Should I get an SL-1200G


I have a VPI Aires 3 with 10.5i tonearm and Dynavector XX2 Cartridge .
I purchased it new about 12 years ago .

I'm thinking of getting the new Technics SL-1200G Turntable .
I have another XX2 being retipped at Soundsmith and I will use it on the 1200G .
My question , Will the 1200g sound better or worst or lateral move ?

I am interested in trying a direct drive but only if it sounds better than my VPI .
Has anyone listened to the Aires 3 and 1200G ?

Any comments are appreciated.






abill
Tooblue , Thank you for the info, this is what I was waiting for .

I don't think I'll get the 1200G .
I'll look for a nice Sp10 MK2 and make a plinth or maybe a Garrard 301 but they are hard to find without paying $$$$.

Thanks again



The 1200G is certainly not a step backwards from an Aries. You need to go listen for yourself. The two tables sound completely different. I have the belt drive and the 1200G and the 1200G is the one I listen to the most. I do not think I could go back to belt drive unless I spent about 25K. Once you realize the benefits of the 1200G(direct drive) and whats possible, it really can compete with tables over 10K. You can also quickly switch out cartridges and headshells, both of which truly influence the sound a great deal more than the table. You also can control the torque which is a big deal. Its a great table and is easy to set up. It takes a while to learn the table and to get the most from it just like any table.
tzh21y , 

What's the belt drive turntable and cartridge you have ?

I'm still undecided , I'll see if the 1200G goes on sale Black Friday.

Thank you for the post .


@abill 

I'll look for a nice Sp10 MK2 and make a plinth

Good idea, i bought teak wood plinth from Asia for my ex SP-10 mkII and it was great until i bought Luxman PD-444 which is a better turntable. If you have money for Luxman PD-444 look for it and read about it. It's a heavyweight DD monster designed for two tonearms. You can also look for Denon DP-80. 

I have the VPI. its great, just do not listen to it that much. Sometimes I switch and Ill say, wow, that sounds great but then after a few days I am wanting to listen to the 1200G. The sp10 Mk 2 is a great table as well. I actually think the Aries is VPI’s best effort to date. I would not sell the Aries if I were you but its always nice to have belt drive and DD both if you can. Once you hear a good DD, you will know what I am saying.