The Technics SL1200 turntable is a bonafide icon in the phono space, having been held in the highest esteem by vinyl enthusiasts since its inception in the early 70s, while also playing a crucial role in the rise of hip hop, techno, and various other music genres.
For decades it has been the undisputed industry standard turntable used in clubs and radio stations around the world, due in no small part to many features that ushered in a whole new language as it pertained to vinyl manipulation. Things like the pitch control slider, stroboscopic platter speed indicator and a high torque direct drive motor which allowed the platter to reach its full speed almost instantly, all proved crucial for the kinds of cueing and scratching that have come to define the modern DJ workflow.
Additionally, when the platter was manipulated by scratching, it could return to its original speed very quickly. Without this feature the evolution of hip hop may have been quite different.
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Since its 2014 re-launch, Technics have continued to produce their iconic SL1200 line, albeit while simultaneously casting their sights further afield, taking the longstanding goodwill and reputation for bomb-proof build quality in the DJ market and translating it into the ever growing world of audiophile Hi-Fi, concentrating their efforts on increasingly high-grade audiophile turntables with the aptly titled and regarded GR Grand Class.
Technics has now revealed the fourth iteration of this classic by introducing the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2, the latest versions that build on the classic design, looks and feel of the original SL1200 we all know and love, with the enhanced sound quality and feature set demanded by modern vinyl enthusiasts.
Compared to a lot of the new crop of turntables using a simple “belt drive hanging off the motor” design, the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR models are not such a simple offering, opting instead to innovate in a saturated market that often relies on some very vintage technologies.
The new SL-1200GR2 and 1210GR2 models make use of a low-noise, low-voltage variation power circuit through the combination of a switching power supply – using the expertise developed from Technics Grand Class amps and players – and a proprietary noise cancelling circuit giving the listener an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio.
The new Delta-Sigma-Drive combines the highly reliable Technics coreless direct-drive motor with a new motor drive system.
High-precision Motor Control uses Sine waves stored in the ROM keeping the control waveforms at constant speed, and this achieves smoother and more stable rotation compared with using the simple sine wave generation with an external coil as in the conventional SL-1200MK5.
All the materials from which a turntable are constructed can impact the resonance characteristics, and sometimes heavier materials are chosen for their beneficial acoustic properties, in the case of these new models a rock-solid two-layered bottom chassis made of aluminium and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) has been employed and this combination goes some way to insure resistance against vibrations.
A two-layered turntable platter consisting of a top layer of die-cast aluminium and a bottom layer incorporating deadened rubber covering its entire rear surface to eliminate unwanted resonance.
The idea of a heavier platter is known to provide more rotational inertia, this is another way manufacturers ensure a turntable has a more consistent rotational speed. This and having the whole system dampened by heavy-weight rubber, and extremely effective insulator feet makes this “sit and spin” the way a really well designed turntable should.
Everything about these new models has been carefully considered, right down to the point of keeping the packaging free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Instead, the packing materials are made of smart-shaped cardboard and, according to their marketing, Technics is currently working to expand this new packaging to other line-ups and to integrate more recyclable content in the future. That can only be a good thing.
These new models really seem to take into consideration the needs of the DJ and the more demanding audiophile. While the original SL-1200 models were often associated with DJing, the new series is designed to cater to both DJs and audiophiles. The construction and features make these models more than suitable for a high-fidelity listening environment.
These continual upgrades to a classic design are welcome and are what keep the SL1200 series relevant in an increasingly competitive turntable market. In all honesty Technics could have simply re-released the 70s version with a new colour scheme to great acclaim and been done with it, as some other manufacturers have been doing recently, but simply reading over the specifications and upgrades documentation assures the buyer that they are indeed investing in something special.
These high-end upgrades to motor stability, power supply, and construction while keeping the aesthetics of classic SL1200 design makes a really tasty argument for a turntable upgrade.
Technics is distributed by Panasonic Australia, for more information, don’t hesitate to drop them a line or head here.
This article was made in partnership with Panasonic Australia.
