Technics SL-1200GAE or VPI HW-40 or …?

Wow…super impressed by the wealth of knowledge being shared here!  Thanks to everyone for contributing.

Now…opening another Pandora’s Box:  Record/Table weights/clamps?  My experience has been clamping devices:  KAB’s record clamp which used friction to hold tight onto the spindle (used on my SL-1200 MKII and Denon VL-12), and most recently, the Pro-Ject clamp that came with my Ortofon Century ‘table.  However, reading here and elsewhere, there is thinking that Technics never meant for the SL-1200’s to use a weight or clamp.  What say you all?  None, get a weighted device or use a clamp?

Arvin

Thanks everyone...especially @billstevenson ...for the very informative feedback!  I'm pretty much leaning towards getting the 1200GAE...as several have pointed out, the swappable headshell capability is something I will find immensely useful as I tend to swap cartridges when the mood strikes. 

On a side-note, I have emailed Technics re any plans on if/when they will be introducing to the rest of their line the new Delta Sigma Drive technology that they just launched with the SL-1200GR2 models. Will post here if they get back to me.

Thanks again...Hope you all have a great weekend!

Arvin

Hello, all! Once again, I truly thank everyone for their comments and sharing of knowledge…this is what really makes this forum great.

As an update, I have purchased…and am awaiting the arrival of…a new-in-box Technics SL-1210GAE. I was lucky enough to track one down from a high-end audio retailer in CA. Pricing wasn’t too bad, either…especially considering all but one of the used GAE listings on the auction and classified sites were priced at or more than what the GAE initially launched at, and the few new in box private listings were way more than what I purchased mine at.

I plan on keeping my current belt drive ‘table (the limited edition Ortofon Century LE, which was a souped-up version of the Pro-Ject EVO with a integrated speed control, updated tonearm and the very limited Concorde Century cartridge) to “switch it up” every once in a while…but I suspect this will be extremely infrequent. Maybe it’ll be used in a second system?

Anyway…will report back once I get it up and running. Will the GAE truly give me that “this is all the turntable I’d ever really need” vibe? I’m anxious to see.

Thanks again for all the responses…Enjoy the music!

Arvin