Thoughts on moving from a 1200G to Sota Saphire or above

I forgot to mention, the 1200G dug out more micro details than my Garrard

@bfoura, I have used the 1200G with Timestep mod and tried couple of tonearms on them too. I used it along side a Loricraft Garrard 301, Jean Nantais Reference Lenco Mk2 (still use it) & SP10 Mk2. Everything in the same room, same system. I particularly dislike SMPS & Wallwart PSUs so I had the Timestep motor controller. The 1200G is a fantastic TT if you don't hear it's flaws. It sounds clean, times very well, no-nonsense. 

But having other TTs in the room and being accustomed to idlers and BDs I heard 2 distinct drawbacks:

1. The note to note transition was not fluid, a start-stop feel.

2. Dynamics: Everything sounded smaller and controlled in 1200G compared to the other TTs. The explosive dynamics were missing. The SP10mk2 was better. The idlers were simply in a different league. My previous TT was a Platine Verdier and that too had an effortless seemingly unlimited dynamics. 1200G sounds puny compared to them. If that's your concern then no tonearm or cart upgrade will cure it. 

But 1200G still has its pluses. I have not heard the SOTA but reading about it I do get a feeling it would be nice. Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace is also a good choice.

Ortofon tonearm cable. Reasonable and nice

@atmasphere, I was using the mat that comes with Sp10 mk2. Sounded better than any other mat I tried on 1200G. But my overall impression of dynamics did not change. 

@bfoura, I can't say if $3500 is a fair price or not without looking at the actual stuff. An SP10-Mk2 with its original black volcanic glass plinth in good condition commands $3k+ in general. But it should be cosmetically and functionally very good. In general it is definitely a better sounding TT than 1200G. It will hold its price too. A good tonearm is needed, that's another story.

@tzh21y I have had the 1200G, Sp10 Mk2 & Sp10 Mk3 (Dobbins), in my system, back to back. They are not different sounding. They are extremely similar with one better than the other primarily in terms of dynamics. In fact I would say the 1200G did not seem to give away too much to even the Sp10 Mk3 in terms of resolution. But the Mk3 just has a much bigger, grander, full range, full scale sound like the big boys of analogue do. The 1200G sounds like a juvenile. Nothing to feel wrong about that because for the money, it delivers a lot.

Regarding idlers, I agree. Unless one has a very well done idler TT, it is not up there.

@lewm I didnt mean same as in equals. I just meant all 3 technics sounded like cut from a similar cloth. The Mk2 sounded bigger and more dynamic than 1200G. The Mk3 sounded like a fully grown up TT coming from the same stable. Big, bold, stable sound with more tonal bloom. In fact only the Mk3 had the kind of dynamics I get from 301 and Lenco.