truly is an amazing value, I love my MK5.
Thanks for sharing!
@@VinylTonic no quite the contrary, thank YOU for taking the time to put this video, it is really well put together and helps to give an idea to people like me that can audition in person even less have the exact same equipment to test just the turntable.
A blind AB test is best. Don't show tt or whatever product being tested. That can create a pre conceived bias. Thanks for your efforts.
I would stick with whatever player made music(there is another method, but people think it's controversial, while I use it even to set the volume). If the record player makes it sound more like music, that's the one. I would suggest the newest Technics might be a better choice(than the older DD's). I think it has to do with less speed correction.
I like the sound of the Rega P6 better. More detail & smoother sound.
i have a good cd player,so i think i will go with the Rega,it sound more warmer and rounder like a turntable!
I found the Technics to be slightly harsher in the end of side 'mistracking' zone. The Rega handled itself better and with more depth and detail. I would not describe the Rega 6 as an entry level turntable though! That would be the P1 or P2.
Very well done! From my perspective, the Rega was a real treat in the lower registers. Meaty base. The Technics 'table did everything else better, but, the real question here is what cartridge/phono amp combinations contributed. Excellent video, you have a new subscriber! Please carry on!
Thanks Dana.
Very different turntables that resume an old but very pertinent confrontation in hi-fi: macro Vs. microdynamics. The Technics has rithym, pace, drive. It's a feet-tapper. Not so much for the Rega, which has a little bit more detail, more instrument separation. I'd go with the Technics, but it's a matter of taste and, most importantly, of majority of music genre to play.
Technics wins hands down. How can't you hear the difference, especially in voices. Overall, much more clarity and transparency. Didn't expect this, though.
Yeah the Technics was designed in a different era, when people had much higher expectations from home audio.
Nowadays everything needs to be portable and light, but sound accuracy gets lower priority.
Rega resembles that modern ideology of home audio, with their compact design, lightweight plinth and flimsy parts.
@@verenigingvandemagogen4548 that's Rega's design philosophy - the lightweight rigid plinth is designed dissipate vibrations. It's nothing to do with cost cutting. The Technics is the opposite - direct drive with a heavy damped plinth.
And there I was thinking it was my own Technics bias (Mk2 and Mk5G owner). Agree with your sentiment entirely. Reviewed the shoot out using Grado 500e / Audiolab Mdac Plus and with the setting cranked up to 1080p. ultimately I guess you love what you love and I love Technics!
Yep, it sounded better to me.
Technics is heard with much greater weight, a more consistent sound. In this test Rega gives the illusion of greater detail because it has a "thinner" sound .... it is Rega's signature. Technics sounds much more natural and pleasant, it is neither less nor more informative compared to Rega
From my point of view the:
Rega sounded little more dry and controlled.
Technics sounded more organic but bright.
I liked them both!
Agree. It hard to say what is better. They each have their strengths.
I've done this test myself many many times..
This video is the same result.
Technics wins in sounstage and clarity but just doesn't quite nail the sibilence as well and tends to splash and grain.
Rega has a little extra colour in the bass which is 'musical' but also less neutral I would say.
I've struggled to get the Technics to track as well as the RB300 Rega. I think it's down to the difficulty in getting the alignment as accurate on the Technics. Also maybe the straight tonearm helps I don't know
thanks for your detailed content. I agree with your findings too. I did a lot of listening, recording and blind 24 bit/48k capture playback and my listening notes are still the same.
@@VinylTonic agree for the Rega doing a sounding and changing natural sound to a warmth nuance. In that case you are free to like your Technics.
Thank you for the video, very nice and concise. I had the chance to listen to an earlier model 'TECH-nics SL1200 at my cousins', years ago. It was great how much 'good forward' sound emerged from it. I own a P6 for half a year now (MC) and still, I recognize pretty exactly what sound it produces in your video. My opinion: please listen to the piano harmonics in the Queen track to find the Planar 6 has far more wide frequency 'analogue' (yeah, I said it) sound there! 🇳🇱
No belt crap: everlasting direkt drive! Technics!
