New Technics turntables

There’s one at my local audio shop, but I have not listened to it yet. I like the look a good bit. Darko has a you tube review site and owns a Planar 2 and a 1500C. Please check his site to confirm, rather than trusting this exact info, but that’s what I recall. He prefers the sound of the Planar, which I thought was a bit surprising. Either way, take this with a grain of salt, and listen for yourself. I would think there is a bigger difference in performance between the GR (approx $1800 US) and 1500C ($1500 US) than one might think. If you don’t have to have the Auto -Lift, your decision is made for you. I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in the phono stage... you will likely not use it much. Just my opinions !

Darko also reviewed new Technics mk7 and this is better than 1500c in my opinion, you don’t need Ortofon Red cartridge anyway and external phono stage is better. So buying mk7 you pay only $900 for brand new Technics. 

The Technics 1200G sounds more like a higher end 5 figure belt drive turntable for a lot less money and arguably does some things better.  It's a tough table to beat for the money.