New Technics vs. old

I’ve taken several steps up from the barbaric SL-1200mk2, to the ultra-refined SL-1700mk2. It’s not quite what the SP-10mk3 with a nice arm would be, but it’s leaps and bounds ahead of the new pseudo-semi-auto unit or the SL-1200mk7 or G or GAE. 

Dear @boofer : In January 23 of this year you made almost the same question and in that thread you received several answers that gave you almost all what any one could needs to cope perfectly your questions.

Makes no sense to repeat " same " thread today ! ! ? ? ? I think that you have to make your self work and at least try to listen the the new models but after almost 5 months you did not ! !.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

Sleepwalker, As far as I can determine, the SL1700mk2 is one version of the old original SL1200, and even the SL1700 dates back to the early 1980s.  I guess it is different from the original SL1200 and most of its descendants in that it offers semi-auto operation.  Same goes for the SL1200mk7, which can still be purchased new, in that it too is in the same family with the old original SL1200 line.  None of those turntables are in the same league with the latest SL1200G, GAE, or GR.  The latter have a much better motor, better chassis', better platter, tonearm, etc., compared to any of the earlier models.

I can't see how the SL1700mk2 and the "barbaric" SL1200mk2 would be qualitatively different from one another, except in terms of extraneous features.  It is indeed unfortunate that Technics chose to preserve the outward physical appearance of the old SL1200 line and to keep using the "SL1200" naming system, when they introduced the G, GAE, and GR, but there's no need to confuse the OP, nevertheless.  Yes, the GAE, GR, and G would be highly recommended. 

Raul: my January question was about specific Technics models, and that question was satisfactorily answered, in my opinion. My recent question is more general as to whether it is worth spending the extra $ on the newer models; ie. are they that much better than the older ones. I benefit greatly from  collective opinions ffrom Audiogon members.

On the advice of some local Visigoths, I replaced the feet and mat on my Technics 1200 MKII.  I also added a fluid damper and upgraded the headshell.  I thought (and still think!) it sounded pretty good.I still have it but upgraded to a Technics 1200G which is much better, as it should be given the price.  The 1200GR is really good too and I thought a bit about buying that and saving some money.I am very happy with my table.  It is an improvement but the 1200MKII with tweaks was nice too.