OK Technics, give us a 1100G. It would be an exact copy of the 1200G without the sliders, the strobe, etc., but with the same chassis, tonearm, platter and drive system.
As I mentioned, I was looking at an EAR or VPI, I couldn’t get past the Circuit City DJ table look. But after one final audition I grabbed the SL1200G, and love it. But an 1100G? Might just make the swap.
@@joshthayer1100 I bet its coming. Given that this barrows some things from 1000R it seems like they are testing to see what makes the biggest difference. That and they are also milking the market because they are pretty much competing with only themselves in the direct drive game at this point.
Well, for checking super deep bass notes there's a reggae LP album called "Various Virgin Front Line II Sounds Of Reality" , a track by The Twinkle Bros 'I Love You So' and U-Brown 'Natty Dread On Mountain Top', if not some other tracks on there like Jah Works. So uh ... what you're listening for is feedback howl, on the Technics 1300, it's probably going to be affected by the ringing plinth - where a Disco turntable obviously, is going to be immune. But how LOUD can we listen 1200 vs 1300, Steve never said.
@@paulsacramone3193 You know uh ... the Denon is probably made in the same Japanese factory as the Technics because these are merely brands, as in for Cattle, John Wayne, Red River and 'D' for Dunson. Now uh ... it figures that one brand you know, is going to look and sound different from another. So you know Steve might just have the best sound system for a Technics but a Denon, is possibly going to sound better with Denon stuff and outsourced equipment that has more of a Denon sonic signature.
@@davidstevens7809 The R.I.A.A. is not an agreement but a curve plot on paper and suits certain cartridges by Brand, the width of the grooves in the vinyl record affect power of low notes, the 12 inch 45 thought better, but that record I gave you cut by a Studio Technician known as 'Porky Prime' and without doubt ... the most awesome LP in the business, everybody ought to have it as a test record for comparing detail with how loud we can turn the volume control with vinyl records.
Thanks for this. Was hoping the 1300G was just a cleaned up 1200G. Never liked the “disco” look. lol. The resonance test was enough for me. I believe that might be the difference in your listening experience. Thanks ….another great review.
I have the original SL1300 from 1974. Automatic cueing, no pitch slider, but it retains the strobe platter, which I love (could watch it for hours). Perfection.👌
Steve makes a great point: if a piece of equipment changes your behavior, you're experiencing a real difference. Those people crying "you need a blind ABX comparative test" are simply not worth listening to.
There is only one way to top the 1200G in the technic's "stable" a 1000R. Almost 5 times the price. But a bargain compared to other so called "true audiophile" grade "vynil turners" 😂 The 1200G is the best "audiophile" grade turntable that "regular" hi fi fans can afford from any brand, full stop.
You know a Technics, wow! 1000R is a Broadcast Studio turntable not a Disco turntable and so it ... wasn't designed for LOUD music in the same room but rather, how much detail it could extract from a vinyl record, and so also configured for much more expensive cartridges. So the 1200G is 'A Okay' for the affordable cartridges (like Ortofon, Grado, Audio Technica) and the 1000R might not sound best with these but at its price point, urge the buyer to spend their time with more suitable components.
I'm in my 50s so to me a turntable should look like an SL 1200 xxx (DJ or not) because in the 80s when i was a teenager thats what good turntables looked like.
Yeah but Google tells us that Denon you know is downmarket of SONY and that guru of lifestyle is downmarket of Technics and we can get Pioneer Disco CD players for a reasonable sum, today refurbished, the 1000 and the 800 are going to give 1200 Mk II sound in a compact space and space is at a premium in many places that would ever see Denon, SONY or Technics.
I have the SL-1500 and the tonearm lift completely pisses me off. It feels like a .99 cheap toy. How can Technics screw something up that the user touches every time they play a record? It's simply not acceptable. If the SL-1300 has a cheap-feeling tonearm lift, it's a no-go for me.
How about replacing the arm? There are arm-boards made for Rega arms for example. I'm guessing a current Rega would seriously improve on any of the Technics arms.
I agree direct versus belt. I too would never go back and without being antagonistic towards belt drive fans, when I see a belt drive I see old tech and wonder what will happen to all of those ridiculously priced belt drives and whether they'll end up in the garden as plant pot stands.
@@hurkamur1 I agree but the technology of direct drive has overtaken belt drive by a considerable amount and value for money DD I’d vastly superior in 2024.
Well uh ... Belt Drive suits more expensive stereo systems, Technics is a 'value' brand. To help out take a vintage , Rim Drive Garrard 301 or the originally cheaper 401, they suit upmarket stereo systems better because for some strange reason, they seem to get more detail out of a vinyl record.
@@keplermission OMA ǀ Oswalds Mill Audio and SkyFi Audio are two RU-vid sites that champion direct drive turntables and the notion that Technics is just a value brand is absurd.
Don't forget the feet on the sl-1300g are in a plastic housing, as opposed to the feet on the sl-1200g, which are in a housing made from zinc and are truly heavy affairs.