DD may last but it sounds mechanical and lacks flow and soul. More like digital in terms of transient flow (or lack of)
@@tomwebb7091 😂
@@maddoc68 Is it funny? I dunno but ive still got a high end DD from Pioneer PL-51 waaaay before Technics came along and always the same with DD they just dont want to loosen up... great for headbanging (and nightclubbing of course!) but not great for really letting music into your soul. Technics is just mass market, Panasonic sales machine and not a serious TT without serious mods and even then it still wont loosen up and relaxxxxxx
@@tomwebb7091 they all turn records with constant speed, they don’t produce sound. Hifi nonsense everywhere. 😂
@@maddoc68 i dont care for hifi nonesense, dont care for measurements (im a low power SET all valve guy) but if you cant hear what to me are obvious differences then unlucky for you because your ears and brain must be sadly lacking!
i cant believe you chosse the same stylus, preamplifier and recording procedure! The technics sounds soo much better, that i cannot believe.
One factor not mentioned here is the upgradability of the Technics. The bearing can be serviced for example or the headshell can be replaced with one made from Ebony. But the best upgrade is the feet. The feet on the SL1200s are dreadful. But for a hundred bucks you can get Isonoe Feet (in effect mini trampolines) or Maglev feet from Ali Express for even less. This lifts the unit to Planar 10 levels. Another meaningful upgrade is to open the chassis and from inside and also from underneath Dynamat can be placed. This all means that micro-vibrations are all but eliminated. But even without any of this why would anyone take a belt drive when a direct drive can be had for less.
Great effort and Interesting demo.
For me it was still very very hard to tell any differences. Both sounded almost identical.
Anyways can I suggest you do another demo but this time labelling them with just A and B decks vs Technics and Rega? This way we can really sort out them golden ear listeners.
Check out my other Rega vs Technics Shootout here. ruclips.net/video/SJ8ty1KogKA/видео.html
With the Rega I heard more richness and tonal saturation on each note and more textures. Also the Technics seemed to accentuate sibilants more and sounds thinner in the midrange. The Rega sounds like humans playing music in a real space. The Techincs to me sounds more mechanical and flat.
thanks for the comment.
Exactly! Every bass note on Technics sound the same, very flat and mechanical. Theree is clearly less dynamics on Technics.
Just to make one rather obvious point - you're judging the Rega while (as far as I can see) it has a very large resonant mass attached to it, in the form of its lid. The Technics doesn't. In my experience that will directly affect the sound of the deck.
Just for it's look and design I would prefer the Rega RP6. For it's easy use, high versatility, flexybility as well the high quality and durability for decades I prefer the Technics. I dreamed of a 1200 without DJ equipment and detachable cables with a Ortofon 2M Blue and easy adjustable tonearm. So I did the absolute right decicison to buy the Technics SL-1500C at a local dealer and this was no mistake. I just changed the 2M Red stylus against the 2M Blue.
the Rega sounds beautiful i could hear the details better on the Otis Redding track better than the others but what a beautiful sound
Difference is in the tone arms.
what I heard it was the SL1200mk2 's sound stage much bigger then P6 . You can feel air in the recording room .
Listening with headphones, the SL-1200 sounded better to me. Much more width and sounstage. The only one that was not better was the Otis Redding track. The biggest weakness of the SL-1200 is the tonearm wire and I think if that is changed out to match the whatever tonearm wire is in the Rega, I think there would be a bigger difference there. The SL-1200 tonearm wire is just not a good match for MC carts and even MM carts can sound kind of dull. I think that is what was going on here. But the first jazz track and the Queen track sounded much better on the 1200 becuase those tracks did not have as much low background information that really shows the difference in tonearm wire, but it did show the difference in the tables for sure. The Rega on that first track just sounds flat compared to the 1200.
Turntable is an instrument. Thats why those two tt are very different. Rega is amazing, i had the RP1 and it sound beautiful. But the technics got more benifits. With the rega you have a lot of options for upgrade. With the technics you got a tt for lifetime, only cartridge will be at mind. No belts or spacers.
Thats why i purchased the 1210GR.
Nice! I have a 12010GR on order. Seems they are having trouble making them right now.
