I am enjoying my analog system, but what can I do to improve?

@lewm I thank you for the context of your most recent mail, and allow me to elaborate on my post and how it was intended to assist the OP.

I did not mention the Technics Model TT's without the prompt to supply further information from the OP, who appeared to have been steered towards certain Technics Models, either Vintage or from present production as a result of a contribution from @rauliruegas and follow up posts.

This did in my assessment seem to confuse the OP who was now trying to understand deficiencies in what he has at hand, and what options are available for a alternative.

The information that was made known by myself was with prior consideration for its value to the Thread. The OP had expressed a curiosity, and I could contribute to help with this. I own a SP10 Mk II that has been overhauled, and I regularly listen to a few other SP10 Mk II's, as well as the SP10 R. 

I think this qualifies me to have had a experience, and there are a few thousand hours of use of DD TT's behind me,  but I have not had a experience of the one in a overseas Country that I made a reference to, but fully get the content of the private conversation had.

I was letting the OP know the SP10 MkII can prove to be a totally satisfying TT and the bank does not need to be broken, as they had requested a thought on what was considered to be a Great Bang for Buck solution in place of the 1200 model.

The reference to the modified SP10 MkII was to give the OP an insight to further heights that could be attained if the desire evolved to attain such a level.

@rauliruegas  How you have overlooked your initiation of causing the OP to take on a whole new direction in this thread and question their present owned TT and seek out alternative options to consider as a replacement.

I have encouraged the OP to receive a demonstration of a item that may have been on a shortlist, and encouraging them to use their ears for assessments and not forum talk.

Not at any time did a encouragement be given to suggest a SUT was needed.

The SUT was used as a explanation to show how valuable a demonstration of a device can be when wishing to bring something new into a owned system.

I have heard modified TT's of all drives and especially the SP10 MkII. I am very fortunate to own an overhauled SP10 MkII with Tweaks on board from a very well respected mechanical / electronics engineer. I do agree that the TT from overseas was not demonstrated to myself, but the engineer is very respected and a contact point for other renowned engineers who reside in other Countries.

I am not qualified to comment on Electronics or Mechanical Engineering, in the capacity that the individuals I do converse with are quite capable of and express an adeptness in their skills. It is quite satisfying to have the confidence of these individuals and be trusted with information when introduced to their IP that very few will be informed of.  

@pindac  : Again, I dont care about yur pedigree/history or the like. This is not a thread about you and you are encouraging the OP in the wrong direction with the vintage TT. My advise is forgeret about but you can go on and certainly you have material to " elaborate " your next post . 

All those is boarding " stupidity ".

R.

@pindac :  " I have heard modified TT's of all drives and especially......."

Seems ridiculous but such is life.

R.

The OP has been steered into a alley way where there is doubt about their owned equipment, for this I am not responsible.

I am responsible for suggesting learning about Near Field Listening in Small Room and attempting to receive a demonstration of a device that has taken on an appeal.

The OP has been dragged through the briars backwards as a result of their inquiry on the thoughts on how to take their system to another level.

The encouragement to get rid of a Pre-Amp, get rid of the Cartridge, get rid of the tonearm wire, get rid of the Tag Wire, get rid of the Headshell, get rid of the platter mat, get rid of the Puck Weight, change the Geometry, and the like, all adds up to a bombardment of ideas, that a selection of will make an inexperienced individual run for cover from.

With the daunting effect of such suggestions, no wonder the OP leaned toward the idea of ditching what they own and starting afresh, and showed a curiosity about Vintage vs Modern Technics Models.

I remain in my earliest and later advice to the OP, Near Field Listening can prove to be a very satisfying experience when the disciplines for the set up are utilised, and to get out and share in demonstrations.

One good half hour spent in the right environment with experienced individuals is worth much much more than what forum talk can ever offer.

’Learn to listen and Listen to learn’

When a person has a experience gathered with approx' 30 Years of visiting HiFi Events, HiFi Enthusiast Events, and multiple visits to homes of like minded individuals who share in a enjoyment of replaying Vinyl LP's.

It was taking part in such activities that enabled myself to meet a individual who was well known at the time for their Garrard 401 Modifications to which I sent my own 401 to, for a modification, way back in the mid 90's.

It is quite easy to encounter all the commonly used Drive Systems for a TT.

At such times, it is also quite easy to identify obvious modifications when the aesthetic is quite different to an original, a PTP Solid 9 is an obvious example, of which I also own one.

Modified LP 12's and other Belt Drive TT's are out there in multiple guises , but I have not gone for a modification to a owned Belt Drive TT.

DD's are also to be discovered with various levels of modifications, the most commonly seen, is with advanced Plinth Designs, and then there are those with redesigns for the Platter Spindle Bearing and Platter, and in some cases the electronics to which I have heard a variety of these guises and have a various brands of DD's with a selection of modifications that are listed, and intend on increasing the methods of modifications used.   

To me there seems to nothing 'ridiculous' about meeting with people, especially, those who have acquired knowledge on how to improve a performance of a device.

If the influence made during the encounter is such that a similar method is chosen to be used by oneself, then that is the decision of the end user and nobody else.

If by continued participation in visiting events and homes, more encounters of up to date methods chosen methods for modifications are discovered, then that only adds to the wealth on offer from the experiences encountered.

It is my long term experience and maintained commitment to experiencing recorded music replay methods, it has been this attitude that has been the enabling force behind the offers sent to request a attendance of a  set of ears during R&D works being carried out, along with other regular made general invites to demonstrations.

Again for the OP, I have heard Near Field Set Up, not everybody has the luxury of a larger space for set up their equipment, it is a great experience to be encountered when the disciplines for the setting up the positioning is followed.

This can be achieved with everything you own, and no monies will need to parted with.

There is a substantial amount on info on the Web to show how to produce a very affordable room treatment, this might be something worthy of consideration, when the curiosity arises about how to couple your speakers to the room.