Cartridge for Technics SL-1200G or SL-1200GR

Back in the day, I bought the 1600 because it was totally automatic.  I kinda dread having to manually pickup the tone arm, but if I go the 1200 route, I'll have to get accustomed to it :-)

sleepwalkder65
It might just need a little TLC (clean/lube the spindle, rewire the tonearm with litz tonearm wire, treat it to a new mid/high compliance cartridge, new interconnects and maybe the KAB fluid damper).

I had it serviced about two years ago, and it still moves like new.  I'll talk to my TT guy about the upgrades you mentioned.  Thanks.   

I am looking for a second TT.  My 1600 was part of my previous main system.  I'm setting up a dedicated listening room so I moved it there anticipating buying the G or GR.

I know the price difference.  I’m retiring and setting up my first and last listening room.  I just bought an Innous Zenith MK2 CD ripper/media streamer, which replaced my Mc MCD7008 CDP and Squeezebox Duet.  The Zenith is really nice.  My analog sources are the 1600 and a Teac X10-R reel-to-reel.  

I have about 1200-1300 vinyl albums that I’ve rediscovered after a long hieatius listening to CDs, my reels, and streaming.  I forgot how much I love the sound of vinyl. So I’m looking to improve on what I have.  The GR is a possibility, but at the same time, I’m trying to balance my TT purchase with my existing equipment.  

In the end, I can’t take it with me :-). So spending an additional 3 or -4K to get the TT sound I want is not of the question.

After much thought, I’m going with the G.  I’ll start with my Ortofon Blue.  I’ve never used an MC cart, but plan to buy one.  

I want to thank everyone for the advice and recommendations. 

sleepwalker65:
With a virtually identical tonearm to the SL-1200G, there are very few improvements to be found in the SL-1200G over the SL-1600mk2.

I've been using the SL-1600mk2 with my rec room systems for a very long time.  Back in the day I had two hooked up my Rodec mixer, but gave one away.  Looking back, I wish I'd kept it :-).

I'm now using the 1600 in my new listening room.  The SL-1200G will replace it, and it will go back to the rec room.  I even considered buying another 1600 from eBay for my listening room, simply because I love having a fully automatic turntable. 

I settled on the G because it's new, and paired with the right cart, I do expect improved SQ.  I also settled on the G because almost every reviewer and user gives it such high marks.  I plan to add KAB fluid damping; and better RCA and power cables.  And then sit back and enjoy the music.

ericsch - thanks for the recommendation.

Quick Google search provided a Hana SL MC and Ortofon Quintet-Black-S-MC comparison:  https://www.analogplanet.com/content/hana-sl-mc-750-versus-ortofon-quintet-black-s-mc-999

Interesting read.  I realize that I have a lot more to learn about turntables and cartridges.

 jsnead, I just responded.

I just received the G with and Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge.  The SQ over the 1600 and the Ortofon Blue MM is like WOW!  The Black has so much more detail, music depth, and pure richness.  I'm quite satisfied with my purchases. 

I'm going to let this settle-in and enjoy it for a while, before I jump into my next major room upgrades.  As a next step, I'm trying to decided between a tube preamp or room treatment.  The preamp seems like the next logical step, so that I can "tune" the room to the equipment.  That is, aside from upgraded phono and power cables for the G, which I will do next.