Upgrade from Technics 1200 MK2? $1-$1.5k budget

Johnnyb53 et. al. thanks for your input

To answer some questions:
+ Headshell = ortofon. Does the Sumiko or LpGear ZuPreme lock into place well? In my setup, I can twist the ortofon even when it's screwed down. There is quite alot of excess tolerance around the pin / tone arm connection.
+ Fluid dampener - yes, this was one of the upgrades on the list. I was also going to rewire the tone arm. I hear it's a PITA, but well worth it.
+ The 1/4 in. mat does a pretty good job. I can't really tell a difference between the 1/4" and 1/8" mat -- i've only been using the 1/4 mat for about a week.
+ This is the record weight that I've been using: http://www.amazon.com/Chrome-Finish-Turntable-Stabilizer-Audiophile/dp/B0043KJAK4
I've only had it for a couple weeks. Not sure it really does anything with my 180g records.
+Hmm. So the feet i haven't though much about. The stock feet allow for level adjustment which I need. johnnyb53 - how do you level your table with the vibrapod cones?

I emailed Kevin a while back and he suggested that a rewire would be the most cost effective (it's like $30 + time). I was also going to replace the headshell wires and also add new RCA cables. So the order of my upgrades would be 1) tonearm rewire, 2) headshell + rca cables, internal ground, fluid dampener.

Mod yours for half your budget.

ANY unstable movement in the arm, any looseness in the headshell, any play in the arm bearings, any non-rigid components in the chain must be eliminated.

IMO, not to mince words, your planned corrective action to your existing arm is a silk purse / sow's ear proposition.

Replacing your current arm with a better arm will result in performance closer to the potential of your table. My suggestion, within your budget, is a Jelco SA-750L (adjustable fluid damping). You could also get a nice cart like an AT-33EV, a good match for the arm, and still stay under budget.

But ultimately, it's your decision.

Great advise folks. Keep the 1200 MK2 unless you're willing to spend over $3000.00

KAB fluid damper is a good option, Jelco SA-750L is a much better option.

Threaded brass cone footers (Bearpaws or Mapleshade) is the way to go.

My favorite matt would be the Funk Firm Achromat. Just remove the rubber matt and replace it with the Acrhomat.

Finally a better headshell like the Sumiko HS12 or the Ortofon LH series (6000, 8000, 9000) will also bring the performance of the TT up a notch.

Save the money and buy records.
Happy listening!

My SL1200MK2 has all of the KAB mods and it is a damn nice package. I think it sounds better overall that my VPI HW-19 Mk3 with SME Series III. I am having no mistrakiing issues with my fully damped arm using four different cartridges. Headshells. The suggestion to consider Sumiko or LP Gear azimuth adjustable ones is something I have been contemplating too. My concern is that these head shells are much heavier than the stock Technics or the KAB version. A popular option for an arm upgrade is an SME 309. Try to get your hands on a copy of the February 2015 issue of HiFi World (UK) covering a bearing upgrade. The same company also offers a platter upgrade. In short you can take your SL1200MK2 a long way further. Kevin at KAB is extremely knowledgeable about this product, is very easy to work with the his modifications make these tables very, very good.