Coreless direct drive motor

Conventional analog turntables suffer from sound degradation caused by factors such as slight speed-induced vibration during rotation and rotational irregularities known as “clogging.” By utilizing a newly developed coreless direct drive motor without an iron core, the SL-1200G eliminates clogging. In addition, the dual-rotor design reduces bearing load while maintaining high torque, and also reduces slight vibration during rotation. These factors enable the reproduction of warm, exceptionally detailed sound from analog recordings.
High-precision motor control technology
By applying motor control technology developed for Blu-ray devices and changing the drive mode according to the motor's operating status, high starting torque and high-speed stability are achieved.
Three-layer turntable tray

The turntable features a three-layer construction with a rigidly bonded brass and aluminum die-cast plate. A full-surface damping rubber eliminates unnecessary resonance, providing high rigidity and vibration damping. Smooth rotational stability and an inertial mass exceeding the SP-10MK2 direct drive turntable standard used in broadcasting stations worldwide are ensured. The inertial mass is also more than double that of the SL-1200MK5.
High-level balance adjustment

If the weight of the turntable is unevenly distributed, excessive vibration or noise will occur during rotation, resulting in poor sound quality. Therefore, the turntable balance is adjusted at the factory using specialized high-precision balance adjustment equipment for each element after the turntable is assembled. Adjusted turntables are marked with an “UNBALANCED” sticker, indicating that the adjustment has been made.
High-sensitivity tonearm

The tonearm is made of lightweight magnesium with high damping, and cold-drawn to improve material properties and achieve the required accuracy. In addition, high initial motion sensitivity is achieved by using Technics' traditional gimbal design with horizontal and vertical axes of rotation intersecting at a single midpoint, as well as high-precision bearings using a slotted housing.
Four-layer cabinet construction

The SL-1200MK5's previous three-layer die-cast aluminum, BMC, and heavy-duty rubber construction is complemented by a slim, 10mm-thick top plate made of pure aluminum. This four-layer construction combines high rigidity with a high-quality finish and feel.
High quality terminals

The use of brass-polished, gold-plated phono and ground terminals ensures that sound quality is not compromised, and the cables are easy to connect and disconnect. Also, the metal shielding structure used inside the housing reduces the effects of external noise.
TECHNICAL DATA

Coreless direct drive motor
High-precision motor control technology
Three-layer turntable tray
High-level balance adjustment
High-sensitivity tonearm
Four-layer cabinet construction
Turntable section
Type
Direct Drive Manual Turntable
Turntable Speeds
33-1/3, 45 and 78 rpm
Adjust Range
±8%, ±16%
Starting Torque
3.3 kg-cm
Build-up Characteristics
0.7 s. from Standstill to 33-1/3 rpm
Wow And Flutter
0.025% WRMS (JIS C5521)
Rumble
78 dB (IEC 98A weighted)
Turntable Platter
Brass and aluminum die-cast combined
Diameter: 332mm
Weight: Approx. 3.6 kg (including a rubber mat)
Tonearm Section
Type
Universal Static Balance
Effective Length
230mm
Overhang
15 mm
Tracking Error Angle
Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove of 30 cm (12") record)
Within 0° 32'(at the inner groove of 30 cm (12") record)
Offset Angle
22°
Arm-height Adjustment Range
0 - 6mm
Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range
0 - 4 g (direct reading)
Head Shell Weight
Approx. 7.6 g
Applicable Cartridge Weight Range
(Without the auxiliary weight)
5.6 to 12.0 g
14.3 to 20.7 g (including the head shell)
(With small auxiliary weight)
10.0 to 16.4 g
18.7 to 25.1 g (including the head shell)
(With large auxiliary weight)
14.3 to 19.8 g
23.0 to 28.5 g (including headshell)
Cartridge Mounting Dimension
JIS 12.7 mm Interval
Head Shell Terminal Lug
1.2 mm φ 4-pin Terminal Lug
Terminals
Audio Output
PHONO (Pin Jack), EARTH TERMINAL
General
Power Supply
AC 110 - 240V, 50 / 60Hz
Power Consumption
14 W Approx. 0.2 W (standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
453 x 173 x 372 mm
Weight
Approx. 18 kg
Accessories
Turntable, Turntable Mat, Dust Cover, EP Record Adaptor, Balance Weight, Auxiliary Weight Small, Auxiliary Weight Big, Head Shell, Overhang Gauge, Screw Set for Cartridge, PHONO Cable, PHONO Earth Lead, AC Mains Lead, Screw Set for Turntable, Owner's Manual