New Technics SL 1200 GAE

I don't own a 1200 GAE but I listened to one for about half an hour in a store.  I don't have much of an opinion about the sound since I heard it mostly on  planar speakesr that a different sound than what I am used to.  Also, it had a new cartridge that only had an hour or so on it.

I do own a modified 1200 MK2 with an Archomat mat, isonoe footers, KAB fluid damper and good AT and Sumiko headshells.  I didn't have to listen for more than 30 seconds to realize that the GAE is superior to the 1200 MK2.  The greater clarity, richness of the sound and texture were what I noticed first.  Visually, it appears to be much better built than the older models.  As it should considering the price!

A number of people have made comments online implying that it is overpriced and a ripoff by Technics.  Seeing how (and where) it is made, it seems to be reasonably priced to me.  Personally, I like knowing that this is made in Japan, made according to their traditions and not outsourced to some sweatshop in China.

Do I wish they had chosen another design?  To be honest, yes.  I bought my 1200 MK2 originally as a stopgap after my Thorens table broke and couldn't be repaired.  I didn't like the looks of the 1200 at first but it has grown on me over the years.  I don't find the looks of the SP 10 to be more attractive, in any case.

I am sure it could be improved by adding a much more expensive arm.  Sound can always be improved-or at least altered-by spending more money on different things  Personally, I don't think the arm that is on it now is so shabby.  I would use it for awhile before I thought about replacing it.  Still I would love to hear one with a Triplanar or SME!

andysf

Thanks for posting your thoughts on the GAE. I hope those that have acquired one will add to this thread. I too only heard it at Axpona this past April for 20 minutes. I don't think this price is out of line with today's prices on equipment.

@dave_72 

ok cool, i'll check out the 1200gr for around 2k. however, the 1210 m5g does have better tonearm wiring and phono cable as well as an improved tonearm...

It's the same tonearm. Rewing of the stock Technics cost under $25 for Cardsa tonearm wires and about $70 for external cable if you choose the same Cardas 33awg + RCAs of your choise for a bit extra. The mk5 belongs to mk2 family, but the GAE is not and that's why the price difference is so big.    

@andysf

I don’t find the looks of the SP 10 to be more attractive, in any case.

Really? Maybe the stock technics obsidian plinth is not attractive at all, but if you put your SP-10mk2 in a good wooden plinth (like i did with mine, click here) it does looks much better and can accept any king of tonearm including "12 inch. 

In the meantime if you could post your initial findings on stock out of the box thoughts. They would be appreciated.

OK- We took the machine apart doing a complete analysis. I’m very familiar with the older machines; I own one and have serviced them over the years.

The GAE is a ground-up new design, one that is intended to look like a 1200. I think that is unfortunate as it leaves people wondering what Technics was thinking. But that aside:

The machine uses four methods of vibration damping control in the plinth. The platter is more massive and is also damped. The motor has more torque (up to speed in about 1/8 turn) and the speed is rock steady. Speed wise it sits about 80-90% of the way to the top between the SP-10 MkII and SP-10 MkIII. That makes it one of the most speed stable turntables in the world, quite unlike the original 1200s.

The arm is nothing special but is easily removed. With a Triplanar installed this is a world-class machine that takes on much more expensive machines with ease. Technics has a lot of servo experience; in this case they applied it to an entirely new design that is computer based rather than an analog chip set. To that end the firmware appears to be updatable via a USB connection.

Initially we were looking at lifting the motor and circuitry out of the chassis and installing it in a new plinth. However upon opening up the machine it was obvious that Technics was aware the vibration damping is a serious issue. As a result while I think our initial plan would be better, its well past the point of diminishing return! This is an excellent machine and has a place in the high end pantheon of turntables.

I’m not a fan of the arm, but I’ve seen worse and it would be no worries to set it up for balanced operation.