The 950 offers almost the same specs as the 1250, you just don't have all of the calibration features that mine does. You can only adjust the bias. I almost bought one of those instead of getting my dad's 1250 (his needed an overhaul, which is halfway there....I need to have the recording features calibrated....but it has NEW belts, so I can at least play the tapes!!).
I really don't listen to the Dragon that much, but each of my cassette decks have one tape, both sides played through it pretty much everyday, just to keep things moving. Also, I recommend using silicone grease to lube the transport on your 950. It doesn't dry to a glaze or get sticky as it gets older....it was a random experiment I tried 10 years ago, and I haven't oiled the 1250 since!
Jason