New Technics SL-1200GR2

Bill / Elliot -- you guys read my mind.  

@billstevenson :  I don't think there are many with your direct experience with both.  I appreciate your thoughts.  Truth is, when the new line of 1200 were announced, I was itching for an upgrade.  I've modded mine over the past many years and it's all DIY (pretty good DIYer imo ;)).  So, it was nice to think that all the upgrades were 'built in' from the factory.  In the end, I opted to wait.  

I'm quite happy with the KAB 1200 - it fits the bill for now.  though, I'm always looking for the next platform to build upon.    

I read a lot of good things about the Technics brand. When did they really up their game? I remember back when they were a RadioShack brand and just ok. I believe they were manufactured by Panasonic and maybe others back then.

@martinman 

while I currently am not running a Turntable in my system, I know that every 1200 has been a solid contender!

All the best.

It would behoove some of you to do some research on Technics history. They’ve made some state of the art TT s since the 1970s, like the SP10, the SP10 mk2 and 2A, and the TOTL SP10mk3 (only lately superseded by the SP10R), along with the venerable and flexible SL1200 series, which was marketed in various guises for various kinds of use. No matter how you modify an excellent late model SL1200, it can never be a G series, because the latter has many integral features, like a coreless motor and upgraded platter and chassis, that aftermarket sources can’t supply. Whether you can hear those differences is a different question but will always be a subjective one.

OK, I have an modded 1200mk2 since the early 80s & also have the GAE. I’ve done an arm swap on the GAE with an SME 309 & installed the GAE arm on my 1200, very noticeable difference over the stck arm w/wire upgrade. Now @billstevenson wrote was fact about the GR2s arm, & the new motor. I wouldn’t think anyone would hear a difference if you did a ’’full’’ KAB upgrade & changed the arm on a MK2. I also have an EMT 948 but can’t compare the both units, unless I could use the same cart & preamp, which is not worth going to the trouble to Mod the EMT. I LOVE both units! Rite now I’m using the GAE for Mono (cost effective) & my opinion is if you had to upgrade the GR2, you might as well buy a used G.