Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
I think you're being a tad premature there. No doubt that's what you've heard though because you're more than familiar now with both decks, however I suspect that your 401 isn't quite up to scratch, or something is not quite right. I say that quite simply, Peter, because the 301s and 401s I've heard and compared with my Techy have all been absolutely fabulous, and in some areas have bettered it. It was definitely not a case of the Techy 'trouncing' any of the Garrards.
No, I think my (his) 401 is up to scratch, it sounded awesome at my gaff the weekend prior, better than I'd heard it for some time. For some ears it would have been preferable to the Teccie, especially if you favour "drive" over "subtlety". I just think it imposes it's signature more than the Kab'd technics does.

Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
In terms of bass weight and extension a properly mounted 301 or 401 trumps any direct-drive T/T I've heard, even an SP10; there is a real punch and visceral quality in that area which is simply quite stunning.
I'd agree with that, but, now, I think that there's more to music than hell for leather.

Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
To my ears, the Technics decks are also more incisive in the way they cut to the heart of the music with an effortless sense of calm and ease, and with it rock solid stability and control, which gives little impression that one is listening to a stylus tracking vinyl grooves: it's a very 'CD-like' presentation, but CD with real 'heart and soul'. Tonally, the Technics decks are 'cooler' and a little more clincial sounding,
Not sure about that, I think cartridge/mat/feet choices are going to come into play here. I think that between the CDS/XPS and the current state of affaires with my Kab'd 1210 that it comes down to the mastering as to which sounds best. The installation being optimised around the CDX/XPS mostly, I haven't invested as much in the Teccie compared with the CDX/XPS, if I include the HiLine then I've put 5000€ into the CD and 1000€ into the teccie, I think that the next evolutions, arm, artridge and finally phonostage will make a big difference. With the Shure V15 type IV and the Jico stylus it's detailed and probably lacking in treble extension, but I still don't find the CDX/XPS in anyway bright or agressive (some will say I'm deaf!)

Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
Do you think your Bastin plinth might be a bit of a leveller? All the good Garrards I've heard have been in Slatedeck plinths. Oh, and on that note, I've got no doubt that the quality of slate varies enormously, especially in terms of the inherent resonant qualities of each type which is fundamental to its efficacy as a suitable turntable plinth. I also think that having double layers of slate is better than just a single layer, and I prefer highly polished slate to the dull unfinished stuff, which for me can look rather drab. I'm undecided yet as to which type of plinth to have made for my Techy, but it'll either be a double layer Slatedeck job or the solid and inert real wood type that Dave Cawley uses.
I've never heard a slatedeck garrard, I think my motor unit was about as good as you can get, I should have tried it without the bastin psu.

You have plans to replinth your SL1210 ?