How can technics justify $4000 for a new SL-1200 turntable?

Because they think people like Chakster will pay that much for it.

So they are wrong, because this is my turntable and I paid less for it.

I bought my first Technics is 1995 and this is not my type of design today even if internally it’s completely new turntable, I have no interest in G, GAE, GR or MK7, because I have superior turntables with much better tonearms and they are all vintage top models (not from Technics), all are Direct Drive.  

I can accept as a gift SP10R.

Some audiophile discovered Technics only a few years ago because of the reviews from Mr. Fremer and related reviewers. There are so many people in this hobby brainwashed by superiority of belt drive turntables for decades, they have no clue what is a proper Direct Drive and what is Technics, except for the information that some models adopted by deejays since the early 80’s, those people have no idea why there is a pitch control on High-End turntables, they think picth is for DJing only, but it’s not true.

Not this week.

Don't forget that the dealer profit on that $4K Technics TT is 30% - or $1200! One hand washes the other! 

Sam, Get some help if you really believe all that you say you believe. Or if you’re just having fun, no one else is amused.

@roberjeman I bet it's not 30% profit... probably 30% margin, which is  BIG difference... actually profit is probably less than 10%. Overhead isn't cheap...