Good Direct Drives

I looked at quite a few different decks before hand but being able to try it was the main reasoning behind my purchase.

I was just wanting to know which model could be viable and what was out there, wasn't after anything better than the 1200 or 1210 but these were what I had used years ago. Looking at the options it would appear that some of the others were more money and a risk in my book over something that I could see and touch.

It did come down to money moreover and availability which where I am was another factor and when looking into it all and weighing it up decided to go with what I have done, I am very happy with what I have and with the state of my system.

@chakster people who have heard the 1200G and the sp10 mk2 claim that 1200G is better. So I am not sure how you come to the opposite conclusion. 

Clear think, what data can you provide to back up your statements? I'd like to see it. Until then, I'll cite fremer's testing of the technics sp10R. Based on those data he declared it to be the most speed accurate turntable he's ever tested. This includes his own $150000 Caliburn. Consider also the latest fad among belt drive aficionados, which is to control the motor with an outboard system that works by feedback of platter speed to maintain speed constancy (e.g., Phoenix Engineering and their imitators). That's really a servo in other words. True, hunting is an issue with DD just as belt creep and stylus drag (and hunting if you use a feedback system to maintain speed) are issues with BD. The best units deal with these.

@lewm SP10R may have the best speed stability of any modern turntable, but it doesn't mean that it sounds the best. 

SP10R is just the drive, in my opinion the only way to go is to get the solid high mass metal plinth full blown SL-1000R. But it will retail for $16,000-$20,000. So it should be compared to TechDas Air Force II, SME Model 20, etc. 

I seriously doubt the Technics could sound better than those. 

If all the tables you mention have SME arms and 2M black cartridges they should sound the same .