Rega RP8 or Technics SL1200G

I agree, attaching and power cables are a pain with this table.  Table is running in. 

I agree with JSM71.  After listening for only a few hours I am hearing what this table is all about and it is a truly incredible value. 

The way this table handles orchestral weight is just flat out incredible.

@tzh21y I haven't set up my table yet, waiting for a couple of cables to arrive. May I ask what alignment geometry you are using on your table? 

while i'm sure the G is an amazing table, has anyone actually heard the RP-8 / Apheta 2? 

One source tells me that the speed, transient response and attack is superior to the G.  This is something that would make me lean to the Rega if true.  

I have the G with a ART9 awesome sound I use carbon fiber hs like it better than the zupreme also use baerwald alignment

If no one has mentioned it yet....
The new Rega Neo power supply allows you to adjust the speed.
I got one for my P7 and was able to dial in the correct speed easily.
http://www.rega.co.uk/neo-turntable-psu.html

I would definitely consider a Clearaudio Concept Wood (Maestro V2) https://tinyurl.com/yc6gjx4u as an alternative to both TT’s that you are considering. The lesser Concept has won a TAS product of the year in 2010 and a rave review in Stereophile: https://www.stereophile.com/content/erick-lichte-august-2012

I am a sucker for Ortofon cartridges, and I would add to that a Quintet Black S MC cartridge, which together cost the 4K that the Technics costs.

My experience with DD is quite limited, having owned a 1980-era Luxman PD-246 TT. I eventually couldn’t live with the wow and flutter, two phenomena to which I am very sensitive. That TT had a novel automatic shut-off mechanism, based on an LED and a photodiode - when the arm reached the end of the LP, a plastic piece connected to the underside of the arm blocked the LED, the motor would stop, and a solenoid would lift the arm from the record.

As for high vs. low torque motors: The most extreme case of a low torque motor is found in the British Nottingham Analogue, where you have to give the platter a spin with your hand after turning the motor on, otherwise the belt would slip off either the platter or the motor pulley. With high-torque motors, the plater MUST be very heavy to ward off the noise and clogging coming from the motor. Ditto with idler drive: the idler is made of a stiff rubber and it is directly coupled to both the motor pole and the platter. This is a recipe for considerable noise and vibration transmitted to the platter. Indeed, my old Lenco L78’s platter weighed 5 KG’s.

I heard the RP8.  I prefer the 1200G.  mine is still breaking in.  Using Baerwald geometry.  Waiting for the mint tractor to arrive.  The table is mellowing out everyday.  needs probably at least 100 to 200 hours to really know  

also waiting on a stillpoints LPI

I have the Iso Acoustics GAIA III for feet a nice improvement

I tried them, I am not sure about them yet.

You owe to your self to check out the Clearaudio Performance DC or DC Wood
it's in your price range  The table is steps above Rega or Technics  I have Performance DC with the Clarify arm and Talismann v2 gold cartridge  Clearaudio has great selection of arms fit and finish is second to none   love my tables  it has the blackest back ground better bearing the magnetic bearing cuts the number of bearing in half The tonearm has no bearings  super stable speed, better plater no mat needed keep the plater from ring like the Rega glass plater i had a Rega P3 w/ Exact 2
The only experience I have with Technics is in the 70s when I DJ they are great for that task

@tomstruck Technics SL-1200 was never a DJ table. Not the new ones. Not the old ones. Never have, never will. They are turntables built exclusively for audiophiles. Some DJs did use them, but that's their problem.

My experience with Clearaudio differs as well. The Concept is an extremely overrated and overpriced entry level turntable. It's no better or worse than entry level Rega and Pro-Ject turntables. The Performace DC is only marginally better.

SL-1200G is in another league. I just picked one up myself to play with. My main turntable being Michell Gyro SE with an SME 309 tonearm.

I'll have more comments when the 1200G breaks-in. But initial impressions are that it's a serious contender. I will also order an SME Model 10 soon to compare.

Gyro SE, SL-1200G, and SME Model 10 are probably the best current turntables under $10K.

Gyro SE, SL-1200G, and SME Model 10 are probably the best current turntables under $10K.

Thats an overstatement IMO. $10k is a serious budget. There are many great sounding TTs for that kind of money. Consider the likes of Kuzma Stabi Reference, Rega RP-10, VPI Super Scoutmaster, High spec LP-12, Nouvelle Verdier, Avid Volvere/Acutus SP, Nottingham Hyperspace, Dr.Feickert Blackbird....
All these are seriously good sounding TTs in their own rights. It will be amazing to see where the 1200G really falls into.

invictus005

... Technics SL-1200 was never a DJ table. Not the new ones. Not the old ones. Never have, never will. They are turntables built exclusively for audiophiles. Some DJs did use them, but that’s their problem

It isn’t clear why you make this claim - I don’t recall the SL-1200 ever being marketed to audiophiles. In fact, the SL-1200 wasn’t even the top of the line for Technics during much of its product life. The audiophile magazines of the day were filled with ads for turntables, and I don’t recall Technics ever promoting the SL-1200 in them. In fact, direct drive turntables were very much out of fashion in the audiophile world after many of the early Japanese turntables proved to be such disappointing performers. None of my dealers had the Technics for sale and the DD turntables they did offer were very much high-end, such as Kenwood L07-D, Denon DP-75 and DP-80.

For much of the last 40 years, direct drive turntables were more the exception than the rule in audiophile systems. I think many still harbor a lingering prejudice against them.

I just changed alignment to stevenson.  I like it better on this table.

I just changed alignment to stevenson.  I like it better on this table.

I just ordered a GR and am looking into the details of alignment and it's ludicrous that Technics does not supply a decent protractor.  relying on the gauge and the cartridge body being parallel is not doing this table justice.  
FYI i have heard trustworthy opinions that  even the GR sounds better than the RP8.  

Technics gauge is good enough. It's quick and easy and very accurate. Of course it's a Japanese pseudo Stevenson alignment, but it gets the job done. I do prefer Lofgren A or B...

@tzh21y  I was wondering about that. In his review, Fremer said he used Baerwald, but from what I've been reading online, Stevenson seems to be the consensus. My understanding is that to achieve Baerwald the cartridge needs to be offset in the headshell. I will be using the Feickert Alignment Tool that I just received yesterday.

@avanti1960  I agree, no alignment protractor included with my 1200G. Just an overhang gauge.  

I would agree that the GR is very good so is the RP8. for 1700.00 its a no brainer

Go for the Direct Drive - a no-brainer really.  TBH I have not heard that particular new one but I have a tweaked SL1210 that is beyond good.  Just try to get a Brinkman DD for example and prepare to take out a second mortgage. 

I would recomend the VPI Classic. I have the Rega RP-8 and I like it. I have had the P3-24 and didn't like it. I have had a VPI traveler and liked it also but liked the Rega RP-8 much better. But what I've heard about the VPI Classic is great! Hopefully you will buy something that you like..............Warren

I liked the classic 1