The vintage classic player Technics SL-1200 was well known as one of the legendary DJ turntable. Build like a tank – though maybe not designed specifically for audiophile market – still many non-DJs are using this turntable. The first Technics SL-1200 was introduce more than 40 years ago. A lot of variants released from 1970 to present time. And the latest version just released on CES 2016 in Las Vegas: Technics SL-1200G and SL-1200GAE. Quoted from Wikipedia below:

SL-1200G: SL-1200 Grand Class, an aluminum bound turntable with a high–dampening tonearm, a “three–layer” turntable system, complete with a microprocessor and rotary positing sensors to eliminate cogging, as well as 78 rpm speed compatibility.

SL-1200GAE: SL-1200 Grand Class 50th Anniversary Edition – An Limited edition of 1200 units. Same as above, with a magnesium case.

Technics SL-1200GAE


Specification
All New Design for Redefining the Direct Drive Turntable
Twin-Rotor Surface-Facing Direct Drive Motor
Direct Drive Motor Controller
High Sensitive Tonearm
Brass-Top Turntable Platter
Insulator

Technics Definitive Design
Inherited SL-1200 Series
Heavy Aluminium Top Plate

Turntable Speeds
33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm

Variable Range Pitch
±8%, ±16%

Dimensions & Weight
W: 453 mm (17-27/32 inch) H: 170 mm (6-11/16 inch) D: 372 mm (14-21/32 inch)
Approx. 18 kg (39.7 lbs ) *Tentative *Height including dust cover

Terminal
Phono Output x 1 / SIGNAL GND x 1

 

Technics SL-1200 in 2016? You gotta be kidding! But yes, it’s here this Summer. I will not compare it with 5 digits $ price turntable, but for sure this legendary player can compete against most of the entry to mid level turntable which dominated with fancy acrylic plate and light weight base. I might consider myself to grab used SL-1200 or the SL-1200G series – if I were going back to Vinyl someday later (with only 1200 pcs on SL-1200GAE, I don’t think I can be that lucky!).

Both direct drive and belt drive turntable might have their own fans, but this Technics SL-1200 direct drive basically build to last, like a tank (18 Kgs is not light at all). With proper treatment to minimize the weakness of direct drive design, they should be able to give strong pressure to belt drive one.     –Jimmy Auw