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What is Technics thinking?

Lots has been said, both pro and con, about the new Technics turntable.  Description here -

http://www.sl1200gae.info/about

Some are excited about the potential, given the upgrades since their last production table/arm, the venerable SL-12XX series.  Others see it simply as an excuse to raise the price significantly of the 1200s.

In my view they shot themselves in the foot.  They copied the model number of their best selling table (I can only imagine in the hope the familiarity will carry over) and also ended up with a very similar appearance.  Given the information on all the upgrades over their prior model, the similarities make it appear like something less than what it might be.

Technics had a room at THE Show Newport and that was my first chance to see a SL-1200GAE.  The fit and finish appeared to be very good but it did look like a "polished up" SL-12XX.  I ask the Technics rep why they didn't do more to distinguish this as a new model, given their efforts with engineer upgrades.  He said he could understand my question but then really didn't offer a reasonable explanation.  After describing all the components which had been redesigned/upgraded from the prior model he offered a demo.  However the room was crowded and the remainder of the system was completely unfamiliar, so no fair impression could be made.

I believe it should have had a more unique model designation and more might have been done to the physical package so it didn't look so much like the prior model.

pryso
pryso OP
1,944 posts
 
For billallen and others, maybe I should explain my reason for starting all this a little further.

I own a SP-10 Mk 2 and a SP-15, I'm a fan of Technics.  My interest in DD motor units and Technics in general was renewed a few years ago by discussions of the surprising quality of the SL-12xx series and how a few mods could take them even further.

Once I joined the Technics camp I found it disappointing that so many dismissed the SL-12xxs as "DJ tables" rather than being considered a reasonable cost option for a decent home system.  Apparently they didn't realize the SL-1200 was designed for consumer audio and only years later discovered and adopted by dance club DJs, a situation which allowed the tables to remain in production much longer than they might have otherwise.

So when word spread that Technics was about to introduce a new model I was glad to see that even if I would not likely be a customer.  Once the SL-1200GAE was introduced much of the talk focused on the price increase and the assumption it was just a polished up version of the discontinued SL-12xx series.

My point all along was that Technics might have avoided the confusion by choosing a different model designation and making a little more effort to change the appearance.  All this may be overcome in time by positive reviews and enthusiastic owner comments such as your own.  I was pleased to read your favorable initial report.

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@audiolabyrinth 

seems audiophiles on this thread do not talk much,  not sure why?

depends on the thread, look for Raul's thread :)  
billallen10
19 posts
 
Well said Pryso.

Here is a list of all the vintage Technics turntables.
http://vintagetechnics.co.uk/turntables.htm

Oh baby, the mighty SP-10Mk3.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/technics-SP-10MK3.html

Yup ... somebody has already modded the SL-1200GAE.
http://hifipig.com/timestep-modified-technics-1200-gae/

I can't seem to find a link to the June 2016 HiFi News & Record Review of the SL-1200GAE. Anyone? Apparently it's very positive. 


ryther's avatar
ryther
3 posts
 
Thanks for your posts and impressions of the GAE, billallen10.  Im currently on vacation in Brasil, and hopefully my new GAE will be waiting for me when I get home in the start of august.  Hope the vacation goes fast:).

Sure, the HiFi News review was very good.  I guess it's not out on the net for free reading yet. 

I never thought I would ever have a DD TT in my house.  I always liked their bass control and attack, but they had their weaknesses in other areas. So for me this is a large step (up/down)? from my W&B Full Circle belt drive.

For cartridges, I have a few Ortofons laying around, a Rondo Blue and a Quintet Black. But I think I go for a Cadenza Blue.  Hell, maybe I bring in another item that never been into my house before, a MM? Just kidding.

I have a Musical Fidelity VYNL RIAA.  This is balanced all around, both in and out.  Input is balanced 5 pin mini XLR. Can any of you suggest a cable for the GAE with this configuration (RCA to mini XLR)? Difficult to find.
fastdart69
14 posts
 
I am currently using a SL-1210 M5G with an Ortophon 2m Black MM and it sound amazing with no mods.  I am picking up my SL-1200 GAE this Friday and pairing it with a Lyra Delos MC.  Hope to set it up and do some listening on Saturday.  Excited to finally try it out.
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