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Please help! - Buy VPI Classic or keep Technics 1200

I've got upgraditis and am thinking about treating myself to a new audio component for Christmas.  I currently have a Technics 1200 with a Denon 103R cartridge and a heavily modified Jolida JD9 phono stage.  Yes it sounds fantastic but I don't know what I am missing with a VPI Classic or similar table.  There isn't a place close to me where I can go for a demo.  

My question is for you experts - would there be a substantial sound improvement with a VPI Classic  or Classic 2 table if I were to invest the $4,000 in comparison to my Technics 1200?  Would it take the sound to a higher level?  (which is something that I am looking for).  I don't really care about aesthetics or bragging rights but what I do care about is performance and functionality.
audioman2015
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Similar to @lancelock but a step or two up both brands' offerings I recently switched from VPI TNT6HR to Technics SP10mk2. The improvement is not subtle.

I agree with @raymonda that the new 1200 doesn't look great for its price, and that is one of many reasons why I like the vintage route, with the flexibility to go many directions with plinth and overall looks. The better tonearms often sold with the SP10 is another reason. 

What makes me laugh is when certain posters chime in only to promote the brand they own, often have no experience with the alternatives being considered by the OP, and have nothing but disdain for those who prefer something difference than himself.  
Cheers,
Spencer

fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Spencer- I agree with your last point. I believe part of the reason is analog can be so darned satisfying, where as digital seems to be a merry-go-round for many. In general, I don't like to be a cheerleader for Well Tempered, even though I think it's quite good at it's price point. So I usually choose to be passive, because I haven't heard enough tables... Certainly not in my own setup. My plan is to hear a few more this year, but it will be in a different room/system.
enginedr1960
173 posts
 

Satisfying - Good point I have a SL1210 Mk5 and was talking to my tech and told him that I found my digital front end sounded better than my vinyl rig . His answer was it should be the other way around . I week later he had offered me a 12 " Alfred Borkland modified Ortofon AS212 tone arm . The SL1210 could not accommodate this long arm . Being a DD fan I purchased a SP10 MK2 table had a 16 x 24 plinth made to fit the arm . Yes it is a step upward in SQ and more satisfying then the digital sometimes . There are too many variables in both formats. Both can sound great and different . So I ask myself am I satisfied . Yes very much so. As being a audiophile that does not stop me from looking for more satisfaction .    

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I have rare Technics SP20 if anyone need it, it looks exactly like SP10mk2, but in very nice original black finish and internal power supply. This model is rare and it was produced in 1976 like a budget version of SP10mk2. It has quartz lock etc, but plays only 33/45 (no 78s), this SP20 is way different from cheaper SP10 crap.

Technics Sp20 is a younger brother of Sp10mk2. So i think the black SP20 is something between SL1200/1210 mk5 and SP10mk2. I’m sure it was made ONLY for Japanese market back in the days and very little known for that reason. I like it, but i have two Luxman PD-444, so i can sell SP20 in perfect condition.

The SP20 is much better than SL1210mk2 (i have two of them) or Sl120mk3D or SL1200mk5, because you can use custom plinth and whatever tonearm you want anytime + it looks exactly like the ultimate Sp10mk2 (same size, but in black). Any plinth designed for SP10mk2 works well for SP20.

Picture of Technics SP20 with ultimate mega rare Technics EPA-100 mk2 (boron armtube) tonearm: http://cfile28.uf.tistory.com/image/27180245521EFB8423F8E3
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