Owning neither I preferred the Rega.
Rega sounds very good, it is really music on the natural nuances, but I don't know if the price range is the same.
Would be really interesting to hear the Technics with the same Rega arm as on the p6.
Technics is Technics, no doubt about it. A 40 years old DD table is competing edge to edge with a brand new audiophile beltdrive that is made with modern sophistication. And it comes out winner especially in bass frequencies and soundstage. Can Rega do that after 40 years?
Have you played a record of white noise through both and recorded it? By looking at the frequency analysis, you could pinpoint exactly what the frequency response differences are.
Of course, what matters to us more is how we perceive the music. But bias is so hard to counteract... It's probably affecting us more than we know.
Never tried that. It sounds very scientific. 😊 I just use my ears which I do know is subjective. At the end of the day the way it sounds to me is most important though.
Yes it’s a must to do a reality check on your perception every now and then.
It’s way too easy to think something sounds better simply because it looks better or costs more.
Our ears are easily tricked.
They both sounded pretty good to me
rega wins, hands down. i hear more channel separation between left and right and a larger soundstage and clarity. there was subtle dynamics that are heard witht he rega vs the technics. but i will add that the rega may have better quality tonearm cables, headshell leads and rca cables which is what your mostly listening to besides the cart/stylus itself. Rega hands down was built to have a better hifi upgrade on these wires vs the technics are a generic wires. Not to say technics is not a good turntable, because it absolutely is but those rewire upgrades on a technics would do wonders if applied. the rega is great for home use and hifi or audiophiles, the technics is great for the road. both turntables are king and the technics wires can always be upgraded. There is a reason both turntables have longstanding names and all its models resemble one another only making upgrades to its parts and not selling you gimmicks. every rega is looks pretty much the same, and every technics looks the same because they are both quality. if you compare them to other makes, like for example numark or some other brand, every turntable seems to have a new look, with new gadgets and new claims of of new technology. Regas and Technics models are upgrades that are not necessarily aesthetic, they are internal and parts upgrades such as the motor or platter or tonearm, etc.
Cartridge compliance is an issue here, as you are using the same cartridge on two very different tonearms.
The Technic sounds similar to CDs and DACs and and the Rega sounds more natural, I’d go for the Rega. Thanks for the video, I’m sure it will help a lot of people who are deciding between these two units.
Are you a friend of Rega CEO ? :-D
I detect alot of pain for Technics fanboys knowing their beloved SL isnt even close to a Rega P3 let alone a P6 with an Ania or Apheta cart. The Technics makes all music sound like digital... processed and metronomically uninteresting... literally sucks the life and soul out of music leaving something badly missing. It should have remained in nightclubs where it belongs.
@@tomwebb7091 i dont agree with U. Mine sound analog with great sound.
@@angc1456 Fair enough. I think they sound rigid and closed in. Some people like that!
@@tomwebb7091 agreed :) !
I have had 2 technics in the past and both had problems with the electronics, I still have 3 regas and one I have greatly upgraded with all aftermarket extras, I like the look of the technics but wish I could find one that kept working.
I hear static with Technics and the Rega sounds very clear.
Agreed.
Very close. The SL1200 sounds just a tiny bit tinny in the treble region. As the cartridge is the same, probably the difference in tone arms.
Very similar but I thought the technics edged it in overall presentation. The technics would benefit from a tonearm upgrade.
The conclusion is fascinating in that I thought there was a very audible differentiation between the two - and through my LG TV speakers no less. The Rega had much better separation between vocals/instruments, more fullness around same. The Technics presentation was compressed/flat and nasal/thin. I've owned the 1200 multiple times and this comparisons nails why I just don't like it. Genuinely shocked the difference would be so clear despite YT compression and mediocre speakers though.
The P6 makes that other "turntable" sound broken!
Have you got the "broken" turntable set up to it's best?
Nice video thank you for the comparison.
PS. The other "turntable" cost more in the u.k,you may be better of using a Rega P2 to make a fairer comparison so the "broken" turntable stands a slight chance!
Yes i set up the 1200mk2 well. Had it serviced by a solid tech and cables upgraded too. Cartridge was also set up and tested by my turntable tech as well.
