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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 5 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,792 posts
 

@daveyf 

True. Hence one of the reasons I generally recommend components from companies like Conrad Johnson, Wilson, Sonus Faber, Boulder, Pass, MacIntosh, Transparent, Audio Research, Cardas... B&W... etc. 

Longevity is important for service and deep knowledge in research and development is important in product development for sound quality and reliability.

Also when choosing a audiophile component, companies like these have lots of reviews by reputable professional reviewers making it easier to evaluate against other equipment.

Those of us pursuing the high end learn about different sonic attributes slowly over time and often may make a choice of component not understanding some aspects of sound. This is where professionally reviews may identify differences we are not aware of and help us make better long term choices. 

Some of the attributes of sound that I learned about while owning electronics include grain, and lack of midrange bloom and rhythm / pace. Needless to say, once I heard them and understood... it was out with those components. 

Also, if one of the high end companies with long histories goes out of business... typically there will be a repair service that goes on long after the company is gone since there are so many units in use. 

ghdprentice
7,792 posts
 

I think you are correct... general electronics repair is getting less common. I suppose that you are correct, consumer electronics is throw away.

But high-end is not throw away and most of those have factory support unless key components are no longer available. Audio Research has a big stockroom of parts and can repair most... but not all old Audio Research gear... stretching back decades. 

ghdprentice
7,792 posts
 

@daveyf 

Yes, you have found an example of a unit that needed service. There have been some over the high end's history.

But that is not common and much less so today. Many tube amps are now auto biasing or the older ones, easy to do yourself.

Most high end gear is incredibly reliable, for decades. In my fifty years as an audiophile there was only one piece of equipment that had to go to be serviced, a Sonic Frontiers CD player that had its transport go out three time... they replaced it free each time. Obviously a problem with the transport. Not with Sonic Frontiers in general. 

So, service should enter your purchase decision, more for mechanical devices than electronics, and more for tube electronics than solid state. 

ghdprentice
7,792 posts
 

I had a VPI turntable for twenty years without need for any service... set up by the dealer. I bought my Linn LP12 about five years ago and my dealer set it up in my home, and then upgraded it a couple times. So, I never touched it either. So, choosing a dealer is a pretty good idea. Especially if you don’t like fiddling... I do not and am not competent at it. 

ghdprentice
7,792 posts
 

I owned a VPI turntable for a couple decades. I would unhesitatingly recommend VPI. I know lots of folks that like Technics, but I am not one of them. I have not had the positive experience with the sound.

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