Steve The original 1200's were Hi Fi turntables with great specs an sound, if thess are 20% to 40% better at wow/flutter noise floor and vibration isolation they are worth the 4K they are asking. Many so called better tables are very finicky limited to a few cartridges and wont last as long.For $4,000, there are better tables.
No doubt the 1200s are very good tables, but they were never considered to be among the HiFi elite from a pure playback perspective. Now the SP10 .. different story. I owned 2 of the 1200s over the years .. solid, dependable .. but the tonearms weren't up to snuff with the better designs for pure playback (again .. great for a DJ).Steve The original 1200's were Hi Fi turntables with great specs an sound, if thess are 20% to 40% better at wow/flutter noise floor and vibration isolation they are worth the 4K they are asking. Many so called better tables are very finicky limited to a few cartridges and wont last as long.
Though, if you read the entry in the first link you posted, the blurb on the 1200 starts with: Not, strictly speaking, the best hi-fi turntable that you have ever heard in your life, the SL-1200 is blessed with magnificent bass characteristics from its direct drive motor.The 8 best vintage turntables and what to look out for when buying second hand
Gramophone Dreams #9
The 8 Best Vintage Turntables | Best Turntables
The Technics 1200 ranks slightly below the SP-10, but it is still a brilliant turntable that is consistently underrated by audiophiles. Perhaps this is because it is so popular as a DJ turntable. The Technics 1200 does not take much set up to be an excellent hifi turntable, and its durability is fantastic. Non-DJs will find the price a little much these days, especially when compared to other contenders on this list. A base level LP12 is nearly the same cost as a second hand Technics 1200 these days.
All say it is a good Audiophile table and an underrated one at that.... And that's the old model
Like these???I'm still trying to get my Yamaha PX3 fixed (need new arm drive belt) .. if I can't find the right belt or get one made...
The PX-3 still sells for over $500 consistently on eBay. Was originally in the same price range as that Thorens unit you're currently considering. Not telling you something you don't already know, just trying to point out it's worth repairing the PX-3.I haven't opened up my unit .. I suspect the small belts drive the mechanism that moves the large belt. Might be an easy fix .. there is a stereo shop down in New Haven .. they said they used to sell this turntable back in the day and can most likely repair it. I think if they can do it for less than $200-$250, it's worth it to me.
To a point .. there is another fellow that repairs the optical board that senses the belt/arm positioning .. $250-$300 for that service (component repair as there are no replacement parts). If I drop too much on this fix and then find out after I get it functioning that it needs the 2nd fix, I'm now out maybe $500-$600 .. not too far from a decent new one with a warranty.The PX-3 still sells for over $500 consistently on eBay. Was originally in the same price range as that Thorens unit you're currently considering. Not telling you something you don't already know, just trying to point out it's worth repairing the PX-3.
That's always the dilemma. You have to make an educated guess (take a calculated risk). If you're wrong... oh well.[emoji3]To a point .. there is another fellow that repairs the optical board that senses the belt/arm positioning .. $250-$300 for that service (component repair as there are no replacement parts). If I drop too much on this fix and then find out after I get it functioning that it needs the 2nd fix, I'm now out maybe $500-$600 .. not too far from a decent new one with a warranty.
Agree ..That's always the dilemma. You have to make an educated guess (take a calculated risk). If you're wrong... oh well.[emoji3]