Overall the Rega sounds better here...BUT it costs around $2k. You can buy a 1200mk2, make some improvements to it for less money and bring it above the Rega overall. There is a video I watched the other day where all the person did was edit the video to switch between the stock internal power supply on his 1200mk2 and whatever external one being used, and the difference was very obviously better...clarity, openness, details, sheen, the soundstaging, etc.
The Rega is a superior music player. Instruments and voices sound more natural and it is also more rhythmically precise. Also surface noice was more pronounced with the Technics, as was sibilance, which points to a peaky top end which could give the false impression that it has a more detailed sound.
Agreed. Rega is so much cleaner and more "musical".
Do you think the Technics 1200GR would have those issues as well?
@@backrack01 I think the biggest contributor to the sound quality between the decks is the quality of the tone arm. So if it has not been improved on the new deck then one would expect a similar outcome. Although for the price and given Technics excellent reputation one would assume that they will have addressed such obvious weak areas.
I have a SL-1210mk2 and a Rega Planar3. I changed the wiring throughout the 1210mk2 for higher quality audio, as these TT are tuned for Disco and Club playback. I put on a Longer heavier counterweight for better tracking. I use the Nagaoka MP-150h, You can use the MP-110H, Realigned In the Headshell. Then the Schit-Mani Pre-Amp Into My amp and speakers. It Is like the band are right In front of You, You can hear every note pluck and reframe so clearly. If You close Your eyes You can even place the Performers exactly where they should be. The Rega, Is In It's box In the loft where It belongs. Even with a Red Devil Belt, It still couldn't keep the correct speed. Thanks for sharing, and go with the SL-1200mk2 do the Improvements, and You will never want another TT.
Great tips. I might try some of these upgrades on my 1200.
The SL-1200 is not tuned for disco and DJ use whatever that means. It was intended as a high-fi table but the pros adopted it because it's built like a tank and a direct drive. The Technics beats the Rega in every aspect you can measure. Lower rumble, lower wow and flutter, everything.
Need a shootout between Denon VL 12 Prime and Technics Sl1200. More of an even up comparison than with Rega 6.
Technics is so smooth. Such a pleasant to listen first jazz track on it! But every other Raga were better. Maybe if the vinyl is got to be masked imperfections, Technics is way to go. Other clean records are great on Rega. So detailed!
Really interesting listening notes. Thank you for sharing.
@@VinylTonic Thanks for a videos!
That smoothness on Technics is actually the sign of inaccuracy of the turntable. I hear it as the sound is smeared. It is typical for cheap budget turntables.
@@brave1671 Yeah. I think, when you listen to an old records or bad records, it may be a good thing. I was experience that, when bought a better cartridge and distortion in left channel was killing me. IDK is it a bad records or bearings/misallighnment of my cheap turntable, but it's a fact- on most of my old vinyls start to annoy me. With the previous cartridge it just played with that distortion, but not so sharp to ear.
@@VinylTonic I think you should have ponied up for the 8, which i have heard. It might be in a different league from the 6.
The Rega sounded less congested with better microdynamics, performances in the recordings were better separated and described. The Technics sounded thinner and more nasal. I had to concentrate harder to hear things that the Rega resolved easily, whenever the recording was played back on the Technics.
Your comment about using a better phono preamp with the Technics was odd. If the Rega was better than the Technics the addition of a different phono preamp wouldn’t make it catch up. Perhaps changing the tonearm would make more sense. The Technics was outclassed by the Rega in the form you presented it.
I know for a fact, if you own both turntables, that you listen to the Rega more(and there is a reason).
Amazing how much better the Rega 6 sounds. Maybe a real arm vs. a chunk of curved aluminum helped.
Any subtle differences were lost in the youtube encoding. The signal to noise ratio is no doubt better with the Riga, but the 1200 will still be giving the dame performance in 50 years time, I doubt the Riga will be. 1200's a indestructible. The "MK" stands for "mark" - so 1200 mark 2.
Technics sounded better. More life-like and authoritative bottom end. The Rega was close, but more definition in the Technics IMO.
