Technics SL-1300G Direct Drive Turntable - Custom Ortofon Build - Complete Package

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General:
It's no secret that we love the Technics SL-1300G and find its performance and overall quality to be best in class at its price point - and even punching well above its weight.

Ultimately this is perfect for the person who wants the ultimate Technics audiophile 'table, but doesn't want the DJ features found on the SL-1200G.

The only thing worth improving is its tonearm. While the stock arm performs extremely well, we find that the tonearm lifter in particular does not feel as nice as the more expensive SL-1200G.

This is where the Ortofon AS-212R tonearm comes into play. It's one of the nicest tonearms we've ever worked with here at SkyFi, and matches beautifully with this 'table.

We sourced a custom arm board, machined it to perfection, and the result looks like an OEM piece which fits perfectly into the tonearm opening.  

We specifically like the Ortofon AS-212R because it's very similar in design and execution to the OEM arm, with its S-shape wand and removable headshell. Even the anti-skate resembles the Technics anti-skate while providing silky-smooth operation with great looks to match.  

Setup is exactly the same as the original arm, and it's just a robust allowing us to pre-calibrate the table for our customers and then ship in the US. 

Mounted with our 12-Step Premium Turntable/cartridge Calibration process ($390) is the Ortofon X40 MC Phono cartridge ($1,149).

This is an amazing cartridge with a lightweight boron cantilever and nude Shibata stylus competing with just about any $2,500 cartridge.  It's mounted on a top of the line and perfectly matching Ortofon LH-9000 headshell with carbon fiber components and the best azimuth adjustment we've seen to date. And we've seen a lot!

For this build we also decided to add several additional upgrades to take this SL-1300G to the next level.

While the stock feet work super well, we went a step further and fitted a set of beautiful Gaia III series feet from IsoAcoustics, which are in the correct weight category for this table.  

For audio interconnects we picked our go-to super value from Kimber, the TAC-CU with the appropriate DIN connector and best in class German-made WBT RCA locking connectors. A must for every SL1200G/SL1300G build.  

We then finished it off with a matching Ortofon cork/rubber mat, and Ortofon record weight.  

List of Included parts (NEW):
• Technics Sl-1300G Turntable ($3,999)
• IsoAcoustics Gaia III feet ($340)
• Ortofon AS-212R Tonearm ($3,529)
• Ortofon LH-9000 Headshell ($271.99)
• Kimber Kable TAK-CU DIN-RCA Phono Cable -1 Meter ($530)
• Ortofon X40 MC Phono Cartridge ($1,149)
• Ortofon Record weight ($82.99)
• Ortofon Record Mat. ($36.99)

Please reach to us if you'd like to select a different cartridge or change any of the options. We also offer a custom acrylic dust cover and custom wood plinth.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
All brand new. No signs of wear.

Brand Background:
At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music. We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them. With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.

Ownership:
Brand New

Connections:
RCA Phono output, IEC Power

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
New = Factory sealed and unopened. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.