Next Time Someone Tells You That, Show Them This—Two Turntables Compared
29,828
Published 2023-10-09
The only difference is the turntable.
The music is a 1977 East Wind album sold only in Japan— "The Great Jazz Trio at The Village Vanguard" (EW ST-5307 featuring Hank Jones, Ron Carter and Tony Williams—definitely a great trio—recorded live at The Village Vanguard by the late, great David Baker.
Listen to both versions and first do you hear a difference? If so, which do you prefer? Pay particular attention to the piano sound and the kick drum that Tony Williams precisely hits.
Do you need a double blind test to distinguish between the two? Also note: both set-ups were carefully accomplished: in other words there's more involved than simply moving the arm from one turntable to the other, because of arm mount height. The set ups were identical as were the tracking forces applied so the only difference was the turntable.
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All Comments (21)
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Both sound excellent - but preferred second one, sounds a little warmer
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The first one! The stereo separation was superior, and the kick bass was haunting! The whole soundstage was deeper. Please do more of these comparisons!
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I'm surprised how many people prefer the 2nd one, citing it's more alive and warmer. To me it sounds warmer yes, but almost muddy and distorted. The first one had incredible separation, articulation, and dynamic range. I'd rather get my warmth from my amp or speakers. Second was perfectly balanced. Great demonstration.
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Second one sounds way warmer and more alive, punchy. I'd want to have that one.
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These both sounded very good. I think the first one sounds a little better, maybe because I heard it first. I don't think I've ever heard drums sound so good on the internet.
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I am absolutely astonished by this demonstration, not because I didn't think the turntable would make a difference but by how enormous that difference was, especially on two such highly developed 'tables. The difference was shocking. I found the OMA table more impressive, in the sense that it was obvious in its approach, like a Tesla Plaid. The TechDas was more like a Rolls Royce, elegant and flowing. It's a good thing I won't ever have enough money to make that choice! Brilliant work, Michael.
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THE 1st TT KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK - IMHO.....
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The first turntable sounds far richer with more depth and punch. That’s what I hear. This was a great simulation. Thank you.
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Normally when I get hi-fi comparisons on YouTube I listen on my smartphone and usually I can’t tell difference between them , but this demonstration is incredible well done 👍 👌
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Can you tell us why they sound different, and which ones you would lean towards for different sorts of music and/or pressings? Thanks, fascinating demonstration.
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Yep, I much preferred #1 - especially that I could zero in on any instrument if I wanted or sit back and listen to the whole. The bass on the second was muddled a bit. Both very good, but the first really appealed to my preferences. A great example of how seemingly low impact things can make a big difference.
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I prefer the third turntable.
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wow, they both sound very good. 1st one sounds like its 2 generations closer to the tape.
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Second one brings me into the music - more warm and dynamic to my ears.....did Mike switch recordings?
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To answer the main question; yep, they sure sound different. As far as which one sounds better, I like the first one which has more detail. Second one sounds less detailed, but I agree with those who said it’s warmer and more real sounding. Thanks for taking the time for this interesting comparison. 👍
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Not an audiophile, can’t hear anything between the two that would convince me to get one over the other.
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Dear Mr. Fremer, for me this was not a comparison to define the best, both are wonderful, just different, and will please different ears. In fact, the best thing about the video is the opportunity to experience this, I could easily watch the same thing many times with music of this level. Thank you very much for making this possible for us. Greetings from Brazil.
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I prefer #1 at least as much as I can discern via Youtube. Great video!
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The kick drum sound is phenomenal in both of them! I found both excellent in terms of speed/dynamics, transients and instruments separation and projection. Probably the Techdas a little bit more analytic... Thanks Mr. Fremer for this fantastic set-up in double dose!
