Hot off the press...Technics SL 1300G

ozzy62/tablejockey,

I've been in this hobby for decades and never gave up on vinyl when the digital onslaught hit.  I've owned multiple belt and DD tables.  My last purchase was a SL-1200G and I find no reason to look any further.  

I had a Kuzma Stabi with Stogie Reference arm which was a very good belt design.  Then I found a Technics SP-10 Mk2a in decent condition.  That gave greater dynamics and more even tonal hold (piano examples) as the most obvious difference over the Kuzma.  I intended to have the electronics refreshed and a custom plinth built but never seemed to get to it.  Then the SL-1200G came out so I got one as a simpler answer.  As lewm said, the advantage of the coreless motor.  Silent background and great live energy to the music, I'm happy.

The VPI and other solid belt designs can be good and preferred by some.  There is no consensus in this hobby.  Sorry but you need to decide for yourselves.

@tablejockey, I have a 1200G and am able to use a SOTA reflex clamp with the stock mat. I’m not certain but I suspect the 1300G has a similar dimension. The 1200G spindle is shorter than normal.

So far mine is stock, although I got one of the recommended Teac paper mats to try. That is thinner so will provide more spindle area to grip, not that I seem to need it.

BTW, I was disappointed when Technics decided to retain their older cosmetics in their new, redesigned line up.  But that didn't keep me from buying one.

lewm questioned the "spindle stress" statement better than I could.  I was about to ask in a somewhat less scientific way.