u/Busy-Soup349

Hello friends -

Hoping for some guidance and direction here. I have a Roon Nucleus, a year subscription, a bunch of songs saved on saved on an internal HD and I’m using Qobuz and Tidal.

On a standalone basis Qobuz provides zero suggestions for new music. I just started with Tidal too early to tell.

I want to state I have no issue with the sound quality or interface with Roon. But for all the hype about music discovery and how Roon makes connections - I am exceedingly underwhelmed.

What am I doing wrong?

I compare the Roon discovery to Spotify for instance and it’s lacking. Can you help improve my experience? I’m assuming this is user error on my part. I’d love to enjoy Roon the way so many other users do.

Thanks in advance!

So I find myself wanted to upgrade from my beloved Sansui SR-717 turntable to one of the aforementioned Technics.

The 1200MK2 would be a local FB market place purchase for $700. The owner claims only his father had it and is willing to sell it for $700. Maybe it checks out. Maybe it does not. He does have the original box FWIW.

The 1500CS ($1700) and 1200GR2 ($2500) would be purchased new from an authorized vendor with warranties.

I have a Luxman 507Z amp/phono stage and Wharfedale Super Lintons.

I would say records are about 20ish percent of my listening. I have invested in a number of things for cleaning and it has revolutionized my listening experience. I really, really like records. I only see growth in my record listening. It just is fun.

I am trying to figure out - is the 1200MK2 a red herring? Let's assume it is in very good condition.

The auto lift at the end of a record of the 1500CS is absolutely a consideration. For either the MK2 or the GR2 I would invest in the Little Fwend for another $300. I can afford that, and I view that as a sunk cost.

What I am trying to determine - does it make sense to spend the extra money on the 1500CS vs the 1200MK2? When I compare the CS to the GR2 it looks like a difference in weight which may marginally impact sound quality?

I am sure spending more gets you more, I am just concerned about diminishing returns.

Oh and to throw one more grenade into the convo - I could do a Rega Planar 5 with an Ania Pro for about $1800ish. I will certainly uprgrade my cart whichever turntableI pick.

Nota Bene: My goal is not to go cheap. I want to buy for the next 5+ years, not the next 10, as I am sure I will upgrade. I am trying to avoid "Wiim answers". What I mean by that is Wiim, is great. It is fantastic at that price point, but I am not at that price point (despite my interest in the 1200MK2). I am not looking to save the last dollar. I want something that is aligned with the rest of what I have. I hope that makes sense. Thanks you in advance!