Technics Grand Class SL-1200GR2, SL-1300G, and SL-1200G
SL-1200GR2
The SL-1200GR2 marks the start of a new generation of direct drive turntables with an improved motor-drive circuit centered on the newly developed ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) and a new power supply for an exceptionally low noise floor.
The SL-1200GR2 inherits a similar motor design philosophy as the SL-1200G but uses a new design with a single-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor. Although both players feature a coreless motor (which uses coils without an iron core), the two designs are pretty different.
Whereas the SL-1200G uses a heavy and super-sturdy low-gravitational force two-rotor system that bolts to the platter, the SL-1200GR2 looks more similar to the classic designs with a round permanent magnet fixed to the platter, which floats on top of the coils mounted underneath a printed circuit board. The platter is a two-layer design, lacking the brass top layer but retaining the rubber damping layer underneath.
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. To increase the inertial mass and reduce vibration, the shape of the aluminum die-cast portion was optimized by simulation. At 2.5 kg (including the rubber mat), the SL-1200GR2 platter is 0.8 kg heavier than that of the previous SL-1200MK5. Also, the back surface of the platter has strengthening ribs added to improve rigidity. Increasing the contact surface area with the deadening rubber achieves damping characteristics more than twice those of the SL-1200MK5.
The SL-1200GR2’s platter seems similar to the classic SL-1210MkII’s platter until you turn it around.
The new platter shown above has a large magnet attached directly to it, just as the classic player did, but the shape is very different from the one used for the classic player, as shown below.
Likewise, the motor design is very different between the two players.
Instead of the classic player’s green iron electromagnet poles (shown above), the new player (shown below) has a neat flat circuit board printed with what looks to be speed detection or feedback coils. The actual drive coils (with no more iron cores) are mounted invisibly underneath.
Compared to the SL-1200G’s four-layer chassis, the SL-1200GR2 has a simplified two-layer BMC and aluminum die-cast construction.
The ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) is a new system that applies Technics’ expertise in PWM signal processing. In addition to reducing high harmonics, the new drive suppresses motor vibrations for smoother, more accurate rotation.
A high-speed switching power supply ensures a stable capacity and less ripple and humming. It also eliminates the need for a large transformer and countermeasures for the ensuing mechanical vibrations and a switching frequency above 100 kHz limits the impact of noise on the music playback bandwidth.
In addition, the SL-1200GR2 features Current Injection Active Noise Canceling. This technology combines a noise detection device with an error amplifier, which detects residual noise in the power supply and applies an inverse phase current to remove noise components. This system is said to remove low-frequency noise more effectively than a regulator.
Interestingly, the Silent Power Supply, Active Noise Cancelling, and ΔΣ-Drive are not mentioned for the SL-1200G. However, Technics does mention that the player’s coreless motor and heavy motor/platter construction eliminate cogging, which, to my understanding, was the main aim of the redesign.
It remains unclear how the heavy construction of the earlier-generation non-ΔΣ motor system of the SL-1200G compares to the lightweight latest generation Silent ΔΣ SL-1200GR motor system when it comes to the smoothest rotation. Perhaps the two achieve a similar calmness and smoothness by different means, one using (more expensive) mechanical means and the other using (more cost-effective) electrical means, or perhaps there is (also) a bit of marketing speak going on. The listening tests will surely tell us more.
The SL-1200GR2’s connection block does not feature milled-from-brass terminals as with the SL-1200G, but they are still high-quality gold-plated phono terminals within a metal shielding construction inside the case. The power cable is detachable, with the connector mounted in an easier-to-reach straight manner rather than sideways, as with the SL-1200G.
The S-shaped tonearm used for the SL-1200GR is made of aluminum and looks very similar to the earlier tonearms. A high initial-motion sensitivity of 5 mg or less is achieved through manual assembly and adjustment by skilled Japanese artisans.
When comparing the tonearm SL-1200G VTA ring (to adjust Arm Height/Stylus Rake Angle) to that of the SL-1200GR2, the steps on the scale are not the same. The manual confirms that a setting of 1 equals a setting of 4 on the SL-1200GR2 to accommodate an 18mm Cartridge Height.
The player is supported by high-damping silicon insulator footers, made of plastic, just like the earlier players, rather than aluminum, as with the sl-1200G.
Next: SL-1300G Description
The arm quality – traditionally a weakness of the earlier 1200s – was not really addressed. I would welcome a review comparing the standard are against quality replacements (e.g. Origen Live/modified Rega ).
really interesting review – also a huge work to do…but i wish there are also included the most cheapest ones (mk7 and SL100c) too…maybe some other time.
This was a huge undertaking indeed, but a lot of fun as well! I tried to be as thorough and complete as possible and wanted to include the Mk7 as well, but it was not available. Maybe some other time indeed. Alas, I have not heard the two most affordable “cartridge-included” models, so I cannot comment on how they would compare.
Thanks for this very interesting and comprehensive review. Due to my nomadic life since 2014 I had chosen for streaming only. However, I am more settled now (in Abu Dhabi). In addition, last summer I visited the (mainly vinyl) record shop co-owned by my son (3345, in The Hague) for the first time, and that got me drooling. That got me thinking, and reading reviews. Looked at the SL-1200GR2. The “DJ-look” put me off though, and I figured I wanted something more high end. Eventually I got very interested in the Mofi Ultradeck (or even better, the Masterdeck, but yeah expensive). Your review makes me seriously considering the SL-1300G though. Very sturdy, almost plug and play, AND sounding great.
