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

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 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 – meticulously assembled by skilled 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.

This factory-refurbished model also comes with a 90-day manufacturer's warranty to give you extra peace of mind. If you need more information or have any questions, just reach out to a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200. 

"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

"It serves up huge bass, tight control over the mids and trebles and...an overwhelming feeling of excitement."
—T3, Platinum Award, five-star review