Technics SL-1200GR-2 Direct Drive Turntable

Description

MY TAKE: The SL-1200GR-2 further refines the performance of its already outstandinf predecessor, the SL-1200GR. Incredible value! - Galen Carol

Fusing Technics’ traditional analog and digital technologies, the SL-1200GR2 is the new standard in direct drive turntable systems. With a revolutionary new drive control method for smooth, accurate rotational stability and a new power supply for an exceptionally low noise floor the new generation turntable outperforms the usual standards of its class, for rich, robust sounds and true high-fidelity listening.

• Coreless direct drive motor achieving stable rotation
• Low-noise, low-voltage power circuit and a switching power supply
• ΔΣ-Drive suppresses vibrations from the motor for smoother, more accurate rotation
• Tonearm achieving high initial-motion sensitivity
• Two-layer platter with high rigidity and vibration damping
• High-rigidity body and high-damping silicon insulators for smooth sound and isolation from various vibrations

New Motor-Drive System, ΔΣ-Drive(Delta Sigma Drive) -

The ΔΣ-Drive is a new system that applies Technics’ expertise in PWM signal processing. In addition to reducing high harmonics, the new drive suppresses vibrations from the motor for smoother, more accurate rotation, ensuring a rich reproduction of the music.

Pursuing Rigidity and VibrationDamping Characteristics -

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 eliminate the unnecessary resonance that is otherwise relayed to the record, thereby producing clear sound.

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 surface area of contact with the deadening rubber achieves damping characteristics that are more than twice those of the SL-1200MK5.

Multi-Stage Silent Power Supply - Current Injection Active NoiseCancelling -

This technology combines a noise detection device with an error amplifier. It detects residual noise in the power supply and applies an inverse phase current to remove noise components. It removes low frequency noise more effectively than a regulator to ensure a more ideal power supply.

High-dampening Silicone Insulators -

For the insulators supporting the body, the SL-1200GR2 uses special silicon rubber that ensures high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability.

REVIEWS:

STEREOPHILE: "The Technics Grand Class SL-1200GR2-S/SL-1210GR2-K direct drive turntable continues a decades-long tradition of giving the people what they want. To an audiophile, that pitch-adjustment slider may seem like a toy with no clear purpose, but other characteristics of interest to deejays proved more transferrable. Their pursuit of a lower noisefloor, more refinement, and greater purity places Technics firmly in the audiophile here and now. In any case, you've got to respect their respect for tradition.

"The GR2 played with dynamic punch with all types of music, worked well with and proved remarkably transparent to the character of cartridges and phono stages, and it was always fun to use. I'm not sure why Technics chose to keep the pitch slider; more than likely, they decided "why not?" But this is clearly an audiophile 'table, one capable of high performance at the price. If the $2199 price hits your wallet's sweet spot, give it a literal spin."

ANALOG PLANET: "Yes, there are indeed many options to be had in this price range — and, frankly, many of them are darn good! — but the Technics SL-1200GR2 direct drive turntable is a great choice and is well worth some serious, serious consideration."

WHAT HIFI: "The Technics SL-1200GR2 is furnished with some clever technology but its true talent lies in just how beautifully and robustly made this turntable is, and how enjoyable it is to use as a result. There’s a pleasure in playing record after record and, coupled with its capable performance, that makes it a turntable worth putting on the shortlist."

SCORES

Sound 4
Build 5
Features 5

SPECIFICATIONS:

General -
 
Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 11 W, Approx. 0.3 W (Standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 453 x 173 x 372 mm (17-27/32 × 6-13/16 × 14-21/32 inch)
Weight: Approx. 11.5 kg (Approx. 25.35lbs)
Accessories: Turntable, Turntable sheet, Dust cover, EP record adaptor, Balance weight, Auxiliary weight, Cartridge spacer Head shell, Overhang gauge, Screw set for cartridge, PHONO cable, PHONO earth lead, AC power supply cord, Owner's Manual
Operating Humidity Range: 35% to 80% RH (no condensation)

Terminals -
Audio Output: PHONO (Pin Jack) x 1, EARTH TERMINAL x 1

Tonearm Section -
Type:Static Balance
Effective Length: 230 mm (9-1/16")
Overhang: 15 mm (19/32")
Tracking Error Angle:Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove of 30 cm record), Within 0° 32' (at the inner groove of 30 cm 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 auxiliary weight) 5.6 - 12.0 g 14.3 - 20.7 g (including head shell) (with auxiliary weight) 10.0 - 16.4 g 18.7 - 25.1 g (including head shell)
Cartridge Mounting Dimension: JIS 12.7 mm (1/2") interval
Head Shell Terminal Lug: 1.2 mmφ 4-pin terminal lug

Turntable Section -
Type: Direct Drive Turntable
Turntable Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 r/min
Adjust Range: ±8 %, ±16 %
Starting Torque: 2.2 kg-cm
Build-up Characteristics: 0.7 s. from Standstill to 33-1/3 r/min
Wow And Flutter: 0.025 % W.R.M.S.
Braking System: Electronic brake
Turntable Platter: Aluminium diecast, Diameter : 332 mm, Weight : Approx. 2.5 kg (5.51 lb) (Including rubber sheet)