Techniques 1200 g versus 1200 GR2 for small vinyl collection

“I want to get a techniques turntable because they remind me of the turntable my family used to have.”

@dman777 
That actually makes sense and honestly, it’s a healthy way to approach vinyl. You’re not chasing it as your main source… you’re keeping it as something special.

And going with Technics hits the spot on both nostalgia and good quality. 

With about 20 records in your collection (I’d love to know what genres you’re into so readers here can make some cartridge recommendations), the mindset doesn’t have to be about building a huge record collection. 

It can simply be, I’m creating a small ritual I can return to when I want to feel music.

"Would I regret it and wish I got the SL1200 later? “ - Yes!

GR vs G version is like small engine “affordable” BMW! 

OP

Are you aware of hifishark.com

Here is a list of Technics Turntables for sale, sorted by 'first seen, new first',

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=technics+turntable

so you can jump on a new listing when an opportunity shows up. You can sort by price, you can put in min and max prices that fit your budget, limit the area of origin ..... to limit the list. I always put a max a bit above the budget, just in case a few dollars more gets something much more. 

@lewm + 1 - why do people go on to Analog threads so they can bash analog? People who enjoy analog don't much care what these folks think about it. 

@dman777, I have a SL1200-G.  It is a well built and great sounding player.  But I have about 1,000 LPs, reduced from about 3,000 for a move.

With that I agree with lewm, yogiboy, and others, buy a new or near new SL-1200.  They are also fine tables and some of the savings could be spent on more records if you discover you really enjoy what they can offer.

Additionally, if you read much online you may see the 1200 referred to as a "DJ table".  That is an unfortunate misnomer.  True, it has been adopted by DJs for many years now, but it was developed and introduced as a home audio product.  That is possibly what your family owned.  After introduction about 1975, improved versions were introduced with strong sales until the late '80s when CD sales dominated consumer demand.  Many turntable models were discontinued and the 1200 might have been one of those, except DJs had discovered the good sonics, and more important, the durability of the 1200.  So their demand kept versions of that model in production.  Now since about 2000 and the renewed interest in vinyl LPs Technics continues production with further refinements.  But many consumers only know it as THE model favored by DJs so that reputation remains.