You don't even need to go fully modded, the SL-1200 has a certain rightness to timing, flow, rhythm, pitch and soul that any low-mass rubberband deck just can't do. It has it when completely stock. (They are just dark when stock) Modded the deck is a complete and utter giant killer.

The mods you have done have been an improvement in the proper direction, yes? By all reports the ones you mention also move it in the right direction. Don't get caught up in the idea that spending more money on a different, expensive table is a guarantee of good sound... It's just a guarantee of spending more money.