The Goldring table was made for Goldring by Rega. I believe that they have stopped doing so because the Goldring was undercutting the Rega in price. Rega weren't too thrilled about losing sales to a direct competitor that they were supplying. Anyway, the bottom line is that a "real" Rega arm should go well with the table. Given what Mechans has said about the history of a lot of used Technics 1200 arms, I don't think I would risk it. You're only talking a $30 difference on the prices you're quoting. I'd take the Rega arm.
Which is the better investment?
I have a Goldring GR-1.2 that has a tonearm that is supposedly a Rega clone. When I received it I noticed that the headshell was not perfectly level, it appeared to be bent down. I thought I would attempt to correct this issue and in doing so, came to two realizations: 1. the tonearm was attached by three wood screws screwed into the plinth (nothing like Rega). and 2. The headshell doesn't bend, it breaks.
Here is my question: It will cost ~$250 for a real RB250 to get the Goldring back up and running. Luckily there is a fellow on eBay selling them with the stainless base of the RB300 at $249 (new, no less). My other option is a chance at a steal on a Technics 1200. Someone here in my town has one with all original packaging and everything for $220 on Craigslist.
Which one would give me the bigger bang for my buck?
Here is my question: It will cost ~$250 for a real RB250 to get the Goldring back up and running. Luckily there is a fellow on eBay selling them with the stainless base of the RB300 at $249 (new, no less). My other option is a chance at a steal on a Technics 1200. Someone here in my town has one with all original packaging and everything for $220 on Craigslist.
Which one would give me the bigger bang for my buck?