Thing is, it was invented and created for that particular market. Hence the pitch control. Unless you mix and beat match, you have not need for the 1200…
Technics hurt themselves because many people (like me) are waiting for a model with all of the quality of the 1200G, without DJ features. Only that will replace my classic Technics SP-15 that I've been using for decades. Great review, Steve!
They'll keep making the 1200G until sales flag. I bit the bullet, I HATE the looks, but damn, what a fine table. And I was fully ready to spend another $2-3k. I would also assume eliminating pitch control etc. would simplify the pathway for improved sound.
I’ve had plenty of SL1200’s and they are excellent TT’s but they can easily be beat sonically, by a Linn or similar TT. The Technics are perfect for their role tho 🎶
Thanks for the review . I kind of like being able to adjust the turntable speed as it is handy on my Garrard 401 . However I am considering a Technics mainly as it would be much lighter than my Slate Audio Plinth set-up at around 100 pounds total weight . Did you consider replacing the SME V tonearm with a SME 309 as it would allow you to easily change cartridges ? Cheers from the UK
Hi Steve, among all the video reviews, yours is the one I liked the most; however, after your conclusions, I think that perhaps it would have been appropriate to make a comparison with the 1200 GR as well. Greetings from Italy.
I recently went back to direct drive with the Denon DP-3000NE and have to say I agree that I likely won't go back to belt drive. The Pro Ject I had was good but the Denon is just easier and better.
I'm glad that you're open and performance minded to use a direct drive turntable. I at least need an auto-shutoff TT so that I won't accidentally forget (very likely) to turn it off.
The Technics SL-1200 series was never originally marketed as a DJ player. No, it is a quality product from the 1970s, from the time when gramophone record technology was fully developed.
Nah @Photoboy1948 not an exact copy of 1200G without the DJ bells and whistles. We need an updated better version of 1200G for its upcoming 10th anniversary in 2025. Give it the solid chassis of 1200G only clean like 1300G without the DJ junk show and give it the double coil motor of the SL 10/SL1000 while keeping the cost jump the same as that of the 1300G to 1200G ... Now would that be asking too much of Technics?
I bought the SL 1210 GAE when it was released. I'm with Steve, it is a truly enjoyable experience listening to records. Only music nothing more nothing less. Its a perfect piece of engineering. The slide is of use to me. But I dont mind it be there. That is how a classic Technics SL 12** look like.
When the SL1200 GAE/G was introduced I was disappointed they didn't also update the styling. In spite of that I bought a 1200G and I love it. Regarding the "DJ features" I've actually found the pitch control to be useful. A couple of LPs sounded a bit doggy, so simply upping the speed +2 restored natural tone. So it can be worthwhile. BTW I continue to be amused by the label "DJ table" for the SL1200. Look at the Technics history, it was designed for home audio. Then after years in production it was the DJs who kept it in their line up with demand for its rugged versatility. Now today several good to great tables at various price points.
Hi Steve, I m own a Thorens TD124 mk2 modified with a Ortofon SPU GME mk2 cart. How do you think this compares with the 1200G. I love my TD124 but to use it (big dustcover) is a bit of a thing.
Strange that you’re an old school salesman who has just now realized the beauty of a direct drive- I sold from 72 to 78 and went with a direct drive in 73? When the TECHNICS 1100 came out-i put a SME 309 arm on it - I have 3 dd tables today Dual 606 Pioneer pl 518 Technics fully automatic dd 😳😁
I have a Thoren TD124 Mk.2. At the time I bought it, I was also considering the Technics SL1200. When I listened to them both, the Thorens sounded better in a blind listening test. (Slightly better bass and noticeably better midrange). Does the 1300 Technics address these (admittedly subtle) issues?
TBH, the look of the SL1200G almost kept me from buying it. I’m glad I did though, and my vinyl experience is the same. I never thought I’d leave belt drive, but it’s so nice having a turntable that just works. Plus I saved a bit of money with the Technics. You did address what I was most curious about, verticals adjustment. To me it’s not minor, if you use an upgraded or different head shell, the VTA doesn’t cut it. And for the first time in my 50 years of audio I can not only afford but change carts in just minutes. I wound up getting a crystal mat to make up for it. Sounds like the 1300G is a good solution for the price point, but I’ll be keeping mine for now!
It's a shame Technics did not add different finishes to the redesign. Would love to see it in Gloss black w/ anodized brass tonearm or a Brushed Champange.
Get yourself the SL-1000R and put your suffers to rest. No more compromises and no more wondering if the table is up to the task. That being said a 1200G without the DJ stuff would be a killer product.
I love my 1998 Technics sl 1200 MK5 purchased in 2016 for $450. Does not sound hollow when I tap it on top. THUD. Would love to do a/b sound comparison between my turntable and a new one.
