RoyLCraft custom Technics SP/SL-1600MK2 Turntable

the SL-1200mk2 is a dumbed-down derivative of the SL-1600mk2. Technically, the SL-1600mk2 / SL-1700MK2 / SL-1800mk2 are a more sophisticated platform from which the ruggedized SL-1200mk2 is based on. The SL-1600mk2 has a vastly superior double-isolation suspension system, automatic play and automatic tonearm return. The SL-1200mk2 has exactly the same tonearm, motor, platter and drive control, mounted in a rubber base. 

Czarivey, your post makes no sense. The SL-1600mk2 / SL-1700mk2 / SL-1800mk2 have both rubber/felt feet and a spring suspended tonearm and platter. That is vastly superior to the hunk of rubber that the SL-1200mk2 sits on in terms of sound and shock isolation.  

The auto-return mechanism is robust and uses optical sensors, so it presents zero drag on the tonearm. 

The only thing about the SL-1200mk2 that is redeeming is the basic accuracy and stability of the drive motor and tonearm bearings, which it inherited from the SL-1600mk2 / SL-1700mk2 / SL-1800mk2. 

If there is a criticism to be made about the SL-1600mk2 / SL-1700mk2 / SL-1800mk2, it is that leveling the suspension requires some patience. On the other hand, the SL-1200mk2 is so simple that even a rapper can use it.