Thanks for posting.
u definitely hear alot more from the planar 6, and thats normal , given the price difference of both TT (as of 2022).
that said, i just bought a sl1200mk2 used as my first tt, and i m damn happy/satisfied with it haha.
Thank you for making this comparison! I find it really well made and serves as a good reference to the differences between these turntables. Owning a P3 myself I instantly recognized the Rega sound.
I agree with your comments (and taste in music) but I’d like to ask you about something a bit off-topic: what is your impression on that Icon Audio?? I have their HP8 (headphone amp) which I used to listen to your video and I love it, but it’s been tough to find other people’s experience with their phono stage. There just doesn’t seem to be that much information around... Do you find it has a particular sound signature, or any notorious flaws?
I love the Icon Audio Phonostage. I plan to do a shootout of it against the ProJect one I have. It is much more open and tubes than the ProJect. Overall everything seems more open and dynamic and better tone. Also, wrapping tubes makes a much bigger difference. The mono switch and volume knob are really handy too.
@@VinylTonic thanks! That's great to hear
@@diogoalfaiate5253 I frickin LOVE my Icon Ps3 mk2 signature. Combined with P10 and Apheta 3 its a heavenly match. A P6 with Ania Pro is awesome too
@@tomwebb7091 great, thanks for sharing! It makes me even more interested in listening to it...
@@VinylTonic still planning on doing that shootout? 😁
Is the ortofon mc turbo cartridge a mm or a mc cartridge? Did you use this same cartridge on both tt's? I thought the Rega sounded warmer and more detailed. Great comparison between two awesome tt's.
I used the exact same cartridge on both turntables. The MC3 Turbo is a High Output MC cart. They recommend you set it up for MM on your phonostage for loading as it is high output.
I had a 1210 Mk2 and after that a Rega Planar 2 and the rega Planar 2 had a better sound quality for sure.
Listening to this from my phone, The Rega sounded much fuller.
I think this shows how great the Rega is here. I could hear the difference on all tracks except the Holiday one. It just sounds more together but I agree maybe if you got a good cart and stage Technics would be good enough. I'm interested just have a kid who would wreck it so sadly not an option at the moment
Yep. Totally understand this thinking. I had to wait until my youngest was 8 to get a good cart. All the years before were training years. 😊
Same problem here! Having a toddler around the house doesn’t help with pricey equipment. LOL
Yep. Rega is much more delicate. I had to wait until my kiddos were over 8 to buy the nicer TT and cartridge. Before that it was Technics and a $100 cartridge and a lot of “don’t touch this please.”
The Technics is good but it just wont loosen up... music sounds well timed but is too rigid, mechanical and almost digital. The Rega sounds alot better imo where only the music remains and it gets into your soul instead of just processing it in yer head
Yes, you got the best description here so far, the Rega loosen up and hence it's easier to listen to music.
1200mk2 is better in any way.
It’s not just heavier and more robust, but sounds better and even measures better.
P6 is a flimsy piece of polyurethane foam with a cheap Chinese OEM AC motor mounted onto it.
The tonearm tube is hollow carbon without shielding, instead of aluminium of the 1200, so it’s sensitive to RF noise.
Oh yeah btw, those Rega P6 foam plinths warp over time.
Good luck fixing a bent plinth! 👍
@Zvonimir Komar 😂
Truly the P6 wipes the floor with the panasonic sales product
The Rega armtube is one piece cast aluminum. Its first bending mode is 280 Hz; the current Technics GR arm has its first bending at 85 Hz and many problematic resonances (according to Paul Miller's lab report for Hi Fi News). The Technics arm bearings are low friction but older ones are often loose, while Rega bearings are very robust. Chattering bearings sound lousy. The Technics likely has a better main bearing and definitely speed stability. How the two decks handle vibration is a matter of debate--the Technics is low Q. That plus the arm resonances probably accounts for the muddiness and sameyness of the lows and low midrange. It's a good product, but it has audible and measurable deficiencies that the Rega lacks, and vice versa.
Hello, interesting comparison, although the results are very relative.
