Upgrading Technics 1200 Tonearm under $1000

You you have no interest in different cartridges and willing to upgrade SL1200mk2 then extrrnal power supply is what you can do before upgrading the arm. Also Isonoe feet (available in silver or black).


Look for Jelco tonearm, it’s popular upgrade and armboards available. 

easiest tonearm upgrade would be SL1200MK4 titanium arm

can also try a belt drive or idler with suitable tonearm. Or... change to a good MM like what Chakster suggest. 

both option will make the system much  more musical warm textured and liquid.

making it sound more detailed and accurate can sometimes work against. seeing your using bryston. 

audio technica with ceramic inserts or headshell is also very good. smoother and more musical. that is another  cheap and easy upgrade option.

easiest tonearm upgrade would be SL1200MK4 titanium arm

This is very rare old model from the 90s for domestic Japanese market, the price is insane and tonearm is not easy to find separately. The OP already rewired his tonearm, so the only difference between mk2 and mk4 is the armrube (aluminum vs. titanium).

I remember the price for new Jelco tonearm on ebay was just about $450-550 in 2019, I think it’s a good alternative to the stock arm even if the price was increased. This is a perfect match for Technics and better than Rega tonearm.

IMO you will have to spend more than $1000 to significantly upgrade that arm. I do see some people replacing the arm on the 1200G model.  Maybe they would give you a deal on the old arm?