Technics SL-1200G Direct Drive Turntable
In 2016, after six years out of the SL-1200 turntable business, Japanese giant Technics retooled for a new, audiophile version of the popular turntable. Over the original’s 38 year life span, upwards of 3.5 million were sold. A remarkable HiFi story. A legendary product.
The old ‘table was more of a DJ ‘scratcher’ than purist product. The new ‘G’ turntable was aimed squarely at the audiophile market with an expected jump in price. Thus, in 2016, the $4000, SL-1200G turntable was born. To this day, it is usually snapped up as soon as it is in stores and is on constant back order. I’m surprised Technics took a six year hiatus from a real money maker.
For a look at the retooling and precise building process of the SL-1200G, check out this short but impressive video.
I was aware of the turntable for many years but didn’t think too much about it due to its prime function. The same, when it returned from the manufacturing dead. Then, last year, I got to audition the Technics Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1000R ($20,000). It was a superb turntable with enviable sound and a build quality to die for. It piqued my interest in Technics products.
This year, my friend Austen had one of the SL-1200Gs in his store and asked me down for a listen. It was so impressive, I wanted to give it a full review. And, here we are. You can check out two videos I did for the Audiophilia YouTube Channel, a quick look and then a more detailed ‘shootout’ at my place with the $4000 Technics SL-1200G up against my reference Bergmann Audio Magne Turntable ($13,500). Not a fair fight, but fun, completely unscientific and instructive.
My Use
The 1200 was set up on a Zazen II platform from ISOAcoustics and plugged into either my Icon Audio PS1 MkII All Valve Phono Stage ($2400) or the Allnic Audio H-7000 LCR Phono Stage ($16,500). Amplification was MBL, Preamp by Allnic Audio and cabling by Audioquest (phono) and Allnic Audio.
We mounted my Allnic Audio Amber MC Phono Cartridge ($4900) on the S-shaped, Magnesium tonearm and dug right in as the time I had with the unit was limited.
Features
The SL-1200G is famously handsome and the upgrades to the original significant—especially the aforementioned tonearm and the three-layered turntable platter of brass/aluminum metal. Remarkable weight, remarkable look. The rubber mat sitting atop, less so. But it was functional. The platter is a wonderful addition and adds much to the gravitas of the design and sound.
Additionally, it uses a Coreless Direct Drive Motor rather than the ‘audiophile approved’ belt drive. Technics says:
Conventional analogue turntables have problems with degradation in sound quality caused by factors such as minute speed vibration during rotation and rotation irregularity called "cogging." In the SL-1200G, the use of a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging. Also, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque and also reduces minute vibration during rotation.
More from Technics about its ‘High-sensitive Tonearm’:
The tonearm employs lightweight magnesium which has a high damping effect, with cold drawing improving the characteristics of the material and achieving the high-precision required. In addition, high initial-motion sensitivity is attained by employing the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction with horizontal rotation axis and the vertical rotation axis intersecting at a single central point, as well as high-precision bearings using a cut-processed housing.
Specifications
Turntable
Turntable Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm
Adjust Range: ±8%, ±16%
Starting Torque: 3.3kg･cm (2.8 lb-in)
Build-up Characteristics: 0.7 s. from standstill to 33 1/3 r/min
Wow And Flutter: 0.025% W.R.M.S. (JIS C5521)
Rumble: 78dB (IEC 98A Weighted)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 453 x 173 x 372 mm (17-27/32 x 6-13/16 x 14-21/32 inch)
Weight: Approx. 18 kg (39.7lbs)
Turntable Platter
Brass and Aluminum diecast combined
Diameter: 332mm (13-5/64")
Weight: 3.6kg (16 lb)
Tonearm
Universal Static Balance
Effective Length: 230mm (9-1/16")
Overhang: 15mm (19/32")
Tracking Error Angle: Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove of 30cm(12") record); Within 0° 32' (at the inner groove of 30cm(12") record)
Offset Angle: 22°
Arm-height Adjustment Range: 0 - 6 mm
Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0 - 4 g (direct reading)
Head Shell Weight: Approx. 7.6 g
Applicable Cartridge Weight Range (without auxiliary weight): 5.6 - 12.0g; 14.3 - 20.7g (including headshell)
Accessories
Turntable sheet, Dust cover, EP record adaptor, Balance weight, Auxiliary weight(S), Auxiliary weight(L), Head shell, Overhang gauge, Screw set for cartridge, Phono cable, Phono earth lead, AC power supply cord, Screw set for turntable, Owner's Manual
I can attest to the exceptional build quality and R&D that went into manufacture. I’ve seen turntables double the $4000 MSRP with half the build quality.