The differences are very small, perhaps the Technics sounds more open and faster, while the Planar is quieter and rounder. These results can tip the scale back and forth by swapping the cables or the turntable mat as the differences are subtle.
Although the settings are the same for both cases, it depends on each recording. For example, if the record is boring, perhaps with the 1200 the results will be better, or vice versa, if the record is more strident, the Planar will win.
This in terms of sound ... there are other parameters such as robustness, durability, stability, confidence and practicality, where the 1200 has a clear advantage over the Rega.
I like both, they depend on the context, such as the recording, the preamplifier, the rest of the chain and even the acoustic conditions of the room, but above all, the taste and perception capacity of each one.
I liked your channel, I just subscribed ...🧐
Thank you for the thoughtful comment Roberto. It is very much a personal taste choice here and no clear and obvious winner winner. I like how you explain the middle ground.
Also, I am very inspired by your channel. Keep up the great work!
@@VinylTonic Thank you very much friend ... I see that we have similar styles of music, my next video is a song by Billie Holiday. I'd like to know your opinion when I publish it.
My channel is not focused on audiophilia or equipment reviews. The concept tries to reflect the 'atmosphere' that is created when I put a vinyl on my turntable, a warm and personal way to get closer to the viewer. This does not mean that it neglects the technical aspects. One of the parameters is to use good quality pressings and in the best possible conditions.
Regards!
Cannot wait!
@@VinylTonic ruclips.net/video/sKi7y3OPq_k/видео.html
very clear diction throughout. you must have used a hi end mic
Rega wins by a long shot, more deep and smooth, airy presentation, while Technics delivers more mechanical sound, but this was not fair comparing SL1200 MK, it must be GR version in this shoot out.
Both great turntables but Rega is clearly better. Technics sound smeared and compressed in comparison. Rega is cleaner, clearer and more detailed. The treble is clearly cleaner and the bass notess have much more texture. Bass notes on Technics sound the same, flat and mechanical. Rega gives better timing and presence to the sound. Do I hear some IGD on Technics during the Queen track? Technics sound more like a cheap budget turntable (which it also is)
Deux très bonne platine vinyl je possède une Technics SL1210m5g ... je conte acheter une Réga aussi P8
I thought the Technics had the edge but I'll admit, I'm a vintage TT guy.
I was using the same thing a couple of years ago the Rega P6 with the Ortofon MC-3 Turbo then I moved to a Dynavector 17D3 cart with the P6 and a Manley Chinook SE Phono Preamp and it was insane the detail retrieval, but I got a USED Rega RP8 and blew the P6 out of the water way better for almost the same cost. But finally I sold all of the other Rega TT's and bought a new Technics SL-1200G with a Audio Technics ART9 cart and was even more impressed with the combo. Bang for Buck has to go to the Technics in sound it does everything well. But as of recent events I decide to get out of Vinyl where my Technics is on Ebay right now with $2,000 in upgrades ready to ship. :(
Oh man. What a journey. I have drooled over the Chinook many times. Once a vinyl collector always a vinyl collector you will be back. I took a 10 year break while having kids and put some in storage and sold everything else. Now it’s a new chapter and really fun again.
@@VinylTonic The MC3 Turbo is a nice little cart does everything well for its price. But I highly recommend the Audio Technica ART 9 XI or XA just blows any other cart out of the water in the $4k price range for only $1200. I have a Chord Dave DAC and listen via headphone mostly with some other highend gear. But it is more of getting bad vinyl, or having cartridge problems that have been frustrating me more then anything. I have my stuff on EBAY now and here is my INSTAGRAM russb3n see it in action. Keep up the great work everything sound great..
@russb3n are you still out of the game. Did you go total streameing? I can't decide if I should get into this vinyl game it seems like an expensive hassel? lol
I think a better comparison would’ve been the Technics SL-1200GR/1210GR and the Rega P6, instead of comparing a 40+ y/o tt with a new one.
I didn't hear any difference with my PC speakers... probably says a lot more about Logitech speakers than the video lol
But it doesn't surprise me that a brand spanking new Planar 6 which is 3x as expensive as a battered MK2 wins it.
I think a comparison with an SL-1200GR is a bit more fair, at least in terms of price and age.
