Vintage Japanese DD Consult and Suggestions Please

Thank you for the information. I do not foresee the need for multiple tonearms. 

Hard to discern, but would you state that you prefer the sound one over the other between the Luxman, Denon, and Technics? If so, what are the qualities that make one stand out over the others?

@lewm, I am grateful for this information, and thank you for the offer to part with one of your chips should it become necessary. In the event that cost were no object, or my budget was stretched, would the recommendation change at all? 

Once my 301 sells, I will certainly consider reaching out to Music Technologies for their direction and suggestions on this matter.

@neonknight, Trust me, I have toiled over this decision and have considered other means and ways to hold onto the 301 in some form. I am resolved to any replacement, Denon or other, to pale in comparison as it relates to aesthetics...sonic performance will take precedence over how new or restored it looks. 

I will not tag all with whom have provided much valued information, but I will state that I have read and re-read them all, digesting each bit your experiences. 

I did see the Micro Seiki that was suggested and that is certainly one to consider outside of those I referenced in my original post. 

Additionally, I believe that all of you are correct that a vintage DD may require more time and money that I have budgeted. I spent some time earlier this morning on a couple of used gear sites and for my budget took note of the following turntables,

Pro-ject The Classic

Pro-ject Xtension 12

Dr. Feickert Volare

Rega P3

Linn LP 12-however I see that Linn, for whatever reason, is a bit of a polarizing brand and more people speak ill of them than sing their praises.

@lewm, I am aware that those mentioned in my previous post are belt, which I originally thought I would steer clear of. But as I peruse the online ads, I could pick up something more turn-key. I will actively seek out the Denon as well as a Lenco.

I appreciate your comments!

@tomic601 Thank you. I did just see that someone local here in SoCal has a Bogen, which he claims is a Lenco L70 that looks in amazing condition and has the look that I like. I may see if I can see and hear it in person.

@tomic601 Thank you for the kind sentiments regarding my system. However, it is going through a bit of a metamorphosis at the moment, and I am hoping to retain as much of its sonic bliss.

@timlub The SP 10 MKII is certainly in play...the MKIII is out of my budget at the moment. Micro Seiki DD8's are available out of Japan for less than $1K...what are your thoughts on the MS DD 100 listed here domestically?

@billstevenson You are likely correct, but fussing is part of our esoteric hobby.

@alexv I have seen a few DP 80's listed on eBay/Japan that look like good candidates, and there is a gentleman out of Ontario, Canada that has some listed as well. Is there a particular tonearm, Denon or otherwise (SME for one), that are great pairings for this table? I will likely reach out to you privately to discuss matters further, if you are not opposed. 

@westcoastaudiophile I appreciate your contribution to the thread and will consider all suggestions as I perform my own due diligence and cull down my list.

@tomic601 Agreed! Far too many times as late have I seen posts on this forum go off the rails and off subject and devolve into some grade school behaviors. My only concern is that this conversation hasn't piqued the interest to the point where gear that I might consider is quickly taken off the market.

@llg98ljk This is certainly a consideration as well. Technics appears to offer so many turntables in their current lineup that it is a bit overwhelming. Most resembling DJ decks, which is not my preferred look, however. 

Still taking in all your comments and suggestions. I believe I have narrowed it down to the Denon DP80, or one several of the Technics models either mentioned in my original post, or that all of you have provided. Still have not ruled out a new Technics, but the DJ look still gives me pause. 

So despite my reservations about the aesthetics of the newer Technics, The thought of performance coupled with a turnkey approach has its advantages. If I am able stretch what I believe will be my budget, there are new Technics SL 1200G's on several Japan based eBay sites. Obviously I would need to operate this through a step down transformer...are there any disadvantages to purchasing a unit from Japan and running it in this manner that I should be considerate of?