Got the new SL1210GR unboxed and running today. Holy shit is it a dramatic improvement already and I'm still using the 2M Red. The Gold 3 should be here Monday and I am anticipating another huge leap. The SL1210GR over the SL1900 is primarily in the noise floor, the separation, and the pace. I never knew what people meant exactly by pace but it is a clear difference here. I am assuming it has to do with a more stable platter speed. Everything feels way more on point with a crisper sense of urgency in the timing. Also, before we had to soft step around the listening area and now I can literally jump up and down with no audible issues.
Look, I was happy with the sound I was getting out of the 1900. I did want a cartridge upgrade, but it started mistracking and shit so I figured if I'm gonna replace it I should go with something I can pass down to the kids. I didn't expect a huge upgrade in sound but I certainly got one.
I feel like I need to listen to every record again. I'll put that endeavor on hold, though. I'm gonna pick 5 or 6 records to get familar with on this setup and then replay them when I get the Gold 3 installed so I can be more certain about improvements.
BTW, first record on the new table was Julia Jacklin's Crushing.