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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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.

 'I can’t help but think if they’ll lower it to $4,500 in a year."

Funny you mentioned that...

I was going to write something  similar. The UD is a fine table at the adjusted price. 

MD price probably will drop in a couple of years due to many competitors and a not so big demand/market. Should be a $3500/4K table.

I'm sure the VPI sounds good, but the asking price is too optimistic.

Used VPI's don't hold value- a win for a buyer.

 

@tablejockey You are making the 1200G feel like a bit of a goldilocks here. Not to expensive, not too cheap. Holds value. 

The Japanese stuff always comes back to the Toyota analogy... hmm. 

At this point in a thread like this (a "which one to buy" thread), all the cards are on the table.  No one is going to say anything totally new to the topic or too revelatory. What will happen is you will accumulate opinions on one table vs the other, or on DD vs BD, in a case like this where you are choosing between one of each type. The OP can go ahead and make his buying decision. Seems to me he's made it already.

When you do buy the VPI, think hard about adding the ADS is all I can say. Or add it at a later date.