I've read this post with a smile on my face and decided I really must throw my 2 cents in even though it only serves to reinforce what has been said several times before. Years back I had a Technics 1200 MK 2 (purchased new) which I played with a several mid/high cartridges. The balance of my system was ultra high end so I decided that the analog part needed upgrading. I replaced the MK2 with an Oracle Delphi 5 with an SME 2 arm equipped with a Lyra Argo i cartridge. I was certainly proud of how the Oracle looked vs the Technics. . My mind also told me it sounded much better..well, after spending about 8 grand on my setup it should, right? .....Then a real disaster struck and my entire setup was stolen.
After replacing my electronics and speakers with equivalents I had only enough cash to purchase a gently used Technics 1200 MK5 and a new Nagaoka MP200. And ya know what, most of my vinyl collection sounds equally as good and some of the lesser quality pressings even sound a bit better. The used MK5 and the new MP200 cost me $1100. It's not that difficult to live with the Technics pedestrian looks after all.
After replacing my electronics and speakers with equivalents I had only enough cash to purchase a gently used Technics 1200 MK5 and a new Nagaoka MP200. And ya know what, most of my vinyl collection sounds equally as good and some of the lesser quality pressings even sound a bit better. The used MK5 and the new MP200 cost me $1100. It's not that difficult to live with the Technics pedestrian looks after all.