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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
billallen10
19 posts
 
I realized today that it’s been many years since I been so excited about acquiring an audio component ... I really am jonesing for this thing.

However I do agree with you Pryso that Technics should have called it by different model number. Besides the useless pitch control it really has nothing in common with the SL-1200 turntable. Under the hood it’s a brand new ball game.

Logically it should have been called the SL-2100. (As is a 21st Century Turntable)

Later if they wanted to reissue the SL-1200, it could be called the SL-1200NC.
(As in New Century)

In the end I guess it doesn’t really matter what they call it, or what features they include. My purchase decision logic was quite simple ... I get it ... so I got one!

I just hope it lives up to my expectation's.
paul79
173 posts
 
I think this TT is quite impressive, and can appreciate the homage, but $4K is a joke. A very very bad joke. It may be great, but will it slay all other TT's at the $4K mark? I think not even close personally.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
It may be great, but will it slay all other TT’s at the $4K mark?
We all are entitled to our opinions, but from the audition I had, I believe it can slay many. And if one wants a new Direct Drive turntable, then yes, it will slay all other 4K tables on the market. Name me one high end TT available today that is Direct Drive and priced at 4K other than this one? There are none.
My 6 month wait is over, my Technics SL-1200GAE shipped today from Hi-Fi Heaven
Congrats Bill. I look forward to your review. Also, what cartridge will you be using with this table?

paul79
173 posts
 
Well there is no shortage of available SL-1200's, that's for sure. I'd put an SME 10" arm and a Herbie's mat on a 1200MK5 and call it a day, but that's just me.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
If you love technics that much and willing to spend 4k why don’t you buy used SP10mk2 with custom plinth of your choise and tonearm of your choise (all for less than 4k for sure)? With custom plinth it’s easy to swap the tonearms. Everybody knows how good is this deck.

I use a pair of SL-1210mk2 from 1996, even fully upgraded version (rewired, w/silicone tonearm damper, isonoe feets) can’t compete with my SP-10mk2 with EPA-100 tonearm. I also have rare Technics SP-20 which is also way better than upgraded SL-1210mk2.

You don’t need 4k to buy Luxman PD444 for example which is a great direct drive, probably best design ever made for 2 tonearms. I have one and i’m happy with it.

If i ever need another technics it will be SP-10 mk3


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