Technics 1200 Critic Fremer Praises the newer 1200G

@roberjerman 

Actually the Pioneer is not manufactured in Japan. It is a Chinese product from Hanapin built to spec for Pioneer. There is much debate on how close it would come to a genuine SL1200. 

According to the writing on the box it is "designed by Pioneer in Japan Made in China".

Regards
Neonknight

I have no idea how close Pioneer is to genuine SL 1200. I do not know which one would be genuine in the first place. There have been many SL 1200 models by now. There are even a few current ones, ranging from $1700 to more than double of that. I wonder if, in case Pioneer does not fare well when compared to the cheapest current Technics, it is even a fair comparison. It is almost 2.5 times cheaper. Compared to a current genuine expensive SL 1200 it is almost 6 (six) times cheaper. If the difference is obvious, is it Japan vs. China issue, "Pioneer clone" vs. "genuine Technics", or "more affordable" vs. "it costs a lot" issue? I do agree they look almost the same, but they do not seem to be in the same category at all.


For those who just read the thread, but have not had a chance to lay their hands on the Pioneer 1000, it is quite a substantial piece. Yes, you can feel it is not a million-dollar product, but it is put together quite well and screwed tight. If money is not an issue, I would go with Technics. If money was tighter, I would not mind buying Pioneer.

By the way, has anyone noticed that it is relatively hard to find these new Technics turntables for sale, not to mention for a listen? Or maybe I am looking at all the wrong places.

@neonknight  thank you for your correction. My mistake! Even though made in China the PLX looks, feels and sounds like a quality piece! At its price would you rather buy a Project or a Music Hall? I wouldn't! 

@glupson: If Pioneer can produce a quality TT for $700 retail then why not Technics? I think that Technics is just aiming for more profit - and counting on the past reputation of the 1200 to gain sales.

@chakster

What does it matter that Pioneer markets to DJs? The table is no less good for it. One might even argue that it’s benefited from it in the form of greater torque and mass over the 1200s. It also has a damped tonearm and detachable cables. Won’t find that on the old 1200s. Further, all the KAB mods can fit the PLX.

The 1200 didn’t originate as a DJ turntable but Technics was certainly selling them for that purpose by the time the MK5 arrived.

Hmmm....let me think...a brand new Pioneer with warranty for $700, or a beat up 1200 that’s been molested by a half dozen wannabe disc jockeys for $800+?...hmmm that’s a tough one...