Technics SL-1300G New Generation Grand Class Turntable

[thewas]

Turntable with a Hi-Fi design featuring ΔΣ-Drive, a new motor drive technology that delivers high rotational accuracy and low vibration. The turntable’s new motor, three-layer platter, and high-rigidity chassis ensure even higher sound quality.

Price seems to be $3099

Source and more details: https://www.technics.com/uk/products/grand-class/turntables/sl-1300g.html

 

[oceansize]

$3300 at Technics US

 

[ban25]

Very very nice. This might end up on my X-Mas list come December...

 

[IshkaBibble98]

Looks like a new model slotted to fit in between the SL-1200/1210GR2 and an eventual updated SL-1200G?

Main concern I see is that it appears to have the same tonearm as the lower model. The new model has the ΔΣ-Drive of the GR2, and of course other motor and platter improvements noted above.

But I always thought the weak link on the GR2 models was the tonearm. The SL-1200G includes a significantly better magnesium tonearm, obviously at a higher cost.

 

[AaronJ]

It seems there is demand for a turntable that looks like a SL-100C at a price point between the SL-1200GR and SL-1200G.

 

[undeakyetonde]

But I always thought the weak link on the GR2 models was the tonearm. The SL-1200G includes a significantly better magnesium tonearm, obviously at a higher cost.

In what sense is it better?

 

[IshkaBibble98]

In what sense is it better?

It's always difficult to quantify. But, the SL-1200G's tonearm, unlike that of the models below it is made of "cold-drawn" magnesium and not aluminum. Technics claims it has a higher damping effect. IIRC there were some reviews that claimed the magnesium arm was "lighter, stiffer and less resonant than aluminum." And allegedly the bearings and other components are made to a tighter tolerance.

Personally, my son and I think the SL-1200GR (haven't tried the GR2) arm and mounting and connected components feels relatively "cheap" compared to the SL-1200G's -- but that's to be expected with the price difference. For example, the SL-1200GR's cuing lever has quite a lot of slop in it, and was much like the SL-1500C's. Cue up the 1200G's lever, and it simply feels more solid and precise. Moving the arm around to drop the stylus feels more secure -- I don't doubt it's better executed.

Apparently the dimensions of of the two assembles are different enough to suggest that the SL-1200G's arm isn't simply a magnesium version made with the same diecast with the same supplementary parts. That would help explain why the SL-1200G's assembly drops so much smoother.

Some time ago, HifiNews compared the SL-1200GR with the very expensive SL-1000R. I'd ignore the better wow & flutter comparison since we're talking about two vastly different turntables in design and price point. But that magnesium tonearm that is in the SL-1000R had better tonearm resonance frequency measurements, especially down low. Of course, it's logical to assume that the SL-1000R's should be better than the SL-1200G's -- pity there's no comparable measurement that I could find for that turntable.

I believe that the SL-1200G's arm is lower mass, but Techniques has always been less than cooperative in publishing such specs.

Some caveats ... some people think the SL1200GR/GR2 are mostly limited by their tonearms. But there are also some who believe that the SL-1200G would be even better if it had a better tonearm than the one that comes with it. Maybe a different design, maybe some carbon fiber. And one can't underestimate the effect of using different cartridges, phono pre-amps / SUT's, etc. And how does one precisely separate the audio characteristics of an SL-1200G arm given that it's also built on a platform that's more solid than the SL-1200GR? And finally, there are some who have replaced the SL-1200G's tonearm with something like an SME one, and claim it's wonderful.

I suspect that Technics will annoy SL-1300G buyers by releasing an updated SL-1200G, with the motor advancements from the 1200GR2 and the 1300G. With enough time distance in between to cause upgrade-itis. Of course, an updated SL-1200G will likely be even more expensive. List prices on the GR, GR2, and G have climbed significantly the past several years.

 

[drmevo]

Looks like a new model slotted to fit in between the SL-1200/1210GR2 and an eventual updated SL-1200G?

Main concern I see is that it appears to have the same tonearm as the lower model. The new model has the ΔΣ-Drive of the GR2, and of course other motor and platter improvements noted above.

But I always thought the weak link on the GR2 models was the tonearm. The SL-1200G includes a significantly better magnesium tonearm, obviously at a higher cost.

Yeah, I’m kinda surprised they didn’t take this opportunity to release something comparable to the 1200G (tonearm, plinth construction) but without the “DJ features.” I just have to assume that most of the 1200G’s sound advantage over the GR/GR2 is in the tonearm. It seems like a lot of folks into higher-end turntables are concerned with aesthetics and would prefer this look.

 

[DSJR]

Oh crap - this has set my ASD vibes off - and NOTHING to do with the product itself

The SL1300 was a fecking FULL AUTO deck, start and stop, the 1350 a 'changer' type when made. B&O used to re-use model numbers and it got me right going at the time. This re-use of an established number has done it again in my dotage...

Why can't they find another number series to use, it's already all but impossible for a non-anal-follower like me to rationalise the different and 'evolved' 1200 models over several decades now

Oh, where's the strobe and disc support?

