Rega RP8 or Technics SL1200G

I just ordered the Technics 1200G and it will be my retirement table.  I've only owned belt drive tables but I've heard every (I believe) other approach out there and decided DD was the way to go if cogging was under control.  This new table seems to have focused on solving that with its new coreless motor.  It will also be a big step up for me over the Marantz TT 15S1 table I have now.

I have also spent some time hearing the 1200G at a friends house who has one and that only cemented my decision.  This table runs silently as every reviewer has said. 

I wanted to retire with a zero maintenance TT.  No belts, a motor that should be at least as reliable as Technics motors of the past, and easy cart swapping with the removable head shell.  The table also has easy to use features across the board for all critical setup efforts.

I also ordered two LP Gear Zupreme head shells (bought on Amazon however at a better price) in anticipation of the new table to serve my Lyra Delos and AT ART9 cartridges.  I can't wait for it to be shipped.

@ericsch 

I got a chance to hear the Hana SL cart at the last Capital Audio Fest.  This is a very musical sounding cart with nothing I could point my finger at as doing wrong and at its price point a strong choice.  The room using the Hana was a fun and nicely balanced room run by Dr. Vinyl.  The TT holding the Hana was a Pear Audio Kid Howard turntable with Cornet 2 tonearm ($4995). 

That puts it in the quality tier of the Technics 1200G in my mind, but I still prefer the values of DD and ease of use.  I'm sure the Technics will bring out the its best.  IMO the only reason the Technics isn't a $5k table is a function of Panasonic's engineering and mfg scale. I'm stealing that from other reviewer observations but I happen to agree.

BTW, my other short list option was the VPI Prime, but that was based more on looks.  In the end function, opinions on reliability, hearing it with my own ears, and to many respects glowing reviews for the Technics won out.  Blindly, I'm sold on DD.

@ericsch on why the replacement head shell

I’m opting for the minor upgrade in head shells for yes, azimuth adjustments primarily. I’m not expecting huge gains in sound over the stock head shell, but some have said it was a step up.

I also want the same head shell for comparisons between my two carts. My AT ART9 is new and not even broken in yet. Once it fully blooms I’ll do A/B testing with my Lyra Delos. Another thread on this site that focuses on the ART9 suggested by some that the ART9 might be the better cart at roughly half the cost. I want to see for myself so I have to have similar mountings. Early listening has convinced me the two are quite different. Being better depends on lots of things. The ART9 has a fuller presentation and perhaps better channel separation.  The Delos is very precise with perhaps deeper and better controlled bass.  Still too early for the final votes.  We’ll see. The idea of having two carts I like for different things is not bad.

@tzh21y, the table is exactly what I was hoping for and expecting.  All the platitudes from other users are validated.  This was a large jump up for me in tables and is my last.  I retire in July. 

The biggest improvements are simply providing gravity to the presentation without altering the tonality of my carts.  Piano is richer.  The macro level presentation has more weight.  Bass is better controlled.  Micro details are a bit more noticable.  I'm now getting cymbol shimmer that I've heard on better setups but never could urge from my prior table.  I attribute this to both super speed control and a much more solid platform. 

From a usage perspective I now have an easy way to swap cartridges.  One negative, I miss the ability to use my Qup arm lift.  There simply isn't an available flat spot on the plinth to place it.  I now have to be attentive and deal with the end of the side.  I do most of my listening just before bed and I've been awaken by the Qup clicking and lifting the arm more than once.  Oh well, I can live with that.  I've also grown to really like the looks.

I'm using the stock RCA and power cords for now.  I have an upgraded phono cable on order and I'll probably up the PC as well.  My supplier claims a better PC does make a difference with the table and he isn't trying to sell me anything.  The phono cable upgrade is fully warranted.  Anyone else upgrade the PC and note a difference?

@ericsch 

I have a Morrow PH5 on order.  I was hoping to have it when the table arrived but no.  I'm just using the stock RCA cable for now.  I have other Morrow cables in the front end of my rig so I'm expecting another improvement once that gets inserted and settles in. 

My retailer who sold me the table also is recommending upgrading the power cable, but admits it must be thinner and flexible the way the cords fit so tightly underneath.  He is recommending the Shunyata Venom 14.  I actually have that cable elsewhere so I'll probably buy another.

@avanti1960 

Don't leave us hanging.  This thread is about a choice between two tables.  What have you learned?

@ericsch 

The SL-1200G requires gymnastics to get the output cable and power cord inserted on the underside of the table. Once there they aren't easily bumped out, but garden hose cables that can't bend easily may be a non-starter for this table.

I like the Morrow cables in the front end of my rig because they have to work in my rack and they are quite manageable.   I'll have the PH5 from the table to my SUT, then a PH4 to my phono stage.  Given how wonderful the table sounds maybe I'll bump the PH4 at some point to a 5 as well so they match.