Technics Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1200G-S

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Units are finally in stock. Order yours now.  

Best turntable money can buy for under $10k, and a Stereophile Class A Rated product.  One model down from the top dog SL-1000R ($20k) but featuring many of the same innovations and components.    

To order - select your cartridge, calibration method, and cable options, or call/text Fernando @ (201)-879-0000 x101 to discuss what options are right for you.

If you're new to Technics or confused by the model offerings, be sure to visit our Technics Knowledge Base where we outline all the models and have links to dozens of videos.  

If you are short on time and just wanna order our best bundle we offer a Dream Build.

When you buy a calibrated table from us setup is a breeze and can be done in 15 minutes.  We will supply a link to a 5 min setup video that outlines the final steps like putting in the platter and tracking weight.  These things are so rugged and well built we are able to ship them all over the world and they arrive perfectly calibrated and ready to rock.  

CATRIDGES:

If you are unsure, the Sumiko Starling is the go to cartridge.  It features a boron cantilever and tracks like a dream when properly calibrated on our test bench.  Most of the SL-1200Gs leave here with this cartridge.  The Hana Umami Red is a step above and is very similar but add a fancier body. 

If you want the latest technology the DS Audio line of optical cartridges are next level good.  They include a phono preamp so if your rig doesn't have one this is a great advantage.  

CALIBRATION:

There are two cartridge mounting options to select from:

1.  "Basic Mounting and Instructions = $0". For those that either don't want a cartridge or just want basic installation. We'll install the cartridge on the headshell, make basic adjustments to the combo, and provide instructions to easily complete the process in your home.  This can be one of our cartridges or one supplied by you.

2. "12 Step Premium Installation = $390".  A highly detailed and refined process performed in our specialized jig, taking 12 steps to precisely calibrate the cartridge which is purchased from us or supplied by you.

Click here for more info on our calibration process. 

CABLES:

The phono cable in particular is the most important in the entire system.  You see, cartridges put out minuscule signals which need to be amplified hundreds of times.  What ever noise is picked up by the cable is in term amplified hundreds of times.  Proper construction, material quality, grounding and connectors are critical in getting the best results.  The stock cable is good enough to get you started but at some point you are going to want to invest in a good cable.  The Kimber we selected gets the job done nicely for not much money.  It features gold plated locking WBT connectors which are as good as they come. We chose a copper version but they are also available in hybrid and pure silver here.  

The power cord is not creditical at all but if you like nice things (as I do) the model we offer from Kimber is beautiful made and reasonably priced. 

ACCESSORIES:

We offer several accessories to go with this model, some developed and manufactured by us.  

This bundle covers them all but they are also available individually.  If you purchase the Little F'wed lifter or KAB fluid damper we will install it for you. 

More from Technics:
Created by Technics in pursuit of true analog record sound, rather than nostalgia, the SL-1200G includes the latest technologies to solve issues involved with direct-drive systems, such as cogging. The SL-1200G includes a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with greatly increased precision by incorporating Blu-ray Disc technology for rotation control. This cutting-edge direct-drive system will surpass previous direct-drive systems. It is not a reproduction but innovation. We are redefining the reference in direct-drive turntables for the modern age.

• Newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging
• Advanced motor control technology for high starting torque and high-speed stability.
• Three-layer turntable platter construction with deadening rubber to eliminate unnecessary resonance
• The balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory using specialized high-precision equipment
• High-sensitivity tonearm with lightweight magnesium for a high-damping effect

Three-layered Turntable Platter

The turntable has a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass and aluminum die-cast platter. With a deadening rubber covering its entire rear surface to eliminate unnecessary resonance, thereby achieving high rigidity and vibration damping. This delivers smooth rotational stability and inertial mass surpassing the SP-10MK2, the direct-drive turntable standard used by broadcast stations worldwide, as well as having more than twice the inertial mass of the SL-1200MK5.

Coreless Direct Drive Motor

Conventional analogue turntables have problems with degradation in sound quality caused by factors such as minute speed vibration during rotation and rotation irregularity called “cogging.” In the SL-1200G, the use of a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging. Also, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque and also reduces minute vibration during rotation. These factors enable reproduction of the warm, exquisitely detailed sound etched on analogue records.

Four-layered Cabinet Construction

A hairline-processed, 10-mm-thick top panel of immaculate aluminium has been added to the previous three-layered construction of aluminium die-cast, BMC, and heavyweight-class rubber on the SL-1200MK5. This four-layered construction combines high rigidity with a high-quality finish and feel.

High-precision Motor Control Technology

The application of motor control technology developed for Blu-ray devices and switching the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor achieve a high-starting torque and highspeed stability.

High-sensitive Tonearm

The tonearm employs lightweight magnesium which has a high damping effect, with cold drawing improving the characteristics of the material and achieving the high-precision required. In addition, high initial-motion sensitivity is attained by employing the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction with horizontal rotation axis and the vertical rotation axis intersecting at a single central point, as well as high-precision bearings using a cut-processed housing.

High-level Balance Adjustment

When the weight distribution of the turntable is uneven, excess vibration or noise occurs during rotation, which causes degradation in sound quality. Therefore, the balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory by using specialized high-precision balance adjustment equipment for each and every item after the turntable is assembled. Turntables that have undergone adjustment are labelled with a sticker reading “BALANCED” to indicate that adjustment has been done.

High-quality Terminals

The use of brass-milled, gold-plated phono terminals and ground terminals prevent degradation in sound quality while enabling the easy attaching and detaching of cables. Also the use of metal shielding construction inside the case reduces the effects of external noise.

General:
Power Supply AC 110 V / 60Hz
Power Consumption 14 W Approx. 0.2 W (standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-27/32 × 6-13/16 × 14-21/32 inch
Weight Approx. 39.7lbs
Accessories Turntable, Turntable Mat, Dust Cover, EP Record Adaptor,Balace 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

Terminals:
Audio Output PHONO (Pin Jack), EARTH TERMINAL

Tonearm Section:
Type Universal Static Balance
Effective Length 230 mm
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 - 6 mm
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

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 % W.R.M.S. (JIS C5521)
Rumble 78 dB (IEC 98A weighted)
Turntable Platter Brass and aluminium die-cast combined, Diameter: 332mm, Weight: Approx. 3.6 kg (including a rubber mat)

Recommended Cables and Accessories (choose at checkout):

While this turntable comes with a basic cable to get you started, this is the upgrade we recommend.

With phono cables try and keep length to a shorter size as they tend to pickup noise on longer lengths, especially with higher-end MC (Moving-Coil) cartridges. German made WBT connectors are worth the extra $ but be sure to read in the manual how to properly tighten and loosen them.

With regards to a ground cable, one is included but we will make you one if you order a longer set of cables.

Kimber Kable - TAK-CU Phono Interconnects

For a power cord this model from Kimber is a great fit. Get whatever length works comfortably iwithyour system.

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

If your equipment cannot accept a MC cartridge this tube powered phono preamp is a stellar match. 

Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B Phono Preamp

Final Assembly Video if you purchase a cartridge from us: