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Technics 1200G vs VPI Forever Model One

This is a bit of a loaded question, and the Forever line is probably still too new, but I'm going to toss this out anyway. 

For backstory, I currently have a Mofi Ultradeck and it's treated me very well, but I'm starting to think about the next step and which piece I'd like to save for.

The Technics obviously has a legendary status, and is probably one of the lowest maintenance tables on the market. However they have become much more difficult to demo and you really have to purchase on blind faith that it will live up to expectations. The only time I've ever seen a 1200G was when I purchased my UD back in 2018 I demoed it alongside a 1200GR the dealer has one on display but I didn't get to hear it. That was before Technics scaled back to only higher volume dealers, which is somewhat annoying as a customer. But it's also the more affordable of the two options and I've also noticed the number of reviewers that continue to depend on the 1200G for their main systems. Obviously the option to quickly change headshells is part of the reason for reviewers, and that wouldn't really apply for me because I'm much more of a one cart type of person. But none the less, the 1200G sounds like a no brainer on paper. 

However, I've always loved the looks and sound of VPI tables. I've heard several over the past decade, and every time I've enjoyed the sound and performance regardless of surroundings system and cartridge. It also helps that I normally hear them in fairly high end systems with quality cartridges. Last weekend I also got to meet Mat Wiesfeld at SWAF and got to spend a solid amount of time evaluating the Forever Model One. I really liked the sound of the table, love the look, and the modular design is interesting but also might be annoying. But the upgradability and repair options does have a real appeal to it, especially when I think about long term upgrades. The ownership experience will not be as easy. Replacing belts, oiling bearings, manual belt speed changes, suspended design. While it certainly seems easier to own than the older unipivot arms, it will require more effort and TLC. But it does have a cool factor that I just don't get from the Technics, and the idea of upgrading speed controls and arms over time does sound cool. I also have more faith that VPI will continue to honor service well past the production period of the Forever One. I'm not sure I have that same faith in Panasonic once the 1200G is discontinued. 

Would love to hear thoughts from others on which direction you would go and what pushes you that way. 

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Showing 3 responses by daveyf

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,012 posts
 

Owning almost all high end audio is subject to the variable of whom will repair it when it needs servicing, and all of this gear will ultimately need some kind of a repair.

The problem i see is that fewer and fewer folk are able, or are incentivized, to do this kind of work.

 

For example, I used to own a fantastic sounding ARC D70Mk2. The amp was one of the best from the glory days of WZJ. The problem was that whenever I needed to change out tubes, or to modify the biasing, a tech was basically required. The system to adjust bias was basically criminal ( lethal voltages involved) unless one really knew what one was doing...and in some cases had access to a scope. At the time, I had a very good tech who was ARC trained, and who was local. Unfortunately, this gent passed away, and while there are a few other options locally, they are not specialists in the area. Returning the amp to ARC every time I needed to re-bias really was not an option. So, I made the decision to move the amp on and  while i really miss its SQ, I don’t miss the repair aspect one bit. 

I totally concur with what BillStevenson posted above.

 

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,012 posts
 

@ghdprentice  It's actually not the fact that gear occasionally needs servicing that concerns me, it is the question whether you can actually find someone to do the servicing. Seems like this trade is becoming scarcer as more and more gear is considered as 'throw away'. 

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,012 posts
 

@ghdprentice  Unfortunately, I believe some high end gear does qualify as ’throw away’ For example, a speaker or an amp from a manufacturer that has gone out of business. Parts no longer available, but worse, nobody to work on the gear. A lot of these companies never published a schematic either, leading to more complexity and issues even if a tech can be found who is willing to attempt a repair. 

ARC is one of the better companies ( they actually publish their schematics!)  when it comes to long term support, but like i said before, with my D70Mk2, it was still  a factor, leading to my decision to sell the piece.

 

 

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