Kuzma Stabi S vs Technics 1200GR

[Wahnamhong]

Hi all, new member here. Five years ago I sold my Technics SL1210 turntables, having been a hobby dj. I am now looking to get back into the game, that is listening to vinyl at home as I still have many records.

The obvious buy would be a Technics 1200GR, the new model priced around 1400 euro. But I have also always been impressed by the Kuzma Stabi S and I now have the opportunity to get a 12 inch Stabi S with 12” Stogi. What to do?

The Technics should give me a familiar sound, one which I know I will love for years to come. The Kuzma gives me more ways to tweak, e.g. by changing tonearms (heard good things about the Audio Origami pu7) and getting the optional PSU.

Will the Kuzma be able to play older records which aren’t in perfect shape? Dance music?

For reference my system consists of 47 Laboratory Gaincard/Shigaraki amplification and Jean Marie Reynaud Emeraude/Trente speakers. Thanks!

 

[Wahnamhong]

I should add that I listen to all kinds of music. From George Benson right now, to classical, jazz, pop, and everything in between.

What made me consider the Kuzma are the youtubes I see by this guy here:

 

[TooCool4]

I don’t see why the Kuzma will not be able to play less than perfect records if setup correctly.
The best thing to do is find a dealer, then go and have a demo.

Good luck, happy hunting.

 

[Lampie519]

@ ???

I friend of mine was a distributor of Kuzma some time ago and still uses one for himself. It is a nice TT.

Best regards ???....

 

[Ultrafast69]

Both are nice. The Kuzma will throw a bit more meat on the bone along without sacrificing any details out of the groove.

 

[Oracle1974]

Hi all, new member here. Five years ago I sold my Technics SL1210 turntables, having been a hobby dj. I am now looking to get back into the game, that is listening to vinyl at home as I still have many records.

The obvious buy would be a Technics 1200GR, the new model priced around 1400 euro. But I have also always been impressed by the Kuzma Stabi S and I now have the opportunity to get a 12 inch Stabi S with 12” Stogi. What to do?

The Technics should give me a familiar sound, one which I know I will love for years to come. The Kuzma gives me more ways to tweak, e.g. by changing tonearms (heard good things about the Audio Origami pu7) and getting the optional PSU.

Will the Kuzma be able to play older records which aren’t in perfect shape? Dance music?

For reference my system consists of 47 Laboratory Gaincard/Shigaraki amplification and Jean Marie Reynaud Emeraude/Trente speakers. Thanks!

I am using the Stabi S and have just upgraded to the 4Point 9. Earlier, I had the Stogi S tonearm.

If possible, go for the Stabi S plus Kuzma 4point 9; will save money by way of future upgrades.

All the best.

 

[Solypsa]

PU7 can be quite good- especially with low compliance carts. At any rate it is possible to change arms on the Technics too.

Seems like you have multiple good choices- which is wonderful. Btw what phono preamp?

 

[Wahnamhong]

PU7 can be quite good- especially with low compliance carts. At any rate it is possible to change arms on the Technics too.

Seems like you have multiple good choices- which is wonderful. Btw what phono preamp?

I’ve actually seen a PU7 on a Technics...

No phono amp yet. I am looking for a second hand 47 Labs Shigaraki phono cube but they are very rare and have not been made anymore since 2013. Any suggestions for a good phono amp between 1000-2000 euro?

Another (future) option would be to build a dedicated second set for vinyl, using eg an Audio Note Oto SE with on board phono amp.

 

[Lampie519]

Used Conrad Johnson EV1 Phono preamplifiers for Sale | HifiShark.com

 

[Wahnamhong]

Used Conrad Johnson EV1 Phono preamplifiers for Sale | HifiShark.com

Thanks! I see you live in the Netherlands too - wouldn’t you expect any issues importing from the USA? E.g. custom fees, voltage, and of course whether the tubes survive the trip?

 

[Lampie519]

I would not buy from the US as we have enough of those here in Europe (just look further). The tubes are not yo worry about as these are very well seated in their sockets (in case of the CJ ( i know as i have modded a few).

