Japan-Made Technics SL-1210GR Direct-Drive Turntable Features Hand-Tuned Electronic Speed Control, Nine-Inch Tonearm, Heavy Aluminum Platter: Plays with Exceptional Stability

Five decades ago, Technics produced the world's first direct-drive turntable for consumers and revolutionized at-home analog playback by way of the device's ultra-stable rotation, near-utter removal of signal-to-noise degradation, vibration-killing build, and unerring reliability. Equipped with a single-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor that eliminates cogging and a 5.51-pound two-layer die-cast aluminum platter with underlying rubber surface and strengthening ribs, the Japanese-made SL-1210GR upholds that standard at an even higher level for modern users.

Inheriting parts and engineering from its reference SL-1200G sibling, the Grand Class SL-1210GR adopts precision-based, hand-tuned electronic speed control with motor-control technology cultivated in the development of Blu-ray components. Sine waves stored in ROM are used for the control waveforms at constant speed, achieving smoother and more stable rotation compared with simple sine-wave generation with an external coil. From a specifications perspective, the starting torque achieves 2.2 kg x cm and a start-up time of 0.7 seconds.

Supremely rigid and accurate, the 25.3-pound SL-1210GR boasts a chassis formed by two-layer construction comprised of BMC and die-cast aluminum. Silicon rubber insulators and microcell-polymer cylindrical tubes function both as supports and vibration-control devices. Moreover, the installation section of the insulators arrive with a vertical adjustment mechanism using screws. Such architecture cancels the rattle that occurs when the turntable rests in a rack or the like, and prevents unwanted vibration. In addition, exact horizontal adjustment of the platter and record surface reduces rotation irregularity due to slanting, thereby enabling further stability.

In terms of tracking, Technics' signature static-balance, universal S-shaped, nine-inch tonearm and gimbal-suspension-constructed bearing section – assembled by skilled Japanese craftsmen – result in high initial-motion sensitivity and 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. Want a dust cover? It's here, too, along with a 45RPM adapter, balance weight, auxiliary weight, overhang gauge, and phono cable.

All you really need to decide is if you want silver (SL-1200GR) or black (SL-1210GR). Our 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guarantee has your back with either selection.

"The platter doesn't wobble about on a bouncy suspension, and it can start and stop in an instant. The arm handles beautifully and the cueing lever drops the stylus exactly where you expect it to fall. And the motor has plenty of torque if you want to dust off your record with one of those carbon-fiber brushes. I found myself simply playing and enjoying the music on my records, without much of the analog ritual often needed with more exotic equipment."
– Michael Trei, Sound & Vision