Technics Grand Class SL-1200GR2, SL-1300G, and SL-1200G
SL-1200G
After having been surprised twice, would the last player have another surprise in store? You better believe it! Sure enough, although the SL-1200G has the same platter and a similar motor construction as the SL-1300G, the SL-1200G is, again, a very different animal.
The SL-1200G clearly deviates from the SL-1300G by sounding more light-footed, brighter, and not quite as voluptuous, and instead more open, agile, and expressive. Even though the SL-1300G is mechanically derived from the SL-1200G, the latter sounds arguably more like the SL-1200GR2. However, don’t take this as meaning they perform on the same level. The SL-1200G has a similarly fluid, open, and delicately airy delivery as the SL-1200GR2, but, like the SL-1300G, the SL-1200G is much more mature and incomparably more convincingly realistic in its portrayal of timbre, texture, and dynamic contrasts. The SL-1200G may be tonally differently balanced and could be considered arguably less romantic than the SL-1300G, but they both perform on a very high level.
What the SL-1200G manages best of the three models is to minimize its sound signature. It is amazingly neutral and linear, reminding me in many ways of some of the best turntables I heard at more than twice the price. This turntable allows the music to shine with fantastic precision, clarity, and resolution without ever sounding the slightest bit mechanical.
One thing the SL-1200G does not do is paint a romantic picture. It does not editorialize the sound in any way, meaning that you will hear whatever is on the record. However, I find that despite its honesty and immense resolution, this player always manages to make my foot tap. Even when playing dull or flat-sounding records, it extracts such a positive and propulsive sound from them that I can’t help but be emotionally involved with anything I play.
The SL-1200G combines all the aspects that I value most, sounding impressively incisive, upbeat, and lively, but at the same time deliciously fluid, airy, and refined. In multiple ways, it manages to marry the best of Direct-Drive with the best of Belt-Drive.
Although I consider both the SL-1300G and SL-1200G excellent turntables, the latter appeals to me the most. I’m not sure if it is the Magnesium tonearm, its more precise arm base, the more elaborate 4-part chassis, or intentionally different tuning, but for me, the SL-1200G represents the best I heard from Technics. It’s certainly a relative matter, but even though this turntable predates the other two, it impresses me the most.
The blue strobe light of the SL-1200G and SL-1200GR2 is very bright, and I only wish it had an off-button
Epilog
At this point, one might wonder what happened with the AT-OC9XML MC cartridge. Well, the three turntables were only available for a limited period, and the cartridge was not in stock. As time passed, the cartridge could not be delivered before the turntables had to return to the store.
However, I was so smitten with the SL-1200G that I decided to make it a permanent part of the system. And so, I am now the proud owner of three turntables: two Thorens and one Technics. Yes, I sure am spoiled…
This also provided plenty of time to make more cartridge comparisons using the SL-1200G, the first of which is, of course, the AT-OC9XML MC.
AT-OC9XML MC cartridge
When using the AT-OC9XML MC cartridge in the SL-1200G and comparing it to the Thorens TD1601 with a TAS 1600 Fine Line cartridge (which is very similar to an AT-OC9XSL), the Technics player takes on more of the Thorens’ natural nature, with a fuller bass, a lusher midrange with more bloom, enhanced smoothness, and even more delicate treble than with either of the MM cartridges. I’d still not consider the SL-1200G a romantic turntable, but the AT-OC9XML MC takes it more in that direction.
With this in mind, I imagine that an AT-OC9XSL could very well provide an ideal balance between precision and crispness on the one hand and bloom and smoothness on the other. And, of course, one can take this player further to the romantic side by using an AT-33PTG/II MC, and I’m sure there are other interesting candidates that I have not hear… yet!
The two MM cartridges certainly do not sound as smooth, rich, and full-bodied as the MC cartridge, but they managed to sound even more spritely and energetic and every bit as finely resolving as the AT-OC9XML MC. Given their lower price and ease and comfort of replacing only the stylus rather than the entire cartridge, I cannot recommend the AT-VM740ML (MicroLinear) and AT-750SH (Shibata) more highly.
For my final thoughts in the matter of Thorens versus Technics, I have three observations. The most significant difference that remains is predominantly in timbre. The Thorens players have a more wooden, arguably more natural tonality, whereas the SL-1200G has a more neutral and arguably more linear tonality. The second most obvious difference is in the projection of the soundstage. Where the Thorens is structurally a little more laidback while projecting some of the sounds more forward, the Technics has an overall more urgent feel and projects the entire image more forward. The last difference is in the bass, where the Thorens is lusher and fuller, and the Technics is more propulsive, faster-paced, tighter, and more accurate.
While I found it easy to pick my favorite of the three Technics players, I find deciding between the SL-1200G and the Thorens TD-1601 much more challenging. Ultimately, my preference depends on the music genre and the mood I am in. Smooth soul and vocal music, in general, can certainly still be a little more magical with the Thorens. With fast-paced music and electric drums, in particular, the Technics is more impressive.
Conclusion
Let there be no misunderstanding: these three Grand Class turntables live up to their names. These are not just cosmetic updates, and the techniques used to eradicate the Direct-Drive motors from their long-standing downsides are most definitely not mere tech talk to elude audiophiles.
Even the most affordable Grand Class SL-1200GR2 turntable amazed me with the massive leap in performance from the classic SL-1210MKII I know so well. It retains the classic model’s foot-tappingly enthusiastic, linear, and neutral delivery, but its presentation is more highly resolving and very significantly more delicate and fluid. The result is a precise and revealing yet musical turntable.
The SL-1300G’s remarkably full-bodied and full-blooded nature eradicates any preconceived notions of how the classic SL-1200 series used to sound. It sounds a little dark and quite relaxed compared to the SL-1200GR2, but also so much fuller, smoother, and tonally richer, more musical. Timbres are riper, more natural, and more realistic, and the player even manages to unveil yet another layer of resolution. With its full-bodied bass and overall smoothness, any trace of leanness has vanished; instead, the player sounds more like a heavyweight mass-loaded esoteric specimen.
The SL-1200G has a similarly fluid, open, and delicately airy delivery as the SL-1200GR2, but, like the SL-1300G, the SL-1200G is much more mature and incomparably more convincingly realistic in its portrayal of timbre, texture, and dynamic contrasts. The SL-1200G may be tonally differently balanced and could be considered arguably less romantic than the SL-1300G, but they both perform on a very high level. What the SL-1200G manages best of the three models, however, is to minimize its sound signature. It is amazingly neutral and linear, reminding me in many ways of some of the best turntables I heard at more than twice the price.
A big thank you to Frank, Stanly, and Marcel from A Tube High Fidelity for supplying not just three turntables but four different cartridges as well to make this extensive review possible.
(SL-1200G)
(SL-1200GR2 and SL-1300G)
External Links
Technics Distributor for the NL: Panasonic
Manufacturer’s website: Technics
A Tube High Fidelity
Televisieweg 60
1322 AM, Almere
info@atube-highfidelity.nl
Store: +31 (0)36 3333041
Marcel Mobile +31 (0)6 57827234
Stanly Mobile +31 (0)6 30399520
