Techniques 1200 g versus 1200 GR2 for small vinyl collection

@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. 

+1 @corelli 

+1 @larsman 

In that price range, the cartridge will be a bigger contributor to sound quality than the turntable. We still don't know anything about your twenty records and their condition but if they're, say, far from pristine, stylus shape alone could make a big difference in the number and intensity of crackles and pops you'll be hearing, and could make the difference between a pleasant experience and a disappointing one.

OP

IMHO, I would lean towards the 1200GR2 to save. the G is the flagship model and yes, it has all the bangs and whistles. Since you claim that you are just keeping a small number of vinyl’s then YES, go with the more inexpensive version that that will serve you many years (decades) to come. 

I was in the same boat as you were. and chose the more entry level of the Vpi line. well, years later I did not regret this decision. Today I did start building my vinyl collection and the move I did was to Upgrade the Phono cart and the Phono Preamp. Now that gives more value than just moving up a step in the model series.

Good luck on your decision

@lewm @corelli @larsman 

I listen to vinyl 70%, CD 30%. (I must like it, every aspect of it) I don't stream, I know little about analog. My world revolves around vinyl.

I was being cynical referring to the famous cartoon. 

And being wrong is my home address, I am ALWAYS wrong. I come here to get corrected and sometimes to learn

This is great information thank you. 

Most of my records will be 12-in mixes of electronic music from the ’90s. Like razormaid mixes. The two albums that I bought brand new recently are dinosaur Jr and mazzy Star which are guitar music

I was going to go with the ortofon black cart for around 1k