Featuring a revolutionary new drive control method for smooth, accurate rotational stability and a new power supply for an exceptionally low-noise floor.
Renowned hi-fi brand Technics has released the new SL-1200GR2 / SL-1210GR2 turntable – the latest version of its legendary and widely acclaimed GR Grand Class turntables.
Aaron Waters, Product Marketing Manager, Technics, said: “This is the first offering in the fourth generation of the Technics turntable lineup. A key objective with this new model is to further enhance sound quality by eliminating micro vibrations from the motor, using the new Delta-Sigma-Drive system.”
“Customers will also enjoy the classic Technics design in both silver and black versions, with a robust and stable chassis, the benefit of expanded cartridge compatibility, and EPS-free smart cardboard packaging.”
The new Grand Class turntable will be available in Australia from late October 2023 via selected audio specialist retailers.
Technics SL-1200GR2BS Grand Class Turntable (Silver) – $3,299 RRP
Technics SL-1210GR2BK Grand Class Turntable (Black) – $3,299 RRP
SL-1200GR2 / SL-1210GR2 Key Capabilities
- The new Delta-Sigma-Drive combines the highly reliable Technics coreless direct-drive motor with a new motor drive system. It ensures high accuracy and stable rotation, improving electromagnetic conversion accuracy.
- The system makes use of a low-noise, low-voltage variation power circuit through the combination of a switching power supply – using expertise developed from Technics Grand Class amps and players – and a proprietary noise cancelling circuit.
- The turntable boasts design inspired by high-end models, and excellent usability with a traditional Technics layout.
- 3mm die-cast aluminium cartridge spacers ensure an improved cartridge height compatibility of 14-23mm.
- It incorporates a rock-solid 2-layered bottom chassis made of aluminium and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound), the combination of which enables high resistance against vibrations; a 2-layered platter made of aluminium and dampened by heavy-weight rubber; a high-sensitivity S-shaped aluminium tonearm and extremely effective insulator feet.
- To reduce its environmental impact, while ensuring that the turntable is fully protected, the new packaging for SL-1200GR2 / SL-1210GR2 is free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Instead, it is made of smart-shaped cardboard, also including a cardboard box for the accessories for ease of removal and storage. Technics is currently working to expand new packaging to other line-ups and to integrate more recyclable content in the future.
Technical Background
The motor control signal for the new SL-1200GR2 / SL-1210GR2 is a huge leap in performance in comparison with earlier versions. Technics looked at how signal precision has been improved in its digital audio components, especially at the Reference amplifier SU-R1000, which optimises vinyl analogue signals using complex digital technology. Taking direct drive technology to the next level in terms of precision was achievable by reducing motor vibration, through optimising the driving sine waves via the PWM signal generation using Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) Modulation, as employed in Technics full-digital amplifiers.
In the new GR2, the motor control signal is generated by the usage of a PWM signal generated by Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) Modulation. This method of high precision 1bit D/A conversion is part of the signal procession in Technics’ full-digital amplifiers that use our proprietary technology JENO Engine. With this approach, (given the name Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ)-Drive) a perfect sine wave is generated, and motor vibrations are radically reduced.
This has a significant impact especially on the frequency range where the motor vibrations overlap with the natural resonance of the tonearm / pickup cartridge combination. Thus, the tracking precision is drastically improved. The result is stunning signal precision with an accurate sound stage, superb imaging, and a very low-noise floor.
In combination with the rotation feedback system based on speed detection by the usage of a frequency generator (FG) which works on magnetic power generation, the rotational speed precision of the new GR2 is exceptional.
Along with the motor control, the general power supply has also been the focus of engineering. The new Multi-stage Silent Power Supply of the SL-1200GR2 / SL-1210GR2 is a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz and a noise cancelling circuit inherited from the reference class turntable SL-1000R – cancelling remaining noise, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratio and improving the overall signal performance.
For more information visit: Turntables – Technics Australia