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

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.

We’ll, looks like I’m going to stay with my 1200G for now. I’m still considering the Sota and if still available in a few weeks might make a move on it. First, I’m going to try a new cart and hear how that sounds it’s my table and system. I do have a NOS Benz Micro Glider 577 with .9mv output I’ve been sitting on for years. Any thoughts on how that would work in my system or compared to my Cadenza Black? 

Also, for the 1200G owners what geometry do you all use to set up your carts. I have a Feickert system and have three choices: Baerwald, Logren or Stevenson. Thx. 

why not try all  three…draw some conclusions, tell us….and give back to the forum…… ?

I also have the Feickert alignment tool and initially used Baerwald with my 1200G and Hana SL. Then I switched to Stevenson and really couldn't hear any difference. I left it at Stevenson because it seemed easier to set up. I also run a Shure V15 V-MR with Stevenson.