I agree. I wish I had a new Technics. Only got my old reliable 1200 MK2. 😎 The nuance and difference between the two with the same cart and phonostage is so close. You need fancy headphones and a nice headphone amp to hear it and even then...subtle.
@@VinylTonic Yes, the differences are very small.
When I just had my SL-1200G, I compared it with a Pioneer PLX-1000 and SL-1200MK4 before I sold those.
While the 1200G was in a significantly higher pricerange, the audible differences were quite small.
The build quality is significantly higher and feels more solid though.
Also vibration damping is way better.
In the end, the cartridge and phono preamp is what makes the biggest sound difference.
Now you need to take the rega tonearm arm and pop it on the Technics ... apparently this is a really good mod
A belt driven turntable (Rega in this case) sounds more alive than a DD one. However this is good mostly for a live music imho )
Some thoughts - did you try swapping carts to see if the difference you hear is due to manufacturing variations in the carts? Were both turntables set up optimally - both perfectly level, tonearms, carts/styli aligned correctly, stylus weight, tonearm level correct?
For me, the Rega is the winner!
Technics is heard with much greater weight, a more consistent sound. In this test Rega gives the illusion of greater detail because it has a "thinner" sound .... it is Rega's signature. Technics sounds much more natural and pleasant, it is neither less nor more informative compared to Rega
There’s a difference in price here as well .. I really wanted to give the rega a go .. maybe the P3 but now I’m back to my original idea of 1200 upgrade .. tone arm, cart and power supply .. levels up the cost and I’m probably sure a better sound .. I love pro-ject and Rega turntables still and part of me wants them to better the 1200/1210 .. but definitely the weak point of the 12’ is it’s tonearm
Sounds fun!
KAB TD-1000 tonearm damper makes a 1200 arm much better.
the rega smashs it no contest wins hands down
I have both, with a nagaoka mp 300 mount. The Technics is the winner.🐱
I'm not sure what sampling audio equipment does when youtube audio has limitations. Rega Planar 6 at $2,250 CAD is more than an entry hifi level, no?
I own a P3 with groove tracer, neo power supply, Rothwell simplex, Grado Gold/8mz. I own a Technics sl 1200gr kab damping trough, Rothwell Simplex, Grado Gold 8mz. The difference isn’t subtle. The Rega combo is much better.
Rega sounds like real life.
Rega very hyped.
Wow. What a difference. I've owned both and the Rega with an SME type VxMR vs the Technics SL-1200mk5 was no contest. The Rega has a very outstanding bass as I've been a Jazz live fanatic especially in Chueys at the time.
You have a love of the hollow sound of the Rega is pathetic. I've has a tri-amped Threshold/ Accuton / Focal for bass drivers and a variety of tables of which the best was with the SME-3 - Technics SP-15 or SOTA are the best I've heard.
Get rid of your preconceptions. I would like the EPA 100 with ruby bearings as this is the greatest by far and I mean by a massive margin. Once you hear it, the control and damping that is part of the build is technically and by every form of testing beyond anything that has ever been made. All but frictionless, it stays in the grove for any of the medium compliance cartridges. Considering Doug Sax had the Technics SP-10mk2 with obsidian base and EPA 100 tone arm and Stanton 981L as his reference, it makes sense. By the way, most of your records were cut on and SP-02, using DEC PDP10 and rotational accuracy and speed looped monitoring over 1000 times per rotation and later the VAX 32 bit system with the Neuman (as always) and Ortofon cutter system is so far beyond your mind that unless you see it, you would not believe it as the power of this monster and accuracy has NEVER BEEN EQUALLED by any master cutting system PERIOD. Many times stronger and accurate than the SP-10mkIII well over a decade before.
Wow, the Technics is so much more alive and real sounding, more open, far better than the P6.
The biggest difference in these turntables is the price.
What you are not doing is having a common factor, which is the phono cartridge, if you want to compare turntables use the exact same cartridge in both of them, unless you want to compare them out of the box, which is not the case for the Technics. E.g use a nagaoka cartridge for testing. The same one for both
Now put the Rega arm on the Technics!