Technics Grand Class SL-1200GR2, SL-1300G, and SL-1200G
SL-1300G
The SL-1300G deviates from the other models with its cleaner visual design, intended to appeal more to Hi-Fi purists and audiophiles. The stroboscope and indicators on the platter, the cue lamp, and the pitch control are gone, replaced with a beautiful, clean surface that accentuates the player’s sleek chassis, making for a look that, I am happy to confirm, indeed appeals to the audiophile in me.
Featuring the ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) and Silent Noise Cancelling Power Supply of the SL-1200GR2, a three-layer balanced platter that looks and feels identical to that of the SL-1200G, and a redesigned massive coreless high-torque twin-rotor motor based on the one used for the SL-1200G, the SL-1300G seems to offer the best of both worlds.
The new player does not have the SL-1200G’s elaborate four-layer aluminum-BMC-aluminum-rubber chassis but instead offers a more spartan two-layer aluminum-BMC chassis, as used for the SL-1200GR2. Although superficially similar, the SL1300G’s chassis adds reinforcing ribs between the motor/tonearm on the top panel, which improves rigidity and vibration-damping characteristics.
The SL-1300G uses high-quality gold-plated phono terminals within a metal shielding construction inside the case, the same as for the SL-1200GR2. The power cable is detachable, with the connector mounted in an easier-to-reach straight manner, just as with the SL-1200GR2.
The SL-1300G uses the same aluminum S-shaped arm with a detachable headshell as the SL-1200GR2, rather than the magnesium unit that the 1200G has.
The SL-1300 G uses special silicon rubber for the insulators supporting the body, which ensures high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability. The documentation does not list further differences or similarities between the footers of the other models, but they are not made of aluminum and look and feel the same as those used for the SL-1200GR.
Priced between the SL-1200G and SL-1200GR, the SL-1300G aims to provide an ideal balance between the two turntables and offers several top-end features at a more attainable price.
Supplied Cables
Above left are the RCA interlinks delivered with the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1300G. These may look ordinary, but they are thicker and better made than the freebie cables that usually come bundled with audio equipment. Above right are the extra-thick RCA interlinks delivered with the SL-1200G.
The two cables also sound different. The thinner SL-1200GR2/SL-1300G cables sound sweet and lush compared to regular freebie cables, while the SL-1200G cables are still sweet but a little more upfront and powerful. Naturally, I used the same interlinks for all comparisons.
Next: Sidenotes, Review Context, Cartridges, and Listening Part 1
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.