Technics - SL-1210GAE vs SL-1300G

[Entrigo]

Little poll, for anyone who has had the chance to compare the two.

How does the 1200GAE compare to the 1300G, purely in terms of SQ?

1. The 1200GAE is significantly better

2. The GAE is touch better than the 1300G

3. Hardly any difference



I have recently bought the SL-1300G as an upgrade from the SL1500C and while it is a fine sounding deck, I can't help but feel the upgrade wasn't as much as I thought - considering the jump in price.

I am now eyeing a GAE but not sure if it's worth the extra cost - the GAE has the better arm and plinth but the 1300G has the newer drive...
But then the deck is on a thick, solid shelf mounted on a brick wall on two sides.

What does people think?

Should I stay or should I go (deeper in debt 😆)?

 

[nopiano]

Does playing LPs make up the majority of your listening? If so, it might be worth it for the better arm and swisher finish. But your 1300 is pretty much state of the art in many respects, though we both know there are hundreds of “flavours” of record player out there.

Can you actually buy the 1200 G Anniversary Edition, or are you considering the regular G version? Or I see there’s a Master Edition too, the GME! And what about the new Michell Revolv, with your choice of arm? 🤔🤣

 

[Entrigo]

Does playing LPs make up the majority of your listening? If so, it might be worth it for the better arm and swisher finish. But your 1300 is pretty much state of the art in many respects, though we both know there are hundreds of “flavours” of record player out there.

Can you actually buy the 1200 G Anniversary Edition, or are you considering the regular G version? Or I see there’s a Master Edition too, the GME! And what about the new Michell Revolv, with your choice of arm? 🤔🤣

Yes, in the last year vinyl playback has shot up to being around 90% of my hi-fi listening - relegating streaming to listening at my work desk and while on the move - and CD to the occasional guilt play (i.e. when I remember I upgraded CD player to a pretty decent one in the spring and it is sitting there gathering dust 🙄)

There is a GAE I am looking at if the price is right - nearly pulled the trigger last week but had last minute second thoughts. I will most likely not pull the trigger this time either but it might come down to last minute impulse again - as opinions on the various fora seem to be as disparate as to leave me in the exact same point as where I started haha

The GME is really not for me. I am already not a fan of the DJ looks - I can make an exception for the GAE also as it has that "limited edition" shine to it and it allows you to switch the strobe off - but the gold arm... yuck (sorry not sorry 🤣)

Michell - I am not sure. I really considered an Orbe se at the beginning of the year as there was a used one for a very good price but - I am not 100% sure of the looks (it will sit almost pride of place in our living room so aesthetics will play a small part) and anyway, at £4k without arm, it's out of my league...