Technics SL-1200GR DJ Turntable

Parts from the Technics SL-1200G underwent a makeover and were redeveloped to create the Technics SL-1200GR DJ Turntable, parts such as the coreless direct-drive motor with precise motor control technology, highly-rigid platter and high-sensitivity tonearm have all been improved upon to ensure audiophiles using the SL-1200GR shall be pleased with the rich, warm, robust sounds of analogue records. 

Coreless Direct-Drive Motor Achieving Stable Rotation

Unlike belt-drive and similar systems, direct-drive motors rotate at a lower motor speed and directly drive the platter. This idea provides a number of advantages over belt-driven motors, such as the almost complete loss of deterioration in S/N ratio due to vibration and deceleration mechanisms plus a better reliability over extended periods of time thanks to not having to replace parts.
2016 saw Technics develop a twin-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor with rotor magnets placed on both sides. This helps eliminate rotation irregularity of the motor also known as “cogging”, this was a unique problem for direct-drive systems. This motor was used for the SL-1200G, which of course drew a tremendous response from audiophiles in the hi-fi market. The SL-1200GR adopts the same design philosophy with a newly developed single-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor. The result: the elimination of cogging.
Technics SL-1200GR’s rotation control verifies and corrects the precision of the motor and uses the newest motor control technology cultivated by the development of Blu-Ray devices, just like those employed by the SL-1200G. Also, a newly tuned electrical circuit ensures the newly developed motor of the SL-1200GR achieves maximum performance.

Pursuing a Rigid Turntable Platter and Improving Vibration Damping

The platter uses a two-layer construction with deadening rubber applied to the rear surface of the aluminium die-cast which results in high-rigidity and vibration-damping characteristics. This eliminates the unnecessary resonance that otherwise gets relayed to the record, producing a clearer sound.
The shape and position of the aluminium die-cast portion was optimised by simulation and increases the inertial mass and reduces vibration. At 2.5kg the SL-1200GR platter is slightly heavier than the previous SL-1200MK5. The back surface of the platter uses strengthening ribs to improve rigidity. Increasing the surface area of contact with deadening rubber achieves damping characteristics twice as good as the SL-1200MK5 DJ Turntable.

A High Initial-Motion Sensitive Tonearm

The tonearm tracks the revolution of the record and reads with ultra-high precision. Inherited by Technics is the traditional static-balance universal S-shaped tonearm, using an aluminium pipe with super-light weight and rigour for the material of the tonearm pipe.
With its gimbal suspension construction, the tonearm bearing section of the SL-1200GR uses a cut-processed housing that employs high-precision bearings just like the SL-1200G. The high initial-motion sensitivity of 5mg or less is achieved through manual assembly and adjustment by skilled Japanese artisans. This allows the grooves etched into the records to be accurately traced.
Provided below the tonearm are gold-plated phono and ground terminals for detachable cables meaning a broad range of cables can be selected. Also, reducing the effects of external noise is made possible thanks to the use of metal shielding construction inside the case.

Highly-Rigid Body and High-Damping Silicon Insulators for Wonderous Sound

The SL-1200GR makes ensures high-rigidity by making use of a body with a two-layered construction unifying the BMC and the aluminium die-cast chassis.
Supporting the body are special silicon rubber insulators making sure both high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability remain consistent. Horizontal direction vibration is soaked up by reinforced cylindrical tubes using microcell polymers.