Technics - Master Edition Direct Drive Turntable System - SL-1200GME - Silver

The SL-1200 GME is a gorgeous instrument. I did not call it a precision instrument, because it took me 3 tries to get a unit that functiones properly. I am so glad I purchased the 1200 GME from Best Buy. Returning the first two defective units was totally hassle free The first 1200 GME had an issue with the anti-skating applying way too much force. I found out the hard way. I set the anti-skating dial to the same force as the tracking force. At the end of a record side the tonearm locked groove and just kept skipping. I ran over to cue up the tonearm so that it would not cause stylus or record damage. I found that the proper setting was between 0.25 and Zero with a tracking force of 1.5 grams. I used the "Peter Lederman" method to set the anti-skating. The top arm bearing appeared to be very tight as well. The tonearm at "Free Float" was not very free. I returned that unit and ordered a second 1200 GME. The second unit had a motor spike once per revolution that caused the speed to fluctuate. It also has the exact same tonearm and anti-skating miscalibration. I purchased a "Wally Skater" from Wally Tools to accurately set the anti-skating. This second GME was 8% off. I returned the second unit. Once again, I am glad I'm dealing with Best Buy, because the second exchange for the third unit was totally hassle free. I received the third 1200 GME yesterday. The motor works well and the anti-skating appears to be much less aggressive. I will set it accurately using the Wally Skater. The only issue with the third unit is cosmetic. The aluminum top plate has some smudges behind the platter, back by where the dustcover attaches. At first I thought they were fingerprints (not from me as I wore gloves during assembly). They were not fingerprints, as I gently wiped the area with a microfiber cloth. They are permanent smudges from whatever metal finishing shop worked the top aluminum plate. How does this stuff get past quality control? Obviously the resurrected "Technics" brand, appears to me, to not have the quality they did the first time around back in the 70's and 80's. I guess I'll just live with the flaws in the aluminum top plate. I don't want to get a fourth 1200 GME and risk another issue with a motor or anti-skating being grossly miscalibrated. I'm glad, once again, that I purchased from Best Buy. Exchanges until I got a 1200 GME mechanically sound was totally hassle free. I do not think I would purchase another Technics turntable again. Quality Control is not good at all from the factory. When you are paying $6,600 for a turntable, everything should be exemplary. I have the 1200 GME sitting beside my VPI Prime 21. The VPI completely blows Technics build quality away. Technics lets too much slop slip out of the factory to the customer. Thank you Best Buy for having my back.