Technics 1200 Critic Fremer Praises the newer 1200G

Well, with all my reapect, i’m really tired about all that Technics talks on audiogon.

I’ve been using my pair of SL1210mkII for more than 20 years for my professional needs, it was modded to deliver much better sound that stock version. I’ve had SP-20 and still got my reference SP-10mkII. Nothing wrong with a DJ or broadcast turntables made by Technics. Worldwide DJ standard for professionals is Technics, not Pioneer or any other clone of Technics with some minor tweaks. Technics SL1200mkII has enough torque and nobody needs more torque. Companies like Vestax released higher torque dj turntables, but no one can beat Technics as this is the opriginal product with legendary status that all of them trying to copy. The marked was flooded when old SL1200/1210mkII and higher models were discontinued. But now Technics returned to the business with a great success, the SL1200GR is about $1700 new (Made in Japan quality) and finally suitable not only for DJs, but also for Audiophiles as an entry level to the new Technics sound. Also available SL1200G and GAE, SP-10R and SL1000R for the most demanding audiophiles.

And the more inportant in this thread:
The OP already bought a Technics, but some users talking about Pioneer for some reason. I just don’t understand it. KAB offers many inexpensive mods, including the one to dump the tonearm inside (which is the cheapest).

P.S. Pioneer made their DJ turntables when majority of the DJs are not into vinyl anymore, they are using vinyl controllers like serato/tracktor to play digital files. Some still play real vinyl. But for $1700 Technics with SL1200GR can satisfy both (audiophiles and vinyl deejays). Imagine the price for them on the used marked soon (at least 30% cheaper) and if you prefer Pioneer (made in china) then i don't know what to say.  

chakster"Well, with all my reapect, i’m really tired about all that Technics talks on audiogon."

Well then maybe you should take a nap and then return when you are rested refreshed and recharged and are able to offer information opinion or facts that are meaningful and substantive rather than just repeat repeat repeat the same few things again and again we get it you love your Technics turntables and you have many of them!

It's hard to imagine than 1200G is better than SP-10mkIII, maybe SP-10R is better or equal, but the 1200G is not Technics reference turntable in the production line, while the SP-10mkIII was the reference for such a long time.  

In practice the SL1200G is the most speed stable turntable in production right now. The initial release specs on the SP10R don't show a big difference between the two.

The SL1200G is a complete from-the-ground-up redesign and only shares its appearance with the older SL1200s. Its a very well-thought out design; is more speed stable and has considerably more damping and a very dead plinth. IMO they should have made it look different if just to avoid the obvious confusion people have thinking is nearly the same as its predecessors and look-alikes.

@chakster

At no point in this thread has the OP yet mentioned that he bought a Technics.

HR of Stereophile conducted side by side tests of a mkii 1200 and PLX-1000, using the same carts. His conclusion is that they're equals in performance. So other than the 1200’s proven track record of reliability, there’s little reason to not consider the PLX over a Technics in that price range. Then consider that the only 1200s you’ll find for $700 anymore will be ones that have had a rough life, so cosmetically damaged that they’re not really worth modding.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve handled both decks and there’s absolutely nothing that indicates a mkii 1200 is of better quality, If anything, it’s the other way around. If you’ve experienced the PLX as you claim, you’d know this as well. I think you continually lambaste the Pioneer as you do because deep down you know it’s the equal of your precious 1200s.

roberjerman,

I think that both of these turntables have their place in the market. I have no experience with new SL 1200 (GR, G, GAE), but, from what I hear, they are impeccably put together. I have experience with Pioneer, a friend of mine has it and I have played with it, in fact got it out of the box and set it up for him. It is great but if I wanted to be picky I could find a few things that feel imperfect. Platter somehow feels light and is a little bit, just the tinniest little bit, off balance. If you watch closely, you can see the edge going up and down slightly. I have no idea if Technics is better than that. By the way, it does not influence the sound no matter how hard I listen.



Pioneer can surely produce decent turntable for $700 and I am sure that Technics could do the same. There may be some additional expense incurred on fit, finish, and actual materials used and price of labor (China vs. Japan). There may also be some cost in research and all that goes in before the production. I also do not see too many ads for Pioneer, but have ran across many for Technics and that must cost something. Lastly, as in most of the products on any kind of market and especially for products as, realistically, unnecessary as a turntable is in 2018, there is a price inflation for cache of the brand and perceived higher value. In a sense, cashing in on better material, more adds, "fancier-perceived" product, and coolness of lineage from 1970s. It happens in all kinds of products so it happens here, too. Louis Vuitton bag will not carry books any better than a $20 bag from Chinatown store, but it costs a bit more. Both have their clientele.

One thing that seems to me to be going in favor of anybody buying a Pioneer is that it can be easily bought. Technics is somehow missing in stores, even websites. I would like to see and feel one, but no luck.