Technics 1200G vs VPI Forever Model One


This is a bit of a loaded question, and the Forever line is probably still too new, but I'm going to toss this out anyway. 

For backstory, I currently have a Mofi Ultradeck and it's treated me very well, but I'm starting to think about the next step and which piece I'd like to save for.

The Technics obviously has a legendary status, and is probably one of the lowest maintenance tables on the market. However they have become much more difficult to demo and you really have to purchase on blind faith that it will live up to expectations. The only time I've ever seen a 1200G was when I purchased my UD back in 2018 I demoed it alongside a 1200GR the dealer has one on display but I didn't get to hear it. That was before Technics scaled back to only higher volume dealers, which is somewhat annoying as a customer. But it's also the more affordable of the two options and I've also noticed the number of reviewers that continue to depend on the 1200G for their main systems. Obviously the option to quickly change headshells is part of the reason for reviewers, and that wouldn't really apply for me because I'm much more of a one cart type of person. But none the less, the 1200G sounds like a no brainer on paper. 

However, I've always loved the looks and sound of VPI tables. I've heard several over the past decade, and every time I've enjoyed the sound and performance regardless of surroundings system and cartridge. It also helps that I normally hear them in fairly high end systems with quality cartridges. Last weekend I also got to meet Mat Wiesfeld at SWAF and got to spend a solid amount of time evaluating the Forever Model One. I really liked the sound of the table, love the look, and the modular design is interesting but also might be annoying. But the upgradability and repair options does have a real appeal to it, especially when I think about long term upgrades. The ownership experience will not be as easy. Replacing belts, oiling bearings, manual belt speed changes, suspended design. While it certainly seems easier to own than the older unipivot arms, it will require more effort and TLC. But it does have a cool factor that I just don't get from the Technics, and the idea of upgrading speed controls and arms over time does sound cool. I also have more faith that VPI will continue to honor service well past the production period of the Forever One. I'm not sure I have that same faith in Panasonic once the 1200G is discontinued. 

Would love to hear thoughts from others on which direction you would go and what pushes you that way. 

displayname

Don't you think it has a lot to do with the fact that one company sells only turntables and tonearms and is based in New Jersey (I think) and the other is a small fraction of a huge conglomerate that sells products all over the world and is based in Tokyo?  If you lived in Japan, the service would rival that of VPI any day of the week.  (We visit Tokyo annually, and I have observed the interaction of audiophiles with their dealers in that city.) In the US, the service is based on what the distributor cares to provide.  I think your beef is with him, not Technics.   Have you actually complained to the distributor? If he is unresponsive, perhaps you ought to report your experience to some higher authority at Technics. You say the frozen VTF problem is common, yet I have not seen any reports of similar problems here on this Forum or over on Vinyl Asylum. This is not at all to say I doubt your veracity, and I don't blame you for your anger if you have been ignored by either your dealer or the Technics distributor, but you have not given details. In general, turntables and tonearms are relatively simple devices and tend to be quite reliable.  If something goes wrong it is usually the motor or the electronics that govern the motor. So I would choose a TT based on its merits as a TT, not on the service issue.  Also, I have only owned vintage Technics TTs, where there is no prospect of having the factory provide service under any warranty. Still, I have never had a problem with any Technics TT.  If buying new, then yes the dealer is important of course. In your case, did the dealer let you down?

lewm,

First and most importantly, I am not angry.  My GAE is long out of warranty.  The dealer is out of business.  The TT is in daily use, sits beside my HW40.  Mono/Stereo.  I play a lot of records.  I researched the arm freeze problem looking for a solution and that is how I learned that it is a common problem.  I have not discovered a local repair option.  Technics, as you say, is part of a big corporation.  Their customer support is not competitive with VPI in the USA.  That is the small specialty company’s unique advantage.  If I spent the time there is no doubt that my arm could be repaired.  I have not spent the time yet.  We will be going to our NH home for the summer and that is the time to send the GAE off to wherever it going to have to go for service.  My motive in posting here is to share my experience so others will not have any false impressions one way or the other.

"arm freeze problem” - Technics arm will perform well if maintained properly. My GAE’s arm tracks well up to 0.5gf with AT-ML180! There are couple of simple steps "how to” video on youtube.