The long awaited new, ‘affordable’ Technics SL-1200GR direct-drive turntable is now shipping to dealers in the USA. Launched at CES 2017 and originally intended for release earlier this year, the SL-1200GR is now available on both sides of the Atlantic.

Technics say that: “The Grand Class SL-1200GR inherits the proven technology of the celebrated SL-1200G to provide a level of performance that clearly outperforms the usual standards of its class”.

The technology inherited from the SL-1200G has been newly developed for the SL-1200GR. It includes:

Coreless Direct-Drive Motor

For the SL-1200G Technics developed a twin-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor with rotor magnets placed on both sides to eliminate “cogging,” the rotation irregularity of the motor. That motor inspired the new single-rotor, surface-facing coreless direct-drive motor that eliminates “cogging” in the SL-1200GR.

High-Precision Rotation Control

Rotation control uses the newest motor control technology used in Blu-ray disc devices. Starting torque achieves 2.2 kg x cm with only a single rotor. In the SL-1200GR, the startup time of 0.7 sec (at 33 1/3 rpm) same as the SL-1200G has been achieved.

Platter Rigidity and Damping

The platter provides high rigidity and vibration damping with two-layer construction and deadening rubber applied to the entire rear surface of the aluminium die-cast to eliminate unnecessary resonance and produce clear sound.  

High Initial-Motion Sensitivity Tonearm

The inherited SL-1200GR tonearm is the static-balance universal S-shaped comprised of an aluminium pipe which is light weight and rigid. A high initial-motion sensitivity of 5 mg or less is the result of “exacting assembly and adjustment by Japanese artisans”. The height-adjustable tonearm accommodates many different cartridges.

Specifications:

Turntable section

Type

Direct Drive Manual Turntable

Turntable Speeds

33-1/3, 45 and 78 r/min

Adjust Range

±8 %, ±16 %

Starting Torque

2.2 kg-cm

Build-up Characteristics

0.7 s. from Standstill to 33-1/3 r/min

Wow And Flutter

0.025 % W.R.M.S.

Rumble

78 dB (IEC 98A weighted)

Turntable Platter

Aluminium diecast
Diameter : 332 mm
Weight : Approx. 2.5 kg (5.51 lb) (Including rubber sheet)

Tonearm Section

Type

Universal Static Balance

Effective Length

230 mm (9-1/16″)

Overhang

15 mm (19/32″)

Tracking Error Angle

Within 2° 32′ (at the outer groove of 30 cm record)
Within 0° 32′ (at the inner groove of 30 cm 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 – 12.0 g
14.3 – 20.7 g (including head shell)
(with auxiliary weight)
10.0 – 16.4 g
18.7 – 25.1 g (including head shell)

Cartridge Mounting Dimension

JIS 12.7 mm (1/2″) interval

Head Shell Terminal Lug

1.2 mmφ 4-pin terminal lug

Terminals

Audio Output

PHONO (Pin Jack) x 1
EARTH TERMINAL x 1

General

Power Supply

AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Power Consumption

11 W Approx.
0.2 W (Standby)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

453 x 173 x 372 mm
(17-27/32 × 6-13/16 × 14-21/32 inch)

Weight

Approx. 11.5 kg
(Approx. 25.35lbs)

Accessories

Turntable, Turntable sheet, Dust cover, EP record adaptor, Balance weight, Auxiliary weight, Head shell, Overhang gauge, Screw set for cartridge, PHONO cable, PHONO earth lead, AC power supply cord, Owner’s Manual

UK price £1299, US price $1699