No other posts yet, since I'm still taking it all in, and I'm also still not fully set-up. At the moment, I have the stock 1200G with my Hana SL. I have an upgraded mat and headshell on order. The new headshell will get my SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC.
As currently configured, the stock 1200G with Hana SL is better than the UD with the SoundSmith across the board. Better bass. Bigger soundstage. Just bigger, more enveloping sound. And it's not subtle differences either - It was immediately apparent. Like
@HiFi Guy said, its just more of what the UD brings.
I was honestly a little dubious that a turntable could really improve much more, much less within a somewhat small leap in price. Like most upgrades I get, I'm immediately mad at myself for even spending the money on what will ( I always assume) no doubt amount to very little improvement. I was already telling myself to expect a decline, given the cart change alone, so don't be too disappointed when I'm ultimately left disappointed, etc.
I played Waxahatchee's "Oxbow" as my first track, since the opening drums and space are a nice test of bass and soundstage, and it was apparent right away that the Technics was better. I played other albums, and the improvements carried over to everything.
Super excited to get my best cart on it soon, along with a couple small tweaks to see just how good it can be. I'll be sure to post any updated findings.
Sorry to hear about your dog, and hope they're back up and running real soon.
