Technics SL-1200GR, direct drive turntable

Combining traditional Technics analog and advanced digital technologies

in 2016 introduced the SL-1200G with traditional Technics analog technology and advanced digital technology and updated parts. The exceptional quality literally shook the Hi-Fi market and raised the bar for direct drive turntables. Parts inherited from the SL-1200G have been updated in the SL-1210GR amplifier, from the coreless direct motor and precision motor control technology to avoid hooking caused by uneven rotation, to the low-vibration rigid plate disc and high-sensitivity pickup. Thanks to these updated parts, results are achieved that exceed the usual standards in this class. Audio enthusiasts using the SL-1210GR will enjoy a richer, brighter sound from analog recordings.

Coreless direct motor ensures stable rotation
in 1970 Technics began marketing the world's first direct-drive turntable. This system has conquered the world. In contrast to belt drives and other systems, direct drive systems rotate the motor at low speed and directly drive the disc drive. This offers many advantages, such as almost no degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio due to motor vibration and deceleration mechanisms, and long-term reliability due to no need to replace parts.

in 2016 Technics has developed a double rotor, surface-mounted coreless direct motor, where the rotor magnets are on both sides, eliminating the unevenness of the motor's rotation, known as "hooking". This was a problem unique to direct drive systems. This engine was applied to the SL-1200G and it once again impressed everyone in the Hi-Fi market. The design of the single rotor retains the same design principle as the SL-1200GR - a surface-mounted, coreless direct motor that avoids hooking.

Ultra-precise motor control for ideal rotation conditions
The rotation controller, which checks and adjusts the motor's accuracy, uses the latest motor control technology used in Blu-ray disc drives like the one used by the SL-1200G. Sine waves stored in ROM are used to control waveforms traveling at a constant speed. This results in smoother and more stable rotation compared to a simple sine wave and external coil as in the traditional SL-1200MK5. In addition, the electrical circuit has been adjusted so that the newly developed SL-1210GR motors can achieve the best results. The initial torque reaches 2.2 kg x cm with just one rotor. Achieved the same launch time as the SL-1200G at 0.7 seconds. (at 33 1/3 rpm).

Stiffness and vibration damping properties
The turntable has excellent stiffness and vibration dampening properties thanks to its two-layer construction and damping rubber placed over the entire rear surface of the aluminum body to eliminate unnecessary resonance that would otherwise be transmitted to the turntable. This produces a clean sound.

In order to increase the inertial mass and reduce the vibration, the shape of the aluminum body part was adapted during the simulation. At 2.5kg (with rubber mat), the SL-1200GR disc is 0.8kg heavier than the previous SL-1200MK5. To improve rigidity, reinforcing ribs are used on the back surface of the disc. By increasing the surface area covered with damping rubber, the damping properties are twice as good as those of the SL-1200MK5.

A pickup with high primary rotation sensitivity
The sound pickup follows the rotation of the plate and reads it very precisely. Technics typically uses a statically balanced universal S-shaped pickup made from an aluminum tube with a very precise weight and stiffness. The bearing part of the pickup, which uses a gimbal suspension design, uses a cut-out housing with high-precision bearings, just like the SL-1200G. High pre-rotation sensitivity of 5mg or less is ensured by skilled Japanese craftsmen who assemble and adjust everything by hand. As a result, the plate grooves are accurately read. Extra weight is added, and the head can be swapped out for ones that better match the genre or feel of the music. (Applicable head weight using included extra weight: 10-16.4g (without included head cover).

High quality terminals for sound and appearance
*Graphic of High-quality Terminals for Both Sound and Appearance*
The turntable uses gold-plated audio terminals for disconnecting cables, allowing for a variety of cables to choose from. Also, the metal shielding structure used inside the case reduces the impact of external noise.

Ultra-durable body and highly damping silicone isolators for smooth sound and damping of various vibrations
The rigidity of the SL-1210GR is ensured by the use of a body with a double-layer construction that combines BMC and an aluminum body block. As in the case of the SL-1200G, the SL-1210GR uses special silicone rubber isolators to support the body, which not only has excellent vibration damping properties, but also long-term reliability. Vibration is absorbed in the horizontal direction by reinforcements with cylindrical tubes using microcellular polymers. The isolators inherited from the SL-1200G have been specially updated for the SL-1210GR.

In addition, there is a vertical adjustment mechanism with screws in the installation part of the isolators. This eliminates the crackle when the turntable is mounted on a shelf or similar. and unwanted vibration is avoided. In addition, accurate horizontal alignment of the record disc and surface reduces the unevenness caused by the slope, resulting in a more stable playing of records.

Turntable Type:
Direct Drive Manual Turntable

Turntable Speeds:
33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm

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% WRMS

Rumble:
78 dB (IEC 98A weighted)

Turntable Platter:
Aluminum diecast
Diameter: 332 mm
Weight: Approx. 2.5 kg (Including rubber sheet)

Tonearm Type:
Universal Static Balance

Effective Length:
230 mm

Overhang:
15 mm

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
(including head shell): 14.3 - 20.7 g

Applicable Cartridge Weight Range (with auxiliary weight):
10.0 - 16.4 g
(including head shell): 18.7 - 25.1 g

Cartridge Mounting Dimension:
JIS 12.7 mm (1/2") interval

Head Shell Terminal Lug:
1.2 mmφ 4-pin terminal lug

Audio output:
PHONO (Pin Jack) x 1, EARTH TERMINAL x 1

Power Supply:
AC 110 - 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz

Power Consumption:
11 W
Approx. 0.2 W (Standby)

Dimensions (W x H x D):
453 x 173 x 372 mm

Weight:
Approx. 11.5 kg