Thoughts on moving from a 1200G to Sota Saphire or above

Technics SP-10mk3 drive alone is about $5000 minimum, usually higher

@lewm

Thank you for considerations ...and thoughtful post based upon your hands on experience :0}

I was fond of my own Kenwood L07D and regret letting it go at times.

Don't do it.  

@lewm I didnt mean same as in equals. I just meant all 3 technics sounded like cut from a similar cloth. The Mk2 sounded bigger and more dynamic than 1200G. The Mk3 sounded like a fully grown up TT coming from the same stable. Big, bold, stable sound with more tonal bloom. In fact only the Mk3 had the kind of dynamics I get from 301 and Lenco.

I bought a refurbished SOTA Sapphire 6(ish) from them last summer. I got it with the Ortofon 2m Red and an Origin Live Silver tonearm. I live an hour away from the factory in Delavan Wisconsin. I got to meet Donna the owner. As I was loading up my new toy she told me that it could handle any cartridge that I could throw at it up to about $3k. 

I got the Ortofon Red because I was trying to decide whether I wanted a SoundSmith Carmen or Aida. A few weeks later Music Direct was having a sale on cartridges so I ended up with a SoundSmith The Voice (for $200 more than the Aida) and my mom and dad's old Sansui got a 2m Red cartridge.

I have had a few turntables in my lifetime. One of my favorites was my old Dual. That was a case of some creative dumpster diving. I took three carcasses and ended up with one working table and one parts table. During one of my moves my mom decided to toss it. I was not happy. Most of my other tables were cast offs. The best one was an old empire.

My SOTA is my first "new" turntable purchase. Also my last. A broken SOTA can be repaired. An old SOTA can be upgraded or traded in on a new one. My daughter wants it when I no longer need it. 

I suggest getting the old SOTA and enjoy it just as it is for six months or so before any upgrades or improvements. If you can afford it keep your old Technics. It will allow you two different "flavors" to choose from. Might even prevent upgrade-itis.