Technics introduces the next generation of the iconic SL-1200 Series high-end turntables with a revolutionary new drive control method
Key features
- New motor drive system that eliminates micro vibrations
- Low-noise, low voltage variation Multi-stage Silent Power Supply
- Improved rotation feedback system
- High quality sleek design and excellent usability thanks to the classic Technics layout
LONDON, UK - September 7, 2023 – Renowned hi-fi brand Technics today announces the release of the next generation of its widely acclaimed SL-1200GR and 1210GR turntables, the high-end SL-1200GR2 and 1210GR2. Benefitting from a new drive control method and new multi-stage power supply, the SL-12000GR2 and 1210GR2 offer smooth, accurate rotational stability and an exceptionally low noise floor.
Featuring a new approach to motor control signal, the new generation SL-1200GR2 and 1210GR2 bring a huge leap in performance, allowing for significantly improved tracking precision. Motor vibrations are dramatically reduced through use of a PWM signal generated by Delta-Sigma(ΔΣ) Modulation – a method of high precision 1bit D/A conversion using Technic’s proprietary full-digital amplifier technology, JENO Engine.
This approach — termed Delta-Sigma(ΔΣ)-Drive — has a significant impact on the tracking performance of the turntable, especially at the frequency range where the motor vibrations overlap with the natural resonance of the tonearm/pickup cartridge combination.
The rotational speed precision of the new SL-1200GR2 and 1210GR2 turntable type is also increased thanks to the combination of the Delta-Sigma(ΔΣ)-Drive approach and its magnetically powered frequency generator (FG) speed detection system. The result is improved signal precision with an accurate sound stage, enhanced imaging, and a very low noise floor.
The general power supply has also seen a notable upgrade in this latest generation model. The new Multi-stage Silent Power Supply of the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 combines a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz with a noise cancelling circuit inherited from the SL-1000R turntable. And remaining noise is cancelled by injecting the reversed-phase current of the actual noise, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratio and overall signal performance.
The SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 also feature a two-layered bottom chassis made of aluminium and Bulk Moulding Compound (BMC), which, combined, enables high resistance against vibrations. The turntables also benefit from a two-layered platter made of aluminium and dampened by heavy-weight rubber, a high-sensitivity S-shaped aluminium tonearm, and insulator feet.
The overall design has been refined with new colour matching of all parts and elements for a sleek look, and one that won’t be compromised during transit due to new environmentally-conscious packing.
To reduce the environmental impact of its packaging, while ensuring that Technics products are fully protected throughout the journey to consumers, the new packaging for the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 is free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Instead, it is made of smart shaped cardboard, maintaining safe protection of the product, including a cardboard box for the accessories for ease of removal and storage. Technics is currently working to expand new packaging to other line-ups and integrate more recyclable content into packaging materials in the future.
Speaking of the newest release, Frank Balzuweit, Senior Product Manager at Technics Europe says: “We wanted to build on the reputation of our existing design, and so developed the new SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 around the iconic iron-coreless direct drive motor with its superior rotational precision.
“We looked at how we have improved signal precision in our digital audio components, especially at the reference amplifier SU-R1000, which optimises vinyl analogue signals using complex digital technology. It’s been our goal to take our direct drive technology and take it to the next level in terms of precision. This was achievable by reducing motor vibration through optimising the driving sine waves via the PWM signal generation using Delta-Sigma(ΔΣ) Modulation, as employed in our full-digital amplifiers.”
The new SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 will be available in silver and black respectively from October 2023 at authorised Technics retailers.
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About Technics
Technics is the brand name of hi-fi audio products owned by the Panasonic Corporation with main residence in Osaka, Japan. The Technics brand was founded in 1965. Driven by a constant strive for innovation and excellence within the audio field, countless legendary hi-fi components have been released by the Technics brand, many of them having set new standards in the audio world.
About the Technics 1200 Series
The SL-1200 was launched as a popular direct drive turntable in 1972, becoming a best-selling model with cumulative sales of 3,500,000 units for the series. It was supported by powerful torque, easy operation, and high durability. It became greatly admired by both audio enthusiasts and DJs who helped to unleash the DJ culture in areas such as electronic dance music. The series is still highly acclaimed by DJs worldwide today.
In 2016, after the revival of the Technics brand in 2014, Technics released the limited SL-1200GAE turntable, defining vinyl playback standards by the newly developed iron-coreless direct drive motor, eliminating the unwanted “cogging”, thus enabling a new standard of rotational stability.
Together with evolutionary improvements in the fields of tonearm, platter and chassis construction, the new 1200 Series turntable generation made its way out of pure DJ usage towards the audiophile market with its high-quality integrity, accuracy and musical enjoyment. Since then, Technics has released numerous turntable models of the new 1200 Series based on the coreless direct drive principle.
The new SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 take the Technics 1200 Series to the next level allowing for the increased precision that audiophiles demand.
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