I had an SL-1800 MkII which I purchased new in 1980 from my employer at the pro sound company where I was employed at the time. I sold it in 2017 and the only defect it had was that the oil in the oil-damped pop-up stylus light leaked out or dried up and it no longer emerged slowly as it did when new, but instantly popped up. The turntable served me very well for 37 years. I recall that it retailed for about $1K at the time.
Nice writeup. I bought the Sl1210gae when it went on the market. It is truly a magnificent pice of engineering. I tweaked the sound to my ears with Audioquest Yukon rca cables. Phase Mation CS-1000 headshell. Nagaoka MP 300. Vertere Techno Mat. It’s that good that the sound signature can be tailored like that. I’m from 1968. So I’m guessing the 1210gae will last me a lifetime.
Thank you for your thorough and interesting review and comparison. I am reading about these three turntables as I search for an upgrade option. Some of the other reviews I have found of the 1300G describe it as lean, bright, or neutral. I am wondering how reviewers can come to opposite conclusions of the 1300G.
The 1300G is the fullest, warmest-sounding of the Technics turntables I tested. However, compared to typical belt-drive turntables, any Technics Direct-Drive turntable can appear *relatively* bright and/or lean.
Thank you for your response.
I have the Technics SL-1500C turntable. I added a Nagaoka MP200 cartridge, a warm phono pre, warm cables, footers, a walnut platform, two subwoofers, NOS tubes, and a lot of room treatment. I also have my analog systems total capacitance at around 110. With these changes and a few others to my set up, my system sounds pretty good and definitely not too bright.
I said I am thinking about a turntable upgrade, but it will probably be a few years. I will definitely consider a Technics 1300G or 1200G especially after reading your excellent review. Bookmarked!
Excellent review! Thank you. Allow me to ask a question, please. I am considering buying a new turntable and choosing between the Denon DP-3000NE, Technics SL-1300G, and SL-1200G. I can’t decide which one might be most suitable for me. Which one would you lean towards, considering that you have reviewed all three turntables? I would greatly appreciate your response and help in making my decision. Thank you
Hi Jiri, without knowing your preferences I cannot tell you whether an SL1300G or 1200G would be better for you. But I have done my best to describe the differences in this review. Between the Denon and the Technics turntables, it comes down to style and smoothness. The Denon looks more traditional which you may or may not like, and it sounds smoother, warmer, and more relaxed. The Technics turntables look more technical and sound more transparent and precise. If you don’t intend on moving beyond conical or ellyptical stylus shapes, and just want a player that sounds musical, the Denon might be for you. If you want the highest resolution and intend on using more exotic stylus shapes, I recommend Technics. The SL1200G has the mechanically most precise arm.
Thanks Christiaan for the great review. As I understood you, Denon DP-3000NE and SL1200GR2 should play at the same level. Does it mean that SL1300G play better than the two, also DP-3000NE? I plan to run it with Denon DL 103 and listen to jazz for the most part, but sometimes classical music, pop and rock. It would be interesting to hear your opinion whether you would prefer Denon DP-3000NE with DL 103 or SL1300G with DL 103. Thank you very much.
Hi Paul, it’s just my opinion, of course, but I would choose the SL1300G for its build quality and more precise sound. The DL103 sounds really nice, but, in my opinion, its basic conical stylus shape undercuts the either turntable’s full abilities. So, I would also recommend stepping up to a cartridge with at least an Elliptical stylus, or if funds permit, a Line Contact or Shibata, or if you want maximum resolution and don’t mind a more analytical sound, MicroRidge.
Hi Cristiaan, thanks a lot for the rapid answer. I really appreciate your opinion.
Hi Paul,
Based on Christiaan’s review (and few other reviews such as Michael Fremer) I bought the SL-1300G. Based on recommendations from friends with good ears I combine it with the Hana SL MkII ca).rtridge (with Shibata shaped stylus). Every listening session is an absolute joy! A high-end Audio-Technica MM cartridge such as used by Christiaan will work perfectly too (I have been doubting between the Hana and AT, but one has to make choices
Hi Eric, that’s great. Hana SL and EL are also on my list of potential candidates. Thanks that you confirm a good match with the 1300G.
Hi Paul (and Eric), I wanted to add that, after changing from the Magicos to the Apogees, I now prefer to use MC cartridges with the SL1200G. The AT VM 740 MM was superb with the Magicos, but I found it to be too bright with the Apogees. I would probably have gone back to the ATOC9XML MC if I still had it, but an operational mistake (cough-clumsiness-cough) accidentally ruined it. I currently use the Goldring Ethos SE, which has a fuller bass and warmer midrange than the AT carts and is presumably more similar in overall sound signature to Hana than to AT. I never used Hana, so I can’t be sure. In any case, it’s good to keep in mind that the “ideal” cart, and whether to choose MM or MC, co-depends on the rest of the system.
Hi Christian, Goldring Ethos sounds interesting. I think I also should try Ortofon MC X40 or Ortofon MC X30. But you are fully right, the system is crucial.
Hi Paul, I encourage trying as many carts as you can! There is a lot to discover and the differences are considerable.