Hi Martin and welcome to Beoworld. If you're between the 1202 and 1203, it's certainly because you like the dot platter like I do. Just know that the 3000 with a more common but better platter is from the same family. 1203 is a cheap 1202 indeed. As far as I know and I can tell (I own both), it's mostly about the base that is die-cast and heavy in the 1202 and just a sheet of steel, therefore lighter, in the 1203. The result is on stability and shock insulation, better in the 1202. About the change of capacitors: Beograms from that serie have very little electronics. It's basically power to motor and Diamond to line-out (two separate circuit). If capacitors have been replaced, I don't believe it will make any night and day difference or anything that can't be made by anybody out there. So to me not a big lever. What's important and a little bit more complicated is the overhaul of the motor that implies tearing it appart and lubricating it with a special procedure (oil infusion of the sinter bronze bearings). That will make a difference If and only IF it has been well made and with the right oil. Not that easy. And also the pulley (can't remenber the right name) that can be noisy if the rubber has hardened. So in a nutshell and given you can't try any of the decks. If you can talk to the seller and ask a few question about the restauration procedure and you feel confident after a little bit of reading here on BW, on what he says, go for it whatever deck it is. If you feel like work on it by yourself, go for the best aesthetical condition deck. Work will be the same on both decks. Also make sure all the commands (lift, turn, 33, 45,…) work well. Its a delicate system and sometimes its complicated. I can't remember if they are exactly the same or they differ sligthly but anyway they need to be carefully inspected. All this from memory. No doubt people will soon confirm or correct. Beautiful decks alls. Good luck.

A fantastic response, thanks for your time, that's a real help. Yes, I like the look and thanks for adding some more detail as to why the 1202 is better. I suppose it's one thing to say something has been 'serviced' but it depends on who did it and what they did. If possible a pre-purchase visit and a demo would be a good idea. On a more basic level do the two actually sound different to each other? It will go in a small room and never be on really loud. Thanks again Martin.  

Just discovered that the 1202 was also rebuilt, this one by Quality Dream Audio Ltd who look like a pretty impressive outfit online. Anyone used their services or bought from them?

Hi Martin, I have bought from Quality Dream Audio in the past. A BGCD6500 a few years ago. The cd drawer scratched the cabinet as it opened and closed - when I contacted them to query it I was simply told it was under £200 for a reason and I shouldn't expect perfection if I only want to pay a little 😂 I haven't been back since. They do appear to shift a lot though. Perhaps they've improved? Good luck with your search. In my opinion I would buy a Beogram you like the look of and use it. Enjoy your old records for 12-18 months. By then you'll know where the sound is lacking and what you want more of - which in turn will guide you to your next Beogram 👍

Hi Martin,   I've had both a 1202 and 1203 over the years. Both work and sound great as long as the main bearing is running freely and the belt's not stretched or knackered. I'd be genuinely surprised if anyone can really tell the difference between the two in perfect condition and with the same cartridge. As noted upthread though these are 50-year-old turntables now and the state of preservation is likely to have a much bigger impact on the sound than how they left the factory - a well-maintained 1203 is likely to sound better than a neglected 1202. Cartridge is important too - the SP series are reputed to be fairly robust but diamonds do wear out. Replacements are not cheap! Again a 1203 with a pristine cartridge will sound better than a 1202 with a knackered cartridge. Good luck with it, Dave