Much like Rega best practice, no record clamp was used.
Sound
The sonic signature of the 1200 was consistent at various locations, attached to several phono stages, cartridges, etc. Meaning, you’re investing in a specific sound pretty well immune to outside, deleterious influences. The 1200’s personality is such that an addiction to its sound will transcend any financial constraints or worries you have on initial system build. As such, no matter entry level equipment or the finest in high end ancillaries, the Technics will always give of its best, highlighting its own musical personalities. In that way, even at $4000, the SL-1200G is a well nigh a perfect turntable for those audiophiles who want legacy, style and convenience (the Coreless Direct Drive Motor, the headshell, plug ‘n play, etc). Hook it up to a basic Rega phono stage with a good solid state amp, and you’ll be in vinyl heaven. Dynamic, stable with an especially glorious treble (more on that later).
In my system, when attached to the very fine Icon Audio PS1 MkII Signature, the balance through all octaves was more defined. With the Rega Fono MC Phono Stage ($495), the treble was very sweet, detailed, almost ethereal in the very best way. Not unattached to the lower tessituras, but a star shining above. The Icon sorted out any perceived imbalance with a rich midrange and more foundational bass (although, the bass was not MIA on the Rega).
The Kingsway RCA Royal Ballet Gala reissue was testament to this solidity and happy musical equilibrium. The beauty and clarity of its midrange and soundstage was exceptional, with the flutes and piccolo in the treble sounding like few other turntables. This, even though the Amber cart is more beefy in tone than the more delicate Phasemation PP-2000 MC Phono Cartridge, makes the 1200G’s natural abilities a winner with most pairings. Be sure to listen for that treble presentation when you audition. You may hand over your credit card there and then.
Even though my belt drive Bergmann has a timbral accuracy and beauty the Technics couldn't match even when played through the mighty Allnic H-7000, the solidity of the sound, the black backgrounds and the aforementioned personality (a wiry fighter up for any match; it’ll take on all comers) were very inviting. My mind wandered often to the $9500 difference in turntable pricing. This alone makes the Technics a no brainer to purchase.
How much the clarified soundstage and excellent imaging would be due to the direct drive compared to a belt of similar distinction, I’ll leave that for you to decide.
A fairer match than the Bergmann would be my Rega RP10 ($5495) or my Pure Fidelity Eclipse ($4500). There, the choice between the wonderful SL-1200G would have been much more difficult. It would come down to price, better macro dynamics and a sweeter treble. However, timbre—it’s so important—is where the RP10 and the Pure Fidelity, much like the far more expansive Magne, earn their keep. And why they're so beloved among a certain slice of audiophilia.
Was the 1200 lean under three different phono stages and cartridges (Rega, Allnic and Phasemation)? No.
Leaner than the others I’ve compared? Yes.
An important audiophile distinction, but not a negative. Let’s dispel that as we conclude. I know that some of you will enjoy the slightly leaner presentation. I loved its sonic story. And in most every genre of music.
Conclusion
I’d like to thank my local dealer, Atlas Audio Video, for providing the review sample.
Whither Technics? Well, they’ve never gone away, produced some fine speakers over the years and, of course, these legacy turntables. Also, both their new and vintage components are highly sought after.
The primary reason much of the gear is sold out from stores is because it is so good. Which, when taking into consideration why, and the superb sound, the much complained about $4000 MSRP is an absolute bargain. Very highly recommended.
Further information: Technics
