New Technics SL 1200 GAE

I don't own a 1200 GAE but I listened to one for about half an hour in a store.  I don't have much of an opinion about the sound since I heard it mostly on  planar speakesr that a different sound than what I am used to.  Also, it had a new cartridge that only had an hour or so on it.

I do own a modified 1200 MK2 with an Archomat mat, isonoe footers, KAB fluid damper and good AT and Sumiko headshells.  I didn't have to listen for more than 30 seconds to realize that the GAE is superior to the 1200 MK2.  The greater clarity, richness of the sound and texture were what I noticed first.  Visually, it appears to be much better built than the older models.  As it should considering the price!

A number of people have made comments online implying that it is overpriced and a ripoff by Technics.  Seeing how (and where) it is made, it seems to be reasonably priced to me.  Personally, I like knowing that this is made in Japan, made according to their traditions and not outsourced to some sweatshop in China.

Do I wish they had chosen another design?  To be honest, yes.  I bought my 1200 MK2 originally as a stopgap after my Thorens table broke and couldn't be repaired.  I didn't like the looks of the 1200 at first but it has grown on me over the years.  I don't find the looks of the SP 10 to be more attractive, in any case.

I am sure it could be improved by adding a much more expensive arm.  Sound can always be improved-or at least altered-by spending more money on different things  Personally, I don't think the arm that is on it now is so shabby.  I would use it for awhile before I thought about replacing it.  Still I would love to hear one with a Triplanar or SME!

@andysf

I don’t find the looks of the SP 10 to be more attractive, in any case.

Really? Maybe the stock technics obsidian plinth is not attractive at all, but if you put your SP-10mk2 in a good wooden plinth (like i did with mine, click here) it does looks much better and can accept any king of tonearm including "12 inch.

Chakster:  Not knocking the SP 10!  I would be very happy to own one but am wary of buying one used.  Your plinth looks great but the SP 10 was designed for professional use and looks the part: a bit clunky and 70s bland.  I didn't say it looked bad-just not any better than the SL 1200!  I really like the looks of the Thorens 124 or the Garrard 301.  In modern turntables I like the all wood SOTA and the Kuzma S (pipe bomb).  This is all a matter of taste, of course.  Some tables look better than they sound...

Atmasphere:  I would also be interested in how changed the torque might effect the sound.  One poster felt that reducing it had a very positive effect.

Chakster:  I agree, of course, that the SP10mk2 is a superior sounding turntable to the 1200Mk2.  I just don't think it is as attractive as, say, your Luxman PD 444.
  If I could just drive across town to the "Olde Turntable Shoppe" and buy a SP10 from the kindly gent who rebuilds them and will be on hand to fix things when any problems occur, I would.  I don't think there are any for sale nearby.  I would have to get one off of Ebay or Audiogon.  I have had bad enough experiences buying records online.  The idea of buying a turntable online makes me very nervous!

Atmasphere:  Do you think that the "slight shimmer" that you hear after reducing the torque could be related to what is often referred to as "viscosity" or "liquidity" in the sound?  (Such as HR's review of the new Technics in Stereophile.)

BillStevenson:  Good point about the 1200 being a record collector's table.  It certainly checks all the boxes!

My understanding is that the GAE and G have the same arm.  Only the feet are different.