New Products of Note
Every so often a product comes along that exceeds the
expectation of what is possible in a given price class.
Such is the case with the new Technics incredible SL1200G direct-drive turntable.
The production rollout in America was several months
later than had been originally anticipated, which is
typical of hi-end audio products. We were anxious,
however, having read a couple of reviews from highly
respected journalists who had received advanced
samples. The word was out that this new 1200G was
beyond special, but rather a true “reference-class”
product - competitive with respected products many
times the Technics suggested price.
We received our first unit in September, 2016 (after a
long wait), mounted the new Hana SL cartridge, and
started listening. To say we were surprised at its
performance is a huge understatement! It was
immediately obvious that the SL-1200G set a whole new
performance standard in its price range. – and way
beyond. Finally, a direct-drive turntable, with the speed
accuracy inherent in such designs, but with the open,
beautiful, yet natural, sonic characteristics of much
more expensive belt-drive rigs. It became clear that a
closer look was required to understand why this new
Technics sounded so good………………
Cosmetically, the new 1200G mimics the look of
previous generations of Technics’ SL-1200 tables.
But the looks are all that the new SL-1200G has in
common with its predecessors. It is literally new from
the ground (the feet) up. The Technics design team set
out to make a true reference table and arm, and this
goal required all new everything. From the non-cogging
(think continuous), coreless direct-drive motor, to the
tri-layered platter (brass, die-cast aluminum and
rubber), to the incredible magnesium alloy tonearm, to
the four-layer cabinet/plinth, to the height-adjustable
isolation “feet” – the Sl-1200G goes way beyond
anything we thought possible in its price class.
If you’d like to learn more details about the SL-1200G,
read Michael Fremer’s detailed review on his “Analog
Planet” site. You can also go to the Technics website for
technical details.
Or, if you just want to look at and listen to the new SL1200G, come into Glenn Poor’s showrooms in Old Farm,
and get an up-close, personal audition. You’ll be
amazed.
Geoff