For a time, Technics' venerable SL-1200 had been the turntable of choice for a generation of music lovers and a hallmark in the vaunted brand's legacy. Shortly after its introduction in 1972, SL-1200, and its many iterations, became one of the most durable turntables in its class while amassing one of the largest followings in DJ culture. It survived the arrival of the CD in the 1980s and, during the 1990s, remained the 'table of choice at some of the world's most famous clubs and discotheques. And, as SL-1200 matured in technology, it steadily became adored by audiophiles seeking an alternative to belt-drive models. Understandably, then, when Technics ceased production in the fall of 2010, some music lovers were nearly apoplectic.

With the surprise announcement of the brand's relaunch in 2016, fans of the lauded 'table were thrilled to see the prized analog rig reborn – and amazed at what engineers did to ensure its place in the 21st century by way of from-the-ground-up engineering.

At Music Direct, we are equally thrilled at the privilege to represent the Technics line. Whether you lean toward SL-1200 or the flagship SL-1000R, you can now get your hands on Japanese-made models that gravitate towards excellence in engineering as well as increases in purity of sound – benchmarks that date back to the brand's genesis in the 1960s.

A Statement in Reference Playback: Technics SL-1000R
With the flagship SL-1000R, Technics engineers spared no expense in manufacturing a reference deck built to perfectionist-pleasing degrees. Your vinyl escapade begins with a double-coil twin rotor-type coreless direct-drive motor that attains 12-pole, 18-coil drive and high enough torque to drive the massive platter, which features one dozen application-specific tungsten weights. On the outside, no fewer than five (five!) layers of different materials conspire to afford stunning rigidity. And talk about quiet: A switching power supply equipped with unique technology to provide voltage with minimal noise comes standard. Of course, a gorgeous tonearm and base for standard-setting tracking is only apropos for a component of SL-1000R's stature. Limitless playback options are also made possible given SL-1000R can expand its capabilities to add up to two optional tonearm bases.

A Legend, Reborn: Technics SL-1200G
With Technics's heritage in tow, the award-winning SL-1200G direct-drive turntable is more than a distant echo to its past. Equipped with a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor and electronic speed control, each 'table is built in a factory dedicated only to the production of SL-1200Gs. Few, if any manufacturers, keep such a rigorous eye on quality control. The 39.7-pound SL-1200G also boasts an impressive plinth, nine-inch universal static-balance tonearm, and auxiliary weights to support a massive range of cartridges. In short, this is clearly not your father or DJ's SL-1200.

A Turntablist's Dream: Technics SL-1200GR and 1210GR
Technics's SL-1200GR (and black twin, SL-1210GR) is a proverbial chip off the block. Inheriting parts and engineering from its SL-1200G sibling, it adopts precision-based, hand-tuned electronic speed control with motor-control technology cultivated in the development of Blu-ray components. Turntablists will take note of the 'table's 0.7-second start-up time. In terms of tracking, Technics' signature nine-inch tonearm and gimbal-suspension-constructed bearing section result in surgical tracing of LP grooves. Gold-plated phono terminals, shielded casing, a pitch-control slider, and push-button operation for start/stop, 33, 45, and 78RPM further enhance the functionality and fidelity.

Technics Pedigree, Ready-To-Play Enjoyment: Technics SL-1500C
Technics' SL-1500C is more than just a semi-automatic, direct-drive turntable. It features an independently managed, motor-free auto lifter function that raises the supplied nine-inch tonearm when it reaches the end of an LP. Further outfitted with Ortofon's musical 2M Red MM cartridge, and compatible with 33, 45, and 78RPM LPs, SL-1500C includes four buttons in the left front corner of the plinth for hassle-free control. A dedicated power supply, dust cover, record mat, 45RPM adapter, balance weight, auxiliary weight, and phono cable help round out this plug-and-play marvel.

More Technics Goodies
Along with the aforementioned analog rigs, our relationship with Technics wouldn't be complete without its new amplifiers and loudspeakers, which we'll address in a future report. Need more information? Explore these products in-depth on our website, leave your comments below, or call 800-449-8333. Music Direct Audio Consultants are at the ready to answer your questions.

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