 

[Oracle1974]

I’ve actually seen a PU7 on a Technics...

No phono amp yet. I am looking for a second hand 47 Labs Shigaraki phono cube but they are very rare and have not been made anymore since 2013. Any suggestions for a good phono amp between 1000-2000 euro?

Another (future) option would be to build a dedicated second set for vinyl, using eg an Audio Note Oto SE with on board phono amp.

I use this phono preamp:

RCM Audio Sensor II V2 NEW Product | Phono | Chicago, Illinois 60647

RCM Audio Sensor II V2 version, latest and greatest for sale. "With the RCM Sensor 2 in use, sustaining analytical listening is a challenge. The Sensor 2 is musical! I could go on and on about how this component delivers listening enjoyment, but let me tell y...

www.audiogon.com

Available for 2500 euros on Audiogon.

 

[Solypsa]

I am not certain about import costs to NL, but I will say that Hagerman ( made in Hawaii ) is offering quite decent phono preamps for $1100 and less.

 

[scot]

Hi Wahnamhong

When I buy any piece of audio, I think it’s important to not only look into the piece of audio but it’s equally important to look into the company as well. Have they been around for many years, do you think they’ll be around in the future, is service readily available, and do they have a good reputation when it comes to taking care of their customers. In my opinion, Technics is more of a corporate player where Kuzma is a privately owned company and therefore may be more customer service oriented. I recently purchased a Kuzma 4point tonearm and had a few questions I needed to ask. I sent an email to them and within 24 hours Mr. Franc Kuzma himself replied and answered all my questions and thanked me for buying his product. I thought that was a nice touch.

If this purchase was focused around dj’ing (not that that’s even a real word) I would say get the Technics table and arm. Since it’s focused around listening to two channel music in the home, I would recommend the Kuzma products. That Stabi turntable you are considering has stood the test of time, has a great reputation for reliability and I can’t remember ever reading a bad word about it. Every review I’ve ever read says it sounds great. Their tonearms speak for themselves. For the money, if you could afford to get their 9” 4point arm, dollar for dollar, it would be a tough combo to beat.

For a phono stage, you might want to read, if you haven’t already, Michael Fremer’s review in a rescent Stereophile magazine, of the PS Audio Stellar phono preamp. In the US the retail price is $2499.00 usd. They offer a 30 day money back return policy. Fremer gave it a rave review. It’s also nice to buy a product with a full manufacturers warranty.

A friend of mine decided to try one at the same time he had a Pass Labs xp17 which sells for almost double the Stellar. He compared them both in his system for a little over 3 weeks and he decided to keep the Stellar. He said it was better by a significant amount. He also mentioned that after putting on around 100 hours, it got even better. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Take care.

Best regards
Scot

 

[Addicted to hifi]

I like the kuzma better.

 

[Adagio]

I’d definitely would go with the Kuzma, in fact I’ve had mine for 15 years. I’m still very found of it and have no urge to buy another TT although the R is cool.
I’ve upgraded mine with double platter, not necessary on the latest S since they have a thick platter from start. I’ve upgraded to 4-point 9” a remarkable step up from Stogi ref that I had before that. During the 15 years I’ve also purchased the PSU ref 2. That what I think is a major benefit with this TT, if you are on a budget you can upgrade it when possible. If you have the money from start the R is perhaps more satisfying. I love my Kuzma anyway.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

I’d definitely would go with the Kuzma, in fact I’ve had mine for 15 years. I’m still very found of it and have no urge to buy another TT although the R is cool.
I’ve upgraded mine with double platter, not necessary on the latest S since they have a thick platter from start. I’ve upgraded to 4-point 9” a remarkable step up from Stogi ref that I had before that. During the 15 years I’ve also purchased the PSU ref 2. That what I think is a major benefit with this TT, if you are on a budget you can upgrade it when possible. If you have the money from start the R is perhaps more satisfying. I love my Kuzma anyway.

I have heard this turntable and it sounds excellent.congratulations on it.