Technics SL-1300G Turntable

Ain’t life grand? So is our appreciation for fine turntables, which leads us to zeroing in on the latest entry in Technics’ Grand Class series — namely, the SL-1300G. Said to build upon the ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor-control technology that was first introduced in the company’s SL-1200GR2 table — which we reviewed here on AP back on January 24, 2024 — Technics tells us they are now making this tech accessible one model class higher.

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According to Technics, ΔΣ-Drive is capable of delivering the “perfect driving sine wave signal” for the SL-1300G table’s iron-coreless direct-drive motor. By using PWM signal generation with ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) modulation as it’s employed in Technics’ full-digital amplifiers, motor vibrations are said to be reduced to a minimum, resulting in a “super smooth” rotational accuracy.

The difference between the motors deployed in these two turntable models is thus — the motor used in the SL-1300G is a cogging-free iron-coreless double rotor/single stator type, which is said to have a “higher” driving force than that of the lone rotor/one stator used in the 1200GR2. Additionally, the 1300G’s more powerful motor enables the usage of a more massive platter, and it also boasts a coil-mounting circuitboard.

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Speaking of said platter, the 1300G’s consists of three layers: 1) a top layer of 2mm-thick brass, which is thoroughly fixed to 2) the aluminum die-cast platter, and 3) heavy-weight rubber underneath the platter. As noted, Technics believes this design serves to enhance the table’s rotational accuracy and speed precision.

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The 1300G also sports a multi-stage silent power supply, similar to the one used in the company’s SL-1000R Reference Class turntables. It’s a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply at over 100kHz and a noise-canceling circuit working together to eliminate remaining noise by injecting the reversed-phase current of the actual noise.

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The SL-1300G’s tonearm employs a lightweight, rigid aluminum pipe in the traditional, static-balance universal S-shape. Featuring a gimbal suspension and high-precision bearing, the arm is said to achieve high initial-motion sensitivity through “manual assembly by skilled Japanese artisans.” An included auxiliary weight provides flexibility for a variety of pickup cartridges.

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Other features of the 1300G include a two-layered bottom chassis made of aluminium diecast and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound). The thickness of this aluminium diecast bottom chassis has been increased for higher rigidity and better vibration damping. A rib structure has been added to the bottom side of the chassis plate between the motor and the tonearm to further assist in keeping mechanical motor vibrations away from the tonearm.

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The SL-1300G table is offered in either black or silver finish. It comes with silicon rubber insulator feet and gold-plated phono terminals with metal shielding, and also includes a removable dust cover.

Finally, the new SL-1300G turntable will be available in December 2024 at authorized Technics retailers for an SRP of $3,299.99.

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

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COMMENTS
Glotz's picture

without disco sliders!

I am drawn to the line more than ever, but I really wanna see a SL-1200G ($4300) with the mag tonearm be updated for roughly the going rate and I'll perhaps reconsider that one. (Or if this one is substantially close to it, stick with my own Jelco arm and work this one? Hmmm.)

The Stereophile review gives me a bit of pause as the reviewer mentioned a mechanical sound that was largely ameliorated by smart tweaks ('1200G). But, he did rank it Class A. For that price point, that is special.

I still wish someone would compare this against other belt-drives in the $4000-$7000 price range and perhaps the '1200G? I do understand that comparisons are relative to reviewer and bold comparisons do piss off other manufacturers for a variety of reasons. But, it would be nice.

Andrei's picture

The 'Disco Sliders'? Never used them, never will. But just love the look.

Steelhead's picture

Blessed enough to have both and have played with both for many many years.

Gotta go with Belt drive at the end of the day although Technics makes seriously good direct drives and my 1200G runs like a top. A fine deck and although I haven't used the "disco sliders" I may as I have crates of 78's and don't have the coin yet for a 78 cartridge. Spent all my money on decks and tonearms, oh, and regular cartridges.

Happy Spinning.

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