Analog Gear News

Technics has just announced the next generation of their direct-drive turntables — namely, the new Grand Class SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2, both of which are meant to replace their notable SL-1200 and SL-1210GR predecessors. As per the patented Technics tradition, the silver version is the SL-1200GR2, whereas the black version is the SL-1210GR2.

According to Technics, the new GR2 series was “planned to build on the reputation of our existing design” and was developed “around the iconic iron-coreless direct-drive motor with its superior rotational precision.” To achieve these goals, Technics sought to reduce motor vibration by way of optimizing the driving sine waves via PWM signal generation using ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) Modulation, a methodology that is also employed in the company’s full-digital amplifiers (such as the SU-R1000).

Looking back to the 1970s, Technics points out that the motor-control sine-wave signal was generated by an analog RF oscillator, “the precision of which left room for smoother rotation.” After Technics revived the SL-1200 turntable in 2016, the SL-1200GAE — along with the “much-improved” motor by an iron-coreless stator — inherited a new motor control based on PWM for D/A conversion, using a micro controller that included a sine-wave ROM. This upgrade, Technics added, achieved “remarkable” impact on the whole rotational precision and “helped achieve lower motor vibrations.” Despite that approach, Technics said they felt the sine wave for motor control was “still not 100% accurate,” and hence came the next-gen upgrades as noted above.

Additionally, the new multi-stage silent power supply of the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 ’tables is a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz and a noise-canceling circuit inherited from Technics’ reference-class SL-1000R ’table, and it cancels the remaining noise by injecting the reversed-phase current of the actual noise. By using this method, Technics claims that “a very low noise floor is achieved, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, improving the overall signal performance.”

Most of the mechanical design elements of the new GR2 series ’tables have been retained from their predecessor, such as the two-layer bottom chassis being made of aluminum and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound), the combination of which is said to enable “high resistance” against vibrations. TheGR2’s two-layer platter is also made of aluminum, and is dampened by heavy-weight rubber. Also carrying over to the GR2 series is the S-shape aluminum tonearm and insulator feet. Meanwhile, a 3mm die-cast aluminum cartridge spacer is said to enable greater cartridge compatibility as compared to the SL-1200GR.

The overall design of G2 series ’tables has been modified to reflect a new color match of all parts and elements (as seen above). In order to reduce environmental impact while ensuring Technics products are fully protected during the shipping process, the new packaging for these G2 series ’tables is free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), and instead made of smart shaped cardboard. Also included is a separate cardboard box for the accessories.

Both turntables in Technics’ new GR2 series — the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 — will be available starting in December 2023 at authorized Technics retailers, and each version has a respective SRP of $2,199.99.

For more about Technics, go here.
To find an authorized Technics retailer, go here.