Technics launches New Grand Class SL-1200GR
Technics unveiled the new Grand Class SL-1200GR Direct-Drive Turntable System for audio enthusiasts, a
standard model inheriting the technology of the SL-1200G, which was developed as a reference direct-drive
turntable for the next generation.
Fusing Technics’ Traditional Analogue and Leading-edge Digital Technologies
Launched in 2016, the SL-1200G combined Technics‘ traditional analogue technology and advanced digital technology.
Its outstanding performance literally rocked the hi-fi market and redefined the reference for direct-drive
turntables.
Parts from the SL-1200G were newly developed to create the SL-1200GR such as the coreless direct-drive motor and
precise motor control technology, high-rigidity platter and high-sensitivity tonearm. This ensures audio
enthusiasts using the SL-1200GR can enjoy music with the rich and robust sound of analogue records.
Turntable Platter —Pursuing Rigidity and Vibration Damping Characteristics
The platter achieves high-rigidity and vibration-damping characteristics by using a two-layer construction with
deadening rubber applied to the entire rear surface of the aluminum die-cast. This eliminates the unnecessary
resonance that is otherwise relayed to the record, thereby producing clear sound.
To increase the inertial mass and to reduce vibration, the shape of the aluminum die-cast portion was optimised
by simulation. At 2.5kg- including the rubber mat, the SL-1200GR platter is 0.8kg heavier than that of the
previous SL-1200MK5. Also, the back surface of the platter features strengthening ribs to improve rigidity.
Increasing the surface area of contact with the deadening rubber achieves damping characteristics that are
more than twice as good as those of the SL-1200MK5.
Tonearm Achieving High Initial-Motion Sensitivity
The tonearm tracks the rotation of the record and enables reading with high precision. The tonearm inherited by Technics is the traditionally used static-balance universal S-shaped tonearm, employing an aluminum pipe with excellent light weight and rigidity for the material of the tonearm pipe.
With its gimbal suspension construction, the tonearm bearing section of the SL-1200GR uses a cut-processed housing that employs high-precision bearings, as in the SL-1200G. The high initial-motion sensitivity of 5mg or less is achieved through manual assembly and adjustment by skilled Japanese artisans. This enables the grooves etched into the records to be accurately traced.
Gold-plated phono terminals and ground terminals for detachable cables are provided below the tonearm, so a wide variety of cables can be selected. Also, the use of metal shielding construction inside the case reduces the effects of external noise.