Managed to find an original Denon DK-100 plinth. Sent along to the fellow that was going to build my new plint and he is going to make it "better than new".
The real upsides are considerably faster turn-around and lower cost. Will get to choose the veneer, as well. Another nice upside is it came with the dustcover, so don't have to have one built.
As as for the 12" TA, will go with the Stax UA-7 with carbon fiber TA that I had in my closet for just such a project. May have to go with a 12" at some future point, but will start off with the UA-7/CF.
Edit: added a pic of the Stax TA & carts it will be used with.
