![]() ![]() Sustained notes were not quite direct-drive solid, but the silences between them were subjectively silent in regard to motor, bearing and surface noises. ![]() The solo piano on Beethoven's 'Für Elise' was projected into my room with the sort of easygoing realism that seems to characterise this deck. The abilities of the GA 202 were also demonstrated with music less conspicuously 'produced'. Some versions of the GA 202 use a special mains cable that plugs into a socket at the back, with replacements hard to find. Despite any initial misgivings about the construction of the arm, it is clearly the result of careful design and when matched with a 'Super M' cartridge works well. This tonality is set against a broad and continuous soundstage in which individual sounds can be instantly pinpointed with ease. The key points are the bass, which is rich and plummy while remaining well defined, and the smooth-sounding sweet treble that bursts with fine detail. Curiously, its presentation is remarkably similar to that of the Philips CD104, a CD player that would be unveiled a decade-and-a-half later. ![]() There is something instantly familiar about the sound of the GA 202. Such quirks must be expected from a pioneering design, and it is quite beguiling to watch. This is because the freewheel allows the platter to slow down through the friction of the belt and bearings alone, but the lag in the servo allows it to run briefly below the target speed before re-engaging the drive. An odd effect is obtained when switching from 45 to 33.33rpm. The strobe rings show that the correct speed is achieved in a leisurely manner (a Technics SP-10 MkIII this most certainly isn't) but when it snaps into lock, the pattern stays impressively stable. Otherwise, the turntable's electronic logic controls start the motor spinning smoothly, and this is notably quiet in its operation. Connection is via a 5-pin DIN plug, so an adapter is necessary if you want to use the Philips GA 202 with a modern amplifier. Nevertheless, the arm pivot and other various fittings remain well aligned with the holes they pass through. The springing of the subchassis is very compliant and so the platter moves about as a record is placed on it. ![]()
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