Audio Accessory #25
summer 1982

A large test from when turntables were at their peak, sales-wise and technology-wise.

Audio Accessory made at least two large tests such as this one in each issue, with less "audiophile attitude" as other japanese magazines. These tests could cover mini-loudspeakers, Walkmans, high-end turntables, headphones, phono cartridges and any other hifi accessories such as turntable mats, stabilizers or insulators. Also a fair amount of DIY projects between high-efficiency loudspeakers and how to turn a 4-track cassette recorder into a 2-track.

The equipment used for this one test comprise a Sony TA-E901 ESPRIT, Infinity RS 2.5 loudspeakers and Kenwood L-08M power amplifiers with their L-08PS external power-supplies.
Thorough as can be, as always, each turntable was tested on a reference rack and on its own original feet (insulators), then with hard, semi-hard and soft feet on another place, alongwith various mats (such as ceramic AudioTechnica AT600 ceramic or copper Micro CU-500) and stabilizers (such as AudioTechnica AT638)...
Also coming into the test procedure were a Marantz combo (Sc 1000 & Sm 700) and a pair of Pioneer S-F1.

It should be noted that the results are to be understood as "price notwithstanding" : the notations are therefore not given in comparison with list-prices or the other turntables tested.

Below right, you can see Mr Fujioka fiddling with a Victor QL-Y55F and the Sony TA-E901 and Mr Den with a Denon DP-100M. The other image shows an L-07D on Micro insulators and the Infinity RS 2.5 at the back.

Click the thumbnails below and the results open in pop-ups so you can put two LP spinners side by side and easily compare the results - ain't I thoughtful ?