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Please help! - Buy VPI Classic or keep Technics 1200

I've got upgraditis and am thinking about treating myself to a new audio component for Christmas.  I currently have a Technics 1200 with a Denon 103R cartridge and a heavily modified Jolida JD9 phono stage.  Yes it sounds fantastic but I don't know what I am missing with a VPI Classic or similar table.  There isn't a place close to me where I can go for a demo.  

My question is for you experts - would there be a substantial sound improvement with a VPI Classic  or Classic 2 table if I were to invest the $4,000 in comparison to my Technics 1200?  Would it take the sound to a higher level?  (which is something that I am looking for).  I don't really care about aesthetics or bragging rights but what I do care about is performance and functionality.
audioman2015
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
https://www.kabusa.com/  works fine! It runs frame sets, so you might have a browser setting issue, @chakster 

I'm running the same, SP10mk2, but was originally looking at buying a 1200 to mod. Ran into a great deal on a fully refurbished table and couldn't pass it up. 

Since OP already owns the 1200, it would be crazy to not get that upgrade path serious consideration. He should also read up on Mike New, an Aussie 1200 guru, and his bearing and platter upgrades for the 1200. Cheers,
Spencer
chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
I don’t care, but the site does not work in my country for a long time, no matter which device (mobile or pc or mac) or which browser we use here (it doesn’t work for any of my local friends), i’m glad it’s fine for you in USA https://www.kabusa.com/ I just got the message that it's impossible to connect to the server. 

It was fine to dead with Kevin in the past by email, but to be honest his site was and probably still is the worst ever oldschool desing i have ever seen (it was designed like those web sites from the mid 90s when i bought my first computer) and remains the same till my last visit few years ago:) Then it just stop working and it seems like a server problem. Time to update the site. 

tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
The classic 1 is  great value.   Just need to set it up correctly
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
i would keep the technics at all costs because it’ll be tough to find a cheap 1 in pristine shape which i would imagine yours is. and if you wanna buy a new 1, the cheapest model, the 1200gr which just debuted at ces, is gonna be around 2k usd list. i’m never selling my 1210m5g, regardless whether i upgrade or not...just for the simple fact that it’s out of production...
darkstar1
180 posts
 
I have a VPI Prime with a SS Aida. I also have a Friend with the Classic One. 

Just bought a Craiglist 1200mk5 for a crazy low amount in todays Market. I have the 1200 outfitted with a low end MC Benz cart. Its the only spare cart I had on hand so we tapped a nickel to the head shell to get the needle to drop. 

Don't sell the 1200. Just Don't. I have not come to a full conclusion but I know it's closer than the price tags would indicate. If you really want to go that route keep the 1200 and buy a used VPI. Or do the KAB upgrades or totally upgrade the arm. 

but IMO it would be insane to sell the 1200 for the performance they provide even at a 600 used price tag. Oh and yes I use to scoff at them and think they sounded mechanical until I heard one with a decent cart in a nice system.
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