Good Direct Drives

I havent heard the SL1000r but to my ears the SP-10mk2 sounds better than SME Model 30. So, it really depends.

Obviously everyone likes what they like. But preferring the sound of SP-10MKII over SME Model 30... I just can't relate to that.  

SME 30 sounds slow and dark to my ears. It is no secret. Many have commented it sound that way. It does all the good things of a suspended belt drive: fluid, holographic soundstage, low noise and high resolution but when it comes to preserving the life, transients and tempo of real instruments playing, it is no where near the SP10 mk2. Thankfully the SP-10 is also very quiet and high resolution so it is not a one trick pony.

Invictus,  Where did I write that the SP10R is the BEST sounding turntable?  I am disputing Clearthink's propaganda about DD turntables in general, without any regard for what drive system sounds best or what particular brand or model sounds best.  Do you have something to contribute to that issue?  Fremer published his SP10R data if not in Stereophile (which I don't read) then for sure in his "Analog Corner" blog.  The numbers and graphs are quite impressive, especially with reference to many belt drives he's tested that retail in the $100K+ category.  Although you may "doubt" that the SP10R or 1000R could challenge the (more) expensive BDs that you name, Fremer had something to say about that too, based on actually listening and on his huge backlog of experience with the most expensive turntables in the world.  No offense, but I take his opinion over your guess, for that reason.

By the way, I agree that the SP10 Mk2 has a faint gray-ish coloration that may (or may not) be a product of its servo action.  The Mk3 did not exhibit this coloration at all, during my early auditions of my unit, but even it was made more liquid sounding by application of the Krebs mod; I was skeptical that I would hear any difference.  Thus, I believe the Krebs mod can cure the Mk2 of this mild malady, although I no longer own a Mk2.  The Kenwood L07D and the Victor TT101, and probably most DD's that use a coreless motor are relatively free of this symptom.  The DP80 is also very clean.  And also, let's not ignore the importance of the plinth to the sound of both types of turntable. The TT101 plinth as supplied by Victor needs a lot of help to get the best out of the motor unit.  In my opinion, there is where Victor skimped on cost.

I am also leery of the testimony of others, up or down, because JP Jones has made me aware of the critical importance of calibrating these 30-40 year old turntables before evaluating their sonics.  I don't think this factor is taken seriously enough, even by those who adore DD (as I do). 

@pani

@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.

Am i said it’s better ? The porice for SP-10mkII is $1200 maximum, sometimes under $1000, not everyone willing to spend even $5000 on a turntable, just look at the OP’s budget.

What is the price for SL1200G ?

You said people comparing Sl1200G to SP-10mkII, but which tonearm? The limitation of the SL1200G is obvious with a choice of tonearm, while the SP-10MKII’s limitation is to avoid short "9inch arms to use 10.5 tonearms or "12 toneams instead.

However, i don’t care about $5000 turntables, especially if they looks like my 22 years old SL1200mkII.

The Luxman PD-444 direct drive can be purchased for $2500 max, designed for two tonearms in a proper superheavy plinth. This is my choise of turntable and i can use 99% toneamrs on it. I prefer Luxman PD-444 to Technics SP-10mkII.