New Technics 1200

For $4000 I can think of many other tables I would go for before the new 1200, even though what lays under the hood is apparently a much different beast than the older run. 

It just doesn't float my boat. On the used market that $4000 will get you a very nice spread indeed. I also feel my current two tables are better, although, they have been extensively modified and too are as big a departure for the originals as the new 1200 is from the old. But still I have way less than 4000 into each.

Keeping with the old design really is not a smart marketing choice for a new upscale table.

That being said, I imagine that after the special run is done the price will come down and the street price for a new one will be closer to 1500.

(After the initial run of 1200 have been sold, I don't see the main production run selling for too much less than 4K.)

Actually, I seem to remember reading that the first run is considered a "special" run and limited. After this there is suppose to be a standard run and will sell for much less.