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. 

displayname

I currently have a Hana ML

@displayname I do too, mounted on a Technics, where it tracks everything I've thrown at it. Its biggest weakness is its platter pad, which I have replaced. If you don't get the platter pad right, its pretty hard to get the rest of it right. The platter pad must damp the LP properly and few (including the stock pad on the Technics) do.

IOW if the platter pad isn't right, you've not heard what the turntable really does.

I plan to install my Triplanar on my Technics SA1200G as soon as I can.

@tablejockey  I have been looking at the MasterDeck, but to be honest the price reduction on the Ultra/Studio decks without a follow up product is a big turn off for me. It’s hard to spend $6K when I can’t help but think if they’ll lower it to $4,500 in a year. 

I got on the Ultradeck at the original higher introductory price, I won’t do it again for the MasterDeck. Not saying it will happen, but that thought will always be there if I got it at the current price. 

I plan to install my Triplanar on my Technics SA1200G as soon as I can

I would love to see that once it’s done. Sounds like a very cool project. 

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.