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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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@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. 

tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
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.
abill OP
80 posts
 
Yes , tzh21y , I will keep the Aries , I enjoy it but I also want a direct drive .
Still undecided on what to get .

jmeyers's avatar
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jmeyers
163 posts
 

I just purchased a SL 1200G to replace my 39-year-old SOTA Sapphire turntable w/ Premier FT3 arm (both were in pristine condition). I kept my Hana SL cartridge. 

I can already say that this Technics turntable — expertly set up by my dealer (Sunny Components, Covina, CA) — is unquestionably better than the SOTA. In fact, playing a good record, it is phenomenal.

I recommend its purchase. The SL 1200G is one helluva value!

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,794 posts
 

@abill The tricky variable is the platter pad. Technics uses one that's terrible. If you want to hear what their machines are about you'll need a proper platter pad. The best I've heard so far is made by Oracle. Felt, leather, cork and rubber just don't work because they can't control resonance in the vinyl caused by the cartridge tracking the groove.

Otherwise the SL1200G is one of the best turntables made if cost is no object. The arm competes with many tonearms easily but you can replace it with something else- for example the new Kuzma Safir 9.

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