Technics 1200 G a Forever Turntable?

ericsch How are you liking that Achromat? i have heard good things in regards to the Achromat.  How does it differentiate from the stock rubber mat? Are you using the stock headshell and what cartridge are you using? I ordered my 1200G, going with Van Den Hul DDT2 Special, with a VAN Den Hul Grail.

I first tried a Herbie’s Way Excellent II mat, but felt that it colored the sound too much.  So I tried a ~5mm acrylic mat that was sold by a fellow with a special recipe (no longer available, because the resin compounder no longer makes it, apparently), and I liked this a lot better.  I then tried it on top the Herbie’s mat, and that sounded the best to me, and that is what I have been riding with ever since. I am not convinced that an ordinary acrylic mat wouldn’t do the same service, but I haven’t investigated that.

Before the SL1200GAE (and later G) was announced for the fist time, a "forever Technics" was the SP-10mk3 (and cheaper mk2) with Technics EPA-100 mk2 (or cheaper EPA-100) tonearms.

Before I got the Achromat, I tried the Herbie's mat. I felt that the Herbie's was an improvement over the stock rubber mat. Based on various recommendations I decided to try the Achromat. The result was a more detailed presentation than the Herbies and the stock mat. I did AB comparisons to the best of my ability and settled on the Achromat. 

The first Achromat I received was warped and Music Direct was very cooperative in handling an exchange.

I use the stock headshell with a Hana SL and Pass XP-15.

I have a LP Gear Zupreme Headshell that I may use in the future with a different cartridge.

Jake, you are in a different league with the Van Den Hul cartridge and preamp. Let us know how you like the music.  

I appreciate all the feedback. Now to track down a 1200 G.