Funk SL-1200 Platter & Arm

[Ammonite Audio]

So Hugo, the Jelco 750 is outclassed by an Ittok eh? maybe I took my Ittoks totally for granted back then, but I'd trade it's clanky treble now for the slick and solid build of the Jelco 750 I think

Horses for courses. My Ittok has, however, been rewired and foam filled by Johnnie at Audio Origami. Having owned the SA-750D, I can state without any equivocation that the AO-fettled Ittok is in a different class to the Jelco, which is good for the price, but no more than that.

[Marco]

Hi Hugo,

Having owned the SA-750D, I can state without any equivocation that the AO-fettled Ittok is in a different class to the Jelco, which is good for the price, but no more than that.

I think it's a wee bit better than that with low-compliance cartridges, such as the DL-103 and SPU, otherwise I wouldn't have kept mine for so long

For me, in that context, the Jelco is as good as any £1000 tonearm I've heard, and difficult to better. You're judging the Jelco (and rightly so) on the cartridges you used with it, which in my opinion weren't the ideal match. As ever in hi-fi, it's all about synergy.

I'll comment later on the new Funk platter and modded tonearm for the Techy

Marco.

[Ammonite Audio]

I'm judging both arms having used them on two different 'tables, fitted with various cartridges, in the context of my system. According to my preferences, the Ittok is the better arm. That's it. Certainly there are areas of presentation where the Jelco is "nicer" but when it come shown to communicating the music, the Ittok os just better, for me. The Audio Note arm is massively better in all respects than either Ittok or SA-750D.

Can I say that I flagged up the Funk platter and arm simply because I admire the design and execution of both? I happen to think that the pricing is OK, but clearly others differ on that point. Perhaps HiFi World would consider running a comparison article on the various platter options?

[Marco]

I'm judging both arms having used them on two different 'tables, fitted with various cartridges, in the context of my system. According to my preferences, the Ittok is the better arm. That's it. Certainly there are areas of presentation where the Jelco is "nicer" but when it come shown to communicating the music, the Ittok os just better, for me.

And you're entitled to your opinion, based on your relevant experience, but I don't think that you heard the Jelco at its best, Hugo, because the cartridges you used with it weren't the most synergistic of matches - and we all know how important synergy is in hi-fi, especially with turntables - you learned that with Regas and your Techy!

I also think that your disenchantment with the quality of the finish on the Jelco SA-750 sample you had has (understandably) tainted your view of it.

As an aside, I like the Ittok, and consider it to be one of the best Linn products there has been, but again, partner it with the wrong cartridge and T/T, and the results are less than ideal... Context and synergy is all!

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

I'll comment later on the new Funk platter and modded tonearm for the Techy

Marco.

Hi Marco, Looking forward to your views with regard to this and keeping us back on thread. I know you've had the Mike New Platter for some time and read your comments / review on it back then. I noted you expressed how it removed the shouty aspect associated with the stock platter which didn't surprise me at all, I'd only expect a dead thud from a solid thing like that - How do you think this one will compare? Have you heard this new arm ? Has anyone ?

[DSJR]

The material used in the Pinks from yesteryear were absolutely perfect for vinyl termination I understand and remember the sonics from these decks with great affection and respect, if not the fact that these decks fell apart all too easily........ I'm sure, as I said before, that the platter is superb at its job.

[Ammonite Audio]

Just got back from Whittlebury and a fairly good show it was, too, if just as disorientating as usual. The Minotaur's labyrinth has nothing on that place! Unfortunately didn't get a chance to hear the Funk mods on the SL-1210, since Sound HiFi's stand seemed permanently busy, but a quick look did confirm the very high standard of finish on both platter and arm. I did get to meet David Brook and had a nice long, informative, chat with Nick Gorham who shared his wisdom on phono stages with me.

[Marco]

Look out for some preliminary thoughts on the Funk platter very soon, folks... I'll have my mits on one on Saturday

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well be nice to hear your comparison bewteen this and the MN platter.

[sq225917]

I'll be intrigued to hear what you think Marco. Matching the weight of the stock platter and providing a better impedance match can only be good for the sound.