Just how good is the Technics SL-1200?

Your question sounded familiar, so I found this....
(Discussion about mods, Rega, Linn)

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1318469649&read&keyw&zztechnics+sl-1200

Hah hah hah.. That is an interesting question, which, if the old time Technics fanboys are reading, will soon fill this thread with Technics love.
The Technics 1200 was an decent platter and motor with a below average arm.
The Denon turntables are about the same, with a slightly better arm. You can find DP59L or DP-47F available for the same money.
Denon do not have a lot of mods available though.

The Rega, VPI etc are different.

Linn is a whole different pile of fish.

Generally the Rega/Technics are 'opposite' in that those who like one dislike the other.
I own a Rega, and would never bother to own a Technics. (though I owned a Denon Dp-59L)
Most folks who own a Technics would never own a Rega.
So it goes.
And your reading 'how good'... That is all fanboy ravings..
Like I wrote. it is an average TT, decent motor/platter. below average arm.
The Rega has it's own flaws.. So does VPI, or Linn, or ANY TT. At least the worst fault is not their fans. Who show resraint when praising the product.
Technics fanboys have NO shame, and usually claim the Technics 1200 series is the Second Coming.(or close to it.)

Since the 1200 has been discontinued.. The roar of praise has dimmed. I guess with nothing to sell, the paid choir has gone home.
Just my opinion, and snide crack at the Technics crowd.

If you really want a TT with autoreturn, then the Technics is OK, So are the Denon.

The Technics (particularly the M5G or Mk. 6) is a superb turntable all the way around...the secret is to put a top class MM cartridge on it, and it will reward you with many hours of happy listening.

A KAB USA modded SL-1200 with a Dynavector 17D3 is a killer turntable. The ultimate would be with a stock Shure V15VxMR cartridge, but they've long been discontinued and the JICO SAS replacement styli changes (brightens) the sound dramatically. The Audio Technica AT150MLX is also an excellent cart for it but is too bright at 47kΩ. I use all 3 carts on mine.

For speed stability, ease of use, and reliability the SL1200 is incredible. Get some mods done (fluid damper, new wire, and power supply) and I doubt you'll find a significantly better sounding table. I actually find no fault with the stock arm as long as it has upgraded wire and the KAB fluid damper. There is an ideal amount of "play" in the headshell for azimuth adjustment (if you need more, there's something wrong with your cartridge). There's repeatable VTA adjustment. The VTF and anti-skate adjustments are extremely accurate and reliable. Being able to swap headshells is invaluable (especially for mono and 78 RPM carts). I've had two other "high end" belt drive tables, and I'm never going back. Did many needle drop comparisons with the same cart and phono stage. Zero difference in audio quality. However, the Technics speed stability was better, was quieter, and tracked better! It's just not very pretty compared to other turntables. Don't judge it's performance on aesthetics. I have a fully modded KAB SL-1210M5G. Set up with a Mint LP Best Tractor. EAR 324 Phono Stage.