Moan over - as you were fellas, as you were


All this money on bling when the basic model at a fraction of the price has arguably better tech performance than many of the lathes which cut the master acetates in the first place

 

[Sokel]

Black version anywhere?

 

[drmevo]

Black version anywhere?

 

[Sokel]

View attachment 390568

Now we're talking!
Thank you!

 

[drmevo]

Oh crap - this has set my ASD vibes off - and NOTHING to do with the product itself

The SL1300 was a fecking FULL AUTO deck, start and stop, the 1350 a 'changer' type when made. B&O used to re-use model numbers and it got me right going at the time. This re-use of an established number has done it again in my dotage...

Why can't they find another number series to use, it's already all but impossible for a non-anal-follower like me to rationalise the different and 'evolved' 1200 models over several decades now

Oh, where's the strobe and disc support?

Moan over - as you were fellas, as you were


All this money on bling when the basic model at a fraction of the price has arguably better tech performance than many of the lathes which cut the master acetates in the first place

I hear you. It wouldn't have been hard to just choose a new model number. It seems full auto is considered a downside these days. Put it in only the cheapest 'tables, and when the mechanical nonsense fails, just trash it and buy a new one. At least the 1500C is still there for those who want auto-stop and lift.

My issue, as hinted mentioned above, is seemingly putting it in the same class as the 1200G when it only shares some commonalties (motor and platter). It should at least have the same magnesium arm if it's gonna be a G.

 

[DSJR]

I hear you. It wouldn't have been hard to just choose a new model number. It seems full auto is considered a downside these days. Put it in only the cheapest 'tables, and when the mechanical nonsense fails, just trash it and buy a new one. At least the 1500C is still there for those who want auto-stop and lift.

My issue, as hinted mentioned above, is seemingly putting it in the same class as the 1200G when it only shares some commonalties (motor and platter). It should at least have the same magnesium arm if it's gonna be a G.

It's still 'only' a Technics, my dealer pal tells me. A Rega 10 is in a different and higher subjective plane of existence over that range of 'DJ' decks..... (well, the arm is I know, but not sure about the rest of it )

If I didn't have my s**t stash of old turntables, what would I buy new now? the AT LP5X/VM95E video using a Spartan 15 phono stage has floored me for seven hundred quid all-in, but an SL100C or sibling with 2M-Red (1500C?) would have to be there too. Four grand to hear the distortion in the plastic discs all the more vividly? Maybe forty odd years ago, but not today, even if I had the dosh to fork out for one.

 

[ErVikingo]

I love my 1200!

 

[Leporello]

It is not outrageously expensive. But in 2024 it is poor value considering how far behind digital it inevitably is. Trying to improve vinyl playback is a fool’s errand.

 

[undeakyetonde]

It's always difficult to quantify. But, the SL-1200G's tonearm, unlike that of the models below it is made of "cold-drawn" magnesium and not aluminum. Technics claims it has a higher damping effect. IIRC there were some reviews that claimed the magnesium arm was "lighter, stiffer and less resonant than aluminum." And allegedly the bearings and other components are made to a tighter tolerance.

Personally, my son and I think the SL-1200GR (haven't tried the GR2) arm and mounting and connected components feels relatively "cheap" compared to the SL-1200G's -- but that's to be expected with the price difference. For example, the SL-1200GR's cuing lever has quite a lot of slop in it, and was much like the SL-1500C's. Cue up the 1200G's lever, and it simply feels more solid and precise. Moving the arm around to drop the stylus feels more secure -- I don't doubt it's better executed.

But that magnesium tonearm that is in the SL-1000R had better tonearm resonance frequency measurements, especially down low.

So, the cue lever is smoother? That's it?

How exactly do the tonearm resonances measure better? I see that the plots look different. What is 'better' here? How exactly does that influence signal coming from the cartridge?

 

[EERecordist]

It's good to see a company with more than half an engineer, and a company that understands manufacturing quality, attempt this. I'm more a linear tone arm fan, maybe those will come back.

 

[AaronJ]

So, the cue lever is smoother? That's it?

I was excited to own my first Technics when I bought a SL-100C, but the sh*tty cue lever is the primary reason I sold it at a 40% loss. The other being the ridiculously implemented auto-lift (which also forces you to interact with the cue lever). Nothing about the experience of using a $1000+ turntable should feel cheap, because this isn't a wheel that needs to be reinvented. I couldn't wait to get rid of it.

But in 2024 it is poor value considering how far behind digital it inevitably is.

I agree with it being poor value, but not for this reason. It is poor value because for the cost of this turntable you can get a half-dozen TTOL turntables from the 1970's and 1980's that look better, play better, and are more enjoyable to interact with. Technics is long past the point of needing to recoup R&D costs so at this point they're basically charging a tax for the brand on top of substantial dealer mark-up.

 

[copperblue]

If this had the magnesium arm I'd be opening the box before Xmas! I would justify it to my other half on aesthetics alone, easy win
The improved resonance control offered by the mag arm over the standard Aluminium would - hopefully - equal my 1210 M3D/Origin Live Alliance, which I love the sound of but think looks busy.
Edit: the magnesium arm/base has different mounting arrangement to the aluminium arm and isn't a simple drop in replacement.