Mike, as you alluded in your last post, this thread seems almost to be going in circles. The SL-1200 series and the SP-10 series are similar in that they came from the same manufacturer and are both DD designs, but there are significant differences.
The SL-1200 series was introduced in the '70s as Technics' least expensive quality DD table. It was intended as an audio consumer product. The adoption/demand by mobile DJs in the '80s kept it in production as other models were discontinued and that continues to this day. Several years ago, a company called KAB began developing upgrades for the 1200s for non-DJ use. Their success means that today these tables are considered by many as the best available for under say $1,500 (some might place that figure higher). With or without the KAB mods, the 1200 series requires only the installation of a decent cartridge and you're ready to play music (assuming you already have a phono stage in your receiver or preamp).
The SP-10 series (original 10 with built in power supply and no quartz loc is not considered as desirable, more favored are the Mk 2, Mk 2A, and Mk 3 with outboard power units and quartz loc) was the top of the Technics consumer line. They offer the highest performance but usually require more knowledge in set up, or a good dealer to do it for you. The most recent model was built 20 years ago. As Jack stated, there was the SL-1000 Mk2 which came complete except for a cartridge. However, not many were sold so are harder to find, they tend to be expensive, and some believe a solid wood plinth offers better sonics than the factory Obsidian. Otherwise, as most SP-10 series are found today, the buyer must be prepared to build or have built an appropriate plinth, then select and install the desired tonearm. By the way, Jack's statement that Raul goes without a plinth is not correct. Some sort of plinth is necessary to secure the tonearm at the proper position (a very exacting consideration) and Raul uses a hardwood plinth to attach his table and arm. The difference is that Raul's plinth is a single layer of wood, rather than the multi-layers most owners construct to provide more mass.
So Mike, based on your questions I believe your best option would be to start simpler and purchase a SL-1200 series and discuss upgrades with Kevin at KAB. That may provide everything you are looking for. If, over time you feel you might want something better you could then look for a SP-10 series, or other quality DD table from Denon, Kenwood, Luxman, etc.
To learn more about the Technics models, go here -
http://www.vintagetechnics.info/turntables.htm
To learn more about quality DD tables in general, go here -
http://de.geocities.com/bc1a69/index_eng.html
Good luck.
The SL-1200 series was introduced in the '70s as Technics' least expensive quality DD table. It was intended as an audio consumer product. The adoption/demand by mobile DJs in the '80s kept it in production as other models were discontinued and that continues to this day. Several years ago, a company called KAB began developing upgrades for the 1200s for non-DJ use. Their success means that today these tables are considered by many as the best available for under say $1,500 (some might place that figure higher). With or without the KAB mods, the 1200 series requires only the installation of a decent cartridge and you're ready to play music (assuming you already have a phono stage in your receiver or preamp).
The SP-10 series (original 10 with built in power supply and no quartz loc is not considered as desirable, more favored are the Mk 2, Mk 2A, and Mk 3 with outboard power units and quartz loc) was the top of the Technics consumer line. They offer the highest performance but usually require more knowledge in set up, or a good dealer to do it for you. The most recent model was built 20 years ago. As Jack stated, there was the SL-1000 Mk2 which came complete except for a cartridge. However, not many were sold so are harder to find, they tend to be expensive, and some believe a solid wood plinth offers better sonics than the factory Obsidian. Otherwise, as most SP-10 series are found today, the buyer must be prepared to build or have built an appropriate plinth, then select and install the desired tonearm. By the way, Jack's statement that Raul goes without a plinth is not correct. Some sort of plinth is necessary to secure the tonearm at the proper position (a very exacting consideration) and Raul uses a hardwood plinth to attach his table and arm. The difference is that Raul's plinth is a single layer of wood, rather than the multi-layers most owners construct to provide more mass.
So Mike, based on your questions I believe your best option would be to start simpler and purchase a SL-1200 series and discuss upgrades with Kevin at KAB. That may provide everything you are looking for. If, over time you feel you might want something better you could then look for a SP-10 series, or other quality DD table from Denon, Kenwood, Luxman, etc.
To learn more about the Technics models, go here -
http://www.vintagetechnics.info/turntables.htm
To learn more about quality DD tables in general, go here -
http://de.geocities.com/bc1a69/index_eng.html
Good luck.