New Technics SL 1200 GAE

Atmasphere, how do you compare your own Empire based direct drive turntable offering against the Technics 1200 GAE ?

While over the years the model 2098 we've built has acquitted itself very nicely over 'tables costing a lot more, overall I think the Technics is a better machine.

Its biggest weakness is the arm (which should not be mistaken for the original even though it looks the part just as the 'table does), so that is why we looked see if the Triplanar 12" could be installed. Quite literally, the SL1200 is now the most speed-stable machine in production and it is well-damped right out of the box. So mating a state of the art arm to it was a no-brainer.

atmasphere,

Looked at the link you provided last night. All it does; is make me want a full review and cost for you to build one for me. Looking to me as if others are pondering the same. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

Thank You,
nkonor

Contact me via email.

We've only done this with the Triplanar. Not sure how well it will work with other 12" arms! But IMO the Triplanar is one of the very best out there.

atmasphere,

Still pondering TTs. 

GAE w/ 12" Triplanar if you would accomplish the build.

Kuzmz Stabi M w/4 point arm

TW Acoustic Black Knight 

Tech Das III w/Graham arm


I think so far, the GAE w/12" Triplanar makes the most sense.
And best value.

 The TT world seems like it has so many choices that are good. Hearing them is getting harder.

Just wanted to respond, since you give so much of your time and thoughts to this site.

Will contact you when I stop pondering and decide to pull the trigger on my retirement TT.

Thank You
Norb

Hello Norb, the nice thing about the Technics is its reliable and is not likely to need any service likely for decades if its not abused.

Its a bit of a statement that no turntable has been more speed stable than the SP10 MkIII  in the succeeding decades since its production; the SL-1200 is now the 2nd most speed stable machine ever made, being about 90% the difference between an SP10 MkII and SP10MkIII.

Add to that one of the finest arms in production and you have a very nice and timely machine.