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Technics SL1200G vs GAE

Folks,
After talking to some of our knowledgeable members here I am getting ready to get a SL1200G or a GAE. At the moment I have an offer for both of them. The price differential is also about $1200 (mere coincidence). I know that the GAE comes with a better arm and some additional isolation. I am not interested in the tonearm since I will most probably upgrade to a better one. But otherwise, is the GAE clearly a better TT and worth paying $1200 more ? I could use the $1200 towards a better tonearm. I also read a review of 1200G where the reviewer strongly suggested to isolate the TT well in order to get the expected performance. Now thats another area to look at. If the GAE is almost ready to plug n play without requiring much more isolation then it is an incentive for me. 

Can any forum member here throw some light on these aspects and probably help me in the buying decision ?
pani

Showing 3 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,110 posts
 
^^ if you can set the SL-1200 up with the same arm/cartridge combo as the Garrard, and also set it up with the same platter pad (the stock Technics platter pad is a no-go IMO) then I think you will find that it has no troubles keeping up with the Garrard.

Have fun!
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,110 posts
 
Will either of those "fit" without modifying the mount? Which is to say do either of those two have the same pivot to spindle distance as the stock tonearm? And will, particularly, the Reed mount over the hole in the arm board, since it is a surface mount type?
We've installed a 12" Triplanar on the GAE by fabricating an armboard that was not recessed. It worked out quite well.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,110 posts
 
The GAE is the same machine but with fancier cosmetics as it is the Anniversary Edition.
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