Published:
January 6, 2016
First announced at IFA in Berlin in 2015, the new version of the iconic Technics direct-drive record player was announced by Panasonic at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. The companyt said that this is a reflection of the recent explosion in vinyl record sales.
The SL-1200G Grand Class Direct Drive Turntable System is an updated version of the classic record player and will be made available in two versions: the aluminum-cased SL-1200 and the magnesium Anniversary Edition SL-1200GAE, which is is limited to a run of 1,200.
Direct-drive is generally considered to be for DJ use, and belt drive is for Hi-Fi use. In the 1970s, when Technics invented direct-drive turntables, their performance and reliability were first recognized by broadcast stations. High acclaim was then received by audiophiles. The high-precision rotation and absence of S/N ratio degradation were particularly attractive to these users. The high torque and reliability of direct-drive were recognized by DJs, and direct-drive turntables became the standard in the club scene. In other words, our intent in this development is to redefine the direct-drive turntable reference.
Specifications:
Twin-Rotor Surface-Facing Direct Drive Motor
Direct Drive Motor Controller
High Sensitive Tonearm
Brass-Top Turntable Platter
Insulator
Heavy Aluminium Top Plate
Turntable Speeds: 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm
Variable Range Pitch: ±8%, ±16%
Terminal: Phono Output x 1 / SIGNAL GND x 1
Availability is expected to be Summer 2016. Official pricing is to come.