Technics brand new SL-1210GR turntable: first look

Technics revealed the first new 1210 turntable in almost 15 years yesterday (Saturday 4th February) with the SL-1210GR.

DJ Mag got up close with the new 1210 at Abbey Road Studios where Technics unveiled the turntable before they go on show at Bristol’s Sound & Vision convention later this month.

Below you can see the full tech spec of the Technics SL-1210GR, which joins the SL-1200GR silver edition that was revealed earlier this year, as well as in-depth images and a breakdown of the technology on the new turntable.

Last year’s SL-1200G combined Technics’ traditional analogue technology and advanced digital technology, and parts from it were newly developed to create the SL-1200GR and the SL-1210GR, such as the coreless direct-drive motor and precise motor control technology, high-rigidity platter and high-sensitivity tonearm.

Coreless direct-drive

Last year, Technics developed a twin-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor with rotor magnets placed on both sides for their SL-1200 GAE turntable. The result was a system that eliminated the rotation irregularity of the motor, referred to as cogging.

The SL-1200GR/SL-1210GR inherits a similar design philosophy with a single-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor, which Pioneer says results in a similar elimination of cogging.

Turntable platter

The platter has a two-layer construction with deadening rubber applied to the rear surface of the aluminium die-cast in order to achieve high-rigidity and vibration-damping characteristics. This eliminates any unnecessary resonance being relayed to the record.

The SL-1210GR’s platter is 0.8kg heavier than that of the previous SL-1200MK5, but lighter than last year’s SL-1200 GAE. The torque delivered to the aluminium platter is slightly lower too, but the reduced weight means the SL-1200GR achieves the same start up speed as it’s £4,000 predecessor.

S-shaped tonearm

The tonearm is the static-balance universal S-shaped tonearm traditionally used by Technics, and employs an aluminium pipe instead of the SL-1200 GAE’s magnesium one, again making it lighter.

Detachable cables

The GR models feature gold-plated phono terminals and ground terminals for use with detachable cables. This means a variety of cables can be used with the new 1200/1210, as well as making the terminals much easier to fix than its predecessor, which were built into the turntable’s shell.

Check out images of the SL-1200GR below, and see the full tech spec at the bottom of the page.

SL-1200GR/SL-1210GR tech specifications:

Technology for Rotational Stability

•Coreless Direct Drive Motor
•High-Precision Motor Controller

Construction for Vibration Tolerance

•High-dampening Turntable Platter
•Rigid Cabinet Construction
•Silicon Rubber Insulator

High Quality Parts

•High Sensitive Tonearm
•Gold--plated Detachable Terminals

Technics Definitive Design
Inherited SL-1200 Series

Turntable Section

•Type: Direct Drive Manual Turntable
•Turntable Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 r/min
•Adjust Range: ±8%, ±16%
•Starting Torque: 2.2 kg･cm (1.91 lb-in)
•Build-up Characteristics: 0.7 s. from standstill to 33 1/3 r/min
•Wow and Flutter: 0.025%　W.R.M.S.
•Rumble: 78dB　(IEC 98A Weighted)
•Turntable Platter: Aluminum die-cast
•Diameter：332mm (13-5/64")
•Weight：Approx. 2.5kg (5.5 lb) (Including rubber sheet)

Tonearm Section

•Type: Universal, Static Balance
•Effective Length: 230mm (9-1/16")
•Overhang: 15mm (19/32")
•Tracking Error Angle: 
Within 2° 32'　(at the outer groove of 30cm (12") record)
Within 0° 32'　(at the inner groove of 30cm (12") record)
•Offset Angle: 22°
•Arm Height Adjustment Range: 0 - 6mm
•Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0 - 4g (Direct Reading)
•Head Shell Weight: Approx. 7.6g
•Applicable Cartridge Weight Range: 
[without auxiliary weight] 5.6 - 12.0g  (14.3 - 20.7g (including head shell))
[with auxiliary weight] 10.0 - 16.4g (18.7 - 25.1g (including head shell))
•Cartridge Mounting Dimension: JIS 12.7mm, interval
•Head Shell Terminal Lug: 1.2mmφ 4-pin terminal lug

Terminals

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

General

•Power Supply: AC120 V, 60 Hz
•Power Consumption: 11 W (Approx. 0.2W (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. 11.2kg (Approx. 24.7lbs)