New TT for ~$1500

@chakster you seem to know about turntables a thing or two, I have an SL-1210mk5, bought it used, and added a DL301II which was kind of complex to align and mount on the Technics headshell (at least for me) and I'm not entirely sure is properly installed, this is something I have to revisit but then I wondered if I should replace or mod the tonearm (which is Technics standard) add a tonearm cable, possibly balanced for my balanced preamp etc.

If you were in my case would you sell what I currently have and get a new SL1200G? or even a SL1200GR?The DL301II which is MC, should I get a MM cartridge instead?
I am a novice with turntables, I have an entirely digital rig (very good IMO) but I have the itch to start getting vinyl etc (currently have like 15 only and these are not very good)
Which would it be a good place to get "good mastered vinyl" Discog?
Thanks in advance

@luisma31  

If i were you i would buy a better MM cartridge for this old Technics turntable, i would definitely rewire internal tonearm cable and external phono cable. Actually i've done that before with my pair of SL1210 mkII (added kab fluid dampers and isonoe feet, complete rewire with cardas internal and zu mission external wires/cables, but unbalanced). I was very happy with result, the most important is cartridge, the rest of this upgrade is very cheap, but you need superb MM or MI cartridge with advanced stylus profile and impressive sound quality. There are many of them available NOS. Over the years i've been buying all of them. 

It is nice to change a turntable too, but this is much more expensive and you can do that later when you will have a perfect cartridge to install on better Technics turntable. If you don't have the real killer cartridge then i don't think you have to start with new turntable. 

BUT if you have a budget for SL1200G go ahead, it can be your last turntable for the next 30 years :) 

P.S. Discogs is fine to buy records, i prefer original pressings from the 70's as most of my music is from that era. I don't like re-issues. 

 

 

pioneer, fully automatic, OR, fully manual, hmmmm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-PL-530-Vintage-Direct-Drive-Turntable-Fully-Serviced-Works-Well/224015961788?hash=item3428644ebc:g:GGwAAOSwXQRew-Xo

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-530.shtml

here's an inexpensive start, $375. delivered

Pioneer Direct Drive, wood deck, separate arm for anti-static roller and dust brush

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-PL-1250-Stereo-record-player-Direct-drive-type-Includes-instructions/193474325293?_trkparms=aid%3D1110002%26algo%3DSPLICE.SOI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20190711095549%26meid%3D4a566d5fc9414414b5b5ed6d6c1ae6a7%26pid%3D100047%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D193474324926%26itm%3D193474325293%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSellersOtherItemsV2%26brand%3DPioneer&_trksid=p2047675.c100047.m2108

good looking custom wood deck, Pioneer belt drive, inexpensive 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-PL-514-TURNTABLE-CUSTOM-RESTORATION-MAHOGANY-WOOD-FULLY-SERVICED-/124193785757?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10