[chgolatin2]

I'm a proud owner of a vintage Technics SL1200 MK2, which is mint condition.  However, I am looking for automatic tonearm return.  I have come across the Technics SL1300/1400 and the 1710, the 1710 comes with a different color (dark gray) all others are the standard vintage gray silver look. So those that are more familiar and are experts in this field whats the verdict on the above TT's? Yay or Nay?  If "yay" which one out of the one's mentioned above?  I am seriously eyeing a 1400 and 1710, the 1710 is being sold a bit pricey... 

Opinions?

[GentleBender]

Why not try this auto lifter? http://www.expressimoaudio.com/lift.html? This forum discussion of other options http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/why-doesnt-anyone-make-an-elegant-tonearm-lifter.417682/ or this questionable Q-Up http://www.amazon.com/Q-UP-QUP-Up-Tonearm/dp/B008OAMD26

I'm leaning towards the Levitator since it seems to have the smoothest lift, but I really like the look of the Expressimo. Safety first...

[chgolatin2]

Why not try this auto lifter? http://www.expressimoaudio.com/lift.html? This forum discussion of other options http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/why-doesnt-anyone-make-an-elegant-tonearm-lifter.417682/ or this questionable Q-Up http://www.amazon.com/Q-UP-QUP-Up-Tonearm/dp/B008OAMD26

I'm leaning towards the Levitator since it seems to have the smoothest lift, but I really like the look of the Expressimo. Safety first...

Why pay $99 and up for a lifter when you can buy a complete vintage table that does the same and cheaper too?

[chgolatin2]

No help 

[neobop]

Why pay $99 and up for a lifter when you can buy a complete vintage table that does the same and cheaper too?

Because the other tables you mentioned are not as good as what you've got?
I think you'd have to go to something like the SL1900 to get close, and even then.....   I guess it depends on why you want a semi-auto.  For another room or so you can fall asleep while the record is playing.  Most guys are looking to upgrade, so in that respect your question is unusual.
neo

[chgolatin2]

  unusual? 

[Letitroll98]

unusual? 

I guess the question I might ask would be what is the reason for your desire to go to a much lower quality table?  The auto lift and return I get, it's a handy feature, I just don't think you'd be happy with the cheaper models.  Unless you have a specific use for a table like that of course.  For myself, if had a 1200 table and wanted the auto feature on a second table, I might look at some of the JVC or Denon tables first.  Neo is the expert here and I have a hard time disagreeing with any of his past recommendations.

[S Clark]

There are plenty of JVC tables that would fit the bill in the $200-500 range.  Our departed leader here on the Vinyl Circle, JohnTCG,  preferred several to the Technics 1200. 

[neobop]

Chgolatin2,
If we forget about the why of this, maybe some different aspects could be considered.   Many 1200 owners are enthusiastic about upgrading their table to make it even better.  Such things as tonearm rewiring and fluid damping are very popular, and even replacing the main bearing or external power supply are not unusual.  Here are some of the most common modifications:
https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm

I don't know the vintage of your MK II, but the model goes back to the early '80s.  Virtually all such vintage DDs need some TLC, which includes replacement of all the electrolytic caps in the power supply, going over the circuit boards to fix old solder connections, cleaning or replacing the speed controls, and replacing/upgrading other failed parts like resistors. 
The thing is, some of the tables you're looking at are even older than your MK II.  They might work fine, but an auto or semi having more mechanical parts,  is more likely to break.   Repairs could easily cost more than the table.

Lets say for whatever reason, you want another table anyway.   There are some semi auto models which don't return the tonearm to the arm rest.  Instead, at record end the arm lifts up and the platter stops.  Those tables don't have cams and gears attached to the bottom of the arm.  They activate the arm lifter like one of those devices previously mentioned, only built in.  Some are on pricier models including Kenwood.  The more expensive vintage models tend to be those with nice looking wood plinths and sometimes you can find a bargain.  You can look up some old models here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library.shtml

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-1400.shtml

It's really hard these days to find bargains like you could 6 or 8 years ago.  $100 doesn't go too far.   Good luck whatever you decide.
Regards,
neo

[louie3]

You might want to look at the Q-up.   It won't return the arm, but it allows dozing off for sure. 

Its a little fiddly to get set up, but once set up it works very well...and if you don't change cartridges with every moon phase, it holds set very well, too.

Certainly cheaper than a different table, should work fine with the one you have.

[chgolatin2]

Chgolatin2,
If we forget about the why of this, maybe some different aspects could be considered.   Many 1200 owners are enthusiastic about upgrading their table to make it even better.  Such things as tonearm rewiring and fluid damping are very popular, and even replacing the main bearing or external power supply are not unusual.  Here are some of the most common modifications:
https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm

I don't know the vintage of your MK II, but the model goes back to the early '80s.  Virtually all such vintage DDs need some TLC, which includes replacement of all the electrolytic caps in the power supply, going over the circuit boards to fix old solder connections, cleaning or replacing the speed controls, and replacing/upgrading other failed parts like resistors. 
The thing is, some of the tables you're looking at are even older than your MK II.  They might work fine, but an auto or semi having more mechanical parts,  is more likely to break.   Repairs could easily cost more than the table.

Lets say for whatever reason, you want another table anyway.   There are some semi auto models which don't return the tonearm to the arm rest.  Instead, at record end the arm lifts up and the platter stops.  Those tables don't have cams and gears attached to the bottom of the arm.  They activate the arm lifter like one of those devices previously mentioned, only built in.  Some are on pricier models including Kenwood.  The more expensive vintage models tend to be those with nice looking wood plinths and sometimes you can find a bargain.  You can look up some old models here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library.shtml

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-1400.shtml

It's really hard these days to find bargains like you could 6 or 8 years ago.  $100 doesn't go too far.   Good luck whatever you decide.
Regards,
neo


Thanks Neo, great info... I found a pre owned Denon DF300 for $150, decided to grab it.