Technics produced its first SL direct-drive turntables in the early 1970s and it’s no exaggeration to say that the company’s turntables kickstarted the global DJ craze. The Japanese audio giant is now releasing its next generation of direct drive turntables with a new and innovative drive control for smooth, accurate rotational stability. The new models also feature a redesigned power supply for a lower noise floor.
The new SL-1200GR2 turntable builds on the reputation of an existing design with the iron-coreless direct-drive motor with superior rotational precision. Technics says the motor control signal for the SL-1200GR2 is a significant improvement over earlier versions.
When Technics revived the SL-1200 turntable in 2016, the new SL-1200GAE inherited a new motor control. The result was lower motor vibrations, although the sine wave signal for motor control was still not 100% accurate.
In the new GR2 turntable, the motor control signal is generated by a PWM signal generated by ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) Modulation, producing a perfect sine wave to reduce motor vibrations. Technics says this development has a significant impact on the frequency range where the motor vibrations overlap with the natural resonance of the tonearm/pickup cartridge, resulting in improved tracking precision, creating a more accurate sound stage and a lower noise floor.
Along with the new motor control, the turntable’s power supply has also been upgraded. The new Multi-stage Silent Power Supply of the SL-1200GR2/SL-1210GR2 is a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz, alongside a noise-canceling circuit taken from Technic’s reference class SL-1000R turntable.
Most of the mechanical design of the new GR2 type has been retained, including the dual-layer aluminum chassis. The platter is also made from two layers of aluminum and dampened with heavy-weight rubber. The overall design has been refined with new color-matched parts and elements.
Pricing & Availability: The new SL-1200GR2/SL-1210GR2 direct drive turntable will be available from December 2023 at authorized Technics retailers for $2,199.99. In the Technics tradition, the silver version will be called SL-1200GR2, whereas the black will be SL-1210GR2.
More info: www.technics.com
Tech Specs:
- Drive method: Direct.
- Motor: Brushless DC.
- Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM.
- Pitch adjustment range: ±8% and ±16%.
- Starting torque: 2.2kg･cm.
- Build-up characteristics: 0.7 s. from standstill to 33- 1/3 RPM.
- Braking system: Electronic.
- Wow and flutter: 0.025% W.R.M.S.
- Platter: Aluminum diecast.
- Diameter: 332mm.
- Weight: 2.5kg (Including a rubber sheet).
- Tonearm: Static balance.
- Tonearm length: 230mm.
- Overhang: 15mm
- Offset angle: 22°
- Arm height adjustment range: 0 – 6mm.
- Stylus pressure adjustment range: 0 – 4g.
- Headshell weight: 7.6g.
- Power supply: AC220-240 V, 50/60Hz.
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 453 x 173 x 372mm.
- Weight: 11.5kg.
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