Analog Gear News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.