Technics SL-1500C or SL-1210GR

It's a slippery slope.  For my second system, I originally was planning for a $2500 or so front end.

Turned out to be closer to $6K with my Feickert Volare, Audiomods 6, Hana ML set up.  Love it!

Technics 1200G  plays in a different league than the 1500 and 1200 mk 7.  Lots of choices ...

@hedgehog

I recently purchased a P3/Ania combo... it was no match for what I already had (have) Heybrook TT2/LVX/AT33PTG/II, so I sold it pronto.

That said there is solid engineering and no BS in the Technics line, and of all their current models I believe the SL1210GR/SL1200GR are the best bang for the buck which in all likelihood will give one audible improvements over the 1500 and MK7 for a nominal surcharge.

The SL1210GR/1200GR has better feet, better isolated chassis, heavier and more sophisticated platter, plus VTA on the fly vs. the 1500. The only features that are the same is the motor and tonearm.  A better way of looking at it is that it's 98% as good as a 1200G at less than 1/2 the price.

@bobbydd 

Your solution is how I’m ending up. Did you have any issues getting the correct armboard from your dealer?

I’ll use my very low hours A-T VM760SLC for the time being. Looks like I’m about 8 weeks out on the tonearm. Now, must decide on walnut vs black. 

I made a hard u-turn on my plans. I decided I did not want to give up the ability to swap headshells/cartridges. Out with Volare and Series Six, and in with SL-1210GR. I plowed some of the difference into a Ortofon Quintet Black S. 

Oh wow....how do these compare. The Volvare is a nice table. The Woodpecker along with the Pure Fidelity seem to be a nice middle ground without spending $10K