Great Technics knock off
Though a knock off of the Technics 1200 series TT, this unit still performs as good. The tone arm isn't that much lighter, tho I've seen reviews saying it is, and the motor torque seems comparable to the Technics. Start up is quick and easy, manual-only operation, which doesn't bother me in the least. Still have to test to see whether the built in pre-amp really affects the high frequencies and cartridge loading that I've read so much about. I will bench test the TT to see if it's truly a concern. Right now, tho, it's the most affordable upgrade to my old Pioneer that I can muster on my budget, and it seems super well built. Very heavy plinth seems rock solid. I haven't had a chance to listen to it much, tho, since I got it, work has been commanding all my time. Unit arrived from seller just fine, a bit of tape glue was on the dust cover, but that should come off pretty easily. For a reject unit, I found everything worked as it should, mechanically and electronically, so I'm not sure why it was rejected (label on the box said it was a reject). It works for me and everything on it seems to be in sound mechanical and electrical order. I can't complain. Anything that I find amiss, I'm sure I can fix it myself, it's not a big deal, I'm no stranger to phonographs of all kinds. The price point was good and the shipping was free, so that was a good deal, too. Many have complained about the counterweight being too light, but compared to many other vintage TT's, I find that it's just fine. Since I play a lot of older vinyl, a heavier stylus pressure is fine anyway. A Shure M-44 performs nicely on this unit with plenty of output compared to the stock AT 93 it comes with. Overall, a good starter table for someone looking to get into the higher end of things. I'm glad it plays at 78 RPM as well, that's important for what I do for restoration work. Overall, a very good deal.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
