Technics SL1200G vs GAE

There is no difference between the G and the GAE versions, same arm, same isolation.  I love my GAE, there is nothing wrong with the arm or the isolation on it.

I should qualify that there are no functional differences, the GAE is prettier.

Because of the limited supply, the GAE is now a collectors item

Thanks guys for your responses. I have ordered a Technics 1200G and have sent it to time-step for their EVoke modification (except the SME 4 tonearm). Primarily they will change the SMPS power supply to a linear PSU that they have designed. Also the tonearm board will be replaced with a modular one so that I can change to any tonearm later just by getting the appropriate board. Time-Step PSU upgrade has already been recognised by the UK Technics dealers as a "worthy" upgrade and some of them actually demonstrate the 1200G in their stores with the time-step PSU. So, I am assuming it is a good move. My experience with SMPS in audio equipments has been always disappointing hence it was even more important that I get the time step PSU.

I did tinker about the idea of changing the tonearm but in the end I am sticking to the default tonearm. I want to take one step at a time so that I really know what upgrades I need and how they perform. I am not even sure what cartridge to pair this TT with.

This TT will go head to head against a Loricraft Garrard 301 with kokomo mk2 bearing and woodsong audio brakes. I use the Garrard with a monarchy audio AC regenerator. I don’t plan to keep 2 TTs. After the comparison I will have to sell one of them (even though I may want to keep both). The Garrard has a charm that is unmistakable and I will miss it if I sell it. It is just that Garrard is not a "complete" TT. It is only a great motor unit and everything around it (plinth, power supply, isolation etc) needs to be built/assembled. Each of these factors have their own financial overheads and bring their own signature to the final sound. By the time I nail it down to make it sound its best I would have spent well over $10k and numerous hours of listening tests. This is one exercise I would like to avoid as much as possible (even though I hear something really special with my Garrard). I have already got it to a level where it sounds very good. Beyond this I just want to listen to music without the itch to tweak around.

I really doubt the Technics 1200G can beat the Garrard comprehensively or even beat it in overall musicality. It is going to be a classic DD vs ID battle. Garrard has a fluidity and dynamic punch that is rare. In fact I have heard such dynamic punch only on biggies of the turntable world (Verdier, Kuzma, Walker etc). But some of those biggies don’t have the pace and timing of the Garrard. A good DD is supposed to have a lower noise floor, more extended, more refined without losing the pace and timing. Lets see, I will have to choose the compromise that allows me to remain more focussed on music than "sonic improvements". It is one reason I did not even think about waiting on the SP-10r. It will also get me into tweaking mode since it only comes as a motor unit.

BTW, I did consider a well sorted Krebs modified SP-10 mk2. But as per the suggestions here on audiogon, the 1200G is at least in the same league so I chose it over the SP-10 mk2.

I will report back when I get to listen to the TT in my system. It will probably take another 2-3 weeks by the time it is here.

^^ if you can set the SL-1200 up with the same arm/cartridge combo as the Garrard, and also set it up with the same platter pad (the stock Technics platter pad is a no-go IMO) then I think you will find that it has no troubles keeping up with the Garrard.

Have fun!