Strobe light is actually quite handy. I had some wow/flutter problems on one of my turntables and using app wasn't so convenient. I'd rather have this function in the tt than depend on my dropped smartphone's accelerometer.
i have the 1210 G as well , i like the clean looks of the new one , but also like the looks of the DJ table as well . the one thing that the new one does not have it the platter brake ,when you stop it .i love that feature,thank you for all your good reviews ,
Two months ago I bought the U-turn Theroy turntable. At $999.00, you can't find a better turntable! I dare you to try. It's sound is outstanding on so many levels. I'm enjoying music again.
This comment will stick out like a sore thumb .. lol. I don’t have a turntable and sold all my vinyl. These days I listen to mostly rock and prog but one occasion jazz. Thanks for mentioning ‘Out of the Cool’ by Gil Evans, so vastly underrated and with some of the best jazz musicians of the period, I can only find one word to describe some of the tracks and that is ‘sublime’.
Another top-notch review, at the end viewers know how they sound and can make good choices. The 1300 looks a lot nicer, that's for sure. Still, the 1200 still seems to pull its weight. Dare I say, there's a connection to what we did in print to what you're doing now to a MUCH larger audience, so I can only say BRAVO! Bring it on... trickle down finally worked in one industry.
Holy cow, this was amazingly quick to report. I was looking forward to hearing your feelings on this new deck. Very recently I upgraded, but I decided to be a reasonable person and bought the GR II with the thoughts of using the savings for additional upgrades and vinyl purchases. After seeing this new deck on other sites, in my mind I figured you’d still prefer the 1200. Probably the arm and the more robust plinth are its finer attributes as you very well stated. I really appreciate that you revisited your admiration for vinyl and called out artists and specific examples that you had used during the listening sessions. I usually end up buying at least one of your selections, this time it’ll be Gill Evans. I already have most of the Stones early albums all in Mono, I find them way better than any Stereo recordings especially when using a mono cartridge, the humble Grado ME+. The Platinum III is on the horizon. Thanks again. ✌️
Here’s the thing that i don’t get….I have an SL 1200 and the SL1210 in black. Both still in perfect working order. So what has improved since its inception that would entice me to either invest in one of these or sell my trusted turntables..?
If your turntable is made after 2016 and it is a 1200 G, then nothing has changed. But I'm guessing your turntable is not a 1200 G. Compared to the older models the G has a different motor, heavier platter, 2 mm brass top, new power supply and a much different construction of the base. Does your turntable weigh 40 pounds?
I'm disappointed to hear this and left scratching my head. You raved about the SL- 1200GR2 if I recall correctly, which left me thinking you liked it almost as much as the G. And you raved about the Denon 3000 too. So did you at least like this as much as those two tables? It's all rather . . . puzzling the way reviewers jump around from one component to another with very selective comparisons. It seems like just because A > B and B > C, A isn't necessarily > C. Sigh.
Steve, I just saw another review on this deck, and they said it was hand assembled in Japan. AFAIK the 1200G's are now assembled in Taiwan or similar? Love you to quickly mention in next vid. ✌
They do that if the demand is very high. But you know Taiwan ... Japan ... a bird in the hand is worth two in the Bush. Made in Japan and a waiting list of 4 years? Or made in Taiwan and you can buy it today?
I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but seriously, what's the deal with the bias against the DJ turntable? I personally think that they look fantastic, and it usually comes across as if the DJ craft isn't respected and if DJs aren't music lovers or, dare I say, audiophiles.
I found and bought an SL-1600 from a thrift store for $25.00. For me it sounds excellent so I'm curious how much better are these SL-1200 and SL-1300 TTs. Any thoughts?
So the 1300G is $3300 and I'm perfectly happy with my classic 1300 that I bought for somewhere around $330. Would my enjoyment be 10X as great with a new 1300G? That's hard to believe.
Sadly, with audio your dollar to improvement ratio is always at an inverse ratio, like many things. You'd need to have a system so revealing that your front end was an obvious weak point first. You''ll know if you're there. I'm guessing you'd get at best a 10-15% improvement even with a great system. Certainly not 10x. Even with a $15k Kuzma setup.
Modern turntables use electronics to control the speed of the motor, unlike the older ones, which used synchronous motors, locked to the mains frequency.
@@parsaeye Well, that depends on how you define "modern." My Philips had electronic speed control in 1977. I believe VPI still prefers AC synchro motors, which should be very stable unless the belt starts to slip (based on a true story) 🙄
@patbarr1351 Turntable was technically obsolete in 1982, when the first CD went on sale. As a young electronics engineer maintaining audio and video equipment in the late 70s, my reference to modern turntable makes sense to me, but not necessarily to younger people!
This looks like an upgraded SL-100C. I accept that the 1300 is a better machine, but is it THREE TIMES better? Pro-ject provides better cables on $1k TTs. No, I'm not impressed at all.
No, I used the same cartridge swapping between the two turntables. As I mentioned in the video it takes about a minute to move the cartridge from one turntable to the other turntable.
