Turntable range expands, with outstanding ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) technology establishing SL-1300G as the new de-facto hi-fi turntable standard in Grand Class
Today, renowned hi-fi brand Technics has released an outstanding new hi-fi turntable, the Grand Class SL-1300G. Technics has built on the ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor control technology, first introduced in the SL-1200GR2, with further enhancements in the pursuit of sonic perfection.
To achieve greater sonic purity in this new model, the breakthrough ΔΣ-Drive technology is partnered with a more powerful iron-coreless motor. Technics has further reinforced the motor circuit board and strengthened the platter. As a result, vibration is reduced and rotational accuracy is enhanced.
Chris Moore, Product Manager, Technics, said: “Our Technics Grand Class turntables are highly sought-after, and we expect this release to create excitement among local audio purists, in line with the latest engineering achievements that the new SL-1300G brings to market.”
The new Grand Class turntable will be available in Australia in black and silver versions from 1st November 2024 via selected audio specialist retailers.
Technics SL-1300GE-K Grand Class Turntable (Black) – $4,999 RRP
Technics SL-1300GE-S Grand Class Turntable (Silver) – $4,999 RRP
Vibration reduction, rotational precision and sonic perfection
This latest step is the proof that Technics has found an ultimate motor control technique, the benefits of which can be scaled into the highest turntable models for outstanding analogue vinyl enjoyment. The SL-1300G is the latest feat, showing that Technics’ turntable expertise is truly unique.
The ΔΣ-Drive is capable of delivering the perfect driving sine wave signal for the iron-coreless direct drive motor. By using PWM signal generation with ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) Modulation, as employed in Technics’ full-digital amplifiers, motor vibrations are reduced to the minimum, resulting in super smooth rotational accuracy.
This revolutionary technology was first used in the SL-1200GR2 turntable. However, in the new SL-1300G, this technique is partnered with two mechanically superior factors, for even higher sonic perfection.
Firstly, the motor used in the SL-1300G is an iron-coreless double rotor/single stator type, with a higher driving force compared to the one rotor/one stator used in the GR2 turntable. Because of the cogging-free iron-coreless construction, the rotational smoothness of this superior motor version is truly excellent.
In addition, research was carried out on how to further eliminate drive unit vibrations. As a result, the motor’s coil mounting circuit board has a new reinforcement which further reduces the mechanical vibrations caused during rotation.
The introduction of a more powerful motor also enables the usage of a heavier platter – another measure for further reducing mechanical vibrations during vinyl playback, resulting in an ultimately detailed, spatial and rhythmically breathtaking performance.
This platter consists of three layers. Aluminium die-cast builds the fundament for high rigidity. A top layer of 2mm thick brass, thoroughly fixed to the die-cast platter, further eliminates vibrations. Finally, heavy weight rubber underneath the platter dampens even the tiniest remaining vibrations, resulting in an ultimately pure tracking of every vinyl record for the highest signal precision. Because the heavier platter means higher mass inertia, the rotational accuracy of the SL-1300G is outstanding.
As is usual with Technics turntables of the latest generation, thanks to the rotation feedback system based on speed detection by an optical encoder, the rotational speed precision of the new SL-1300G is exceptional.
The superb qualities of the mechanical + electronical drive system are further supported by the new Multi-stage Silent Power Supply, similar to that used in the SL-1000R reference turntable. It is a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz and a noise cancelling circuit, cancelling remaining noise by injecting the reversed-phase current of the actual noise. By this method, a very low noise floor is achieved, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, improving the overall signal performance.
Additional Features:
The 2-layered bottom chassis, made of aluminium die-cast and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) is a rock-solid fundament which enables high resistance against vibrations. In the SL-1300G, the thickness of this aluminium die-cast bottom chassis has been increased for higher rigidity, thus achieving better vibration damping. A rib structure has been added to the bottom of the chassis plate between the motor and the tonearm, further keeping mechanical motor vibrations away from the tonearm to ensure an undisturbed tracking process, leading to a sound image of the highest fidelity.
The high-sensitivity S-shaped aluminium tonearm with high-precision bearings, enables a high initial motion sensitivity, and makes maximum use of the vibration-free chassis for an impressively precise reading of the information engraved in the vinyl grooves. Insulator feet shut out external vibrations for further tracking precision.
The minimalistic design of the SL-1300G underlines the engineering concept: purity and straightforwardness.
To reduce the environmental impact of packaging while ensuring that the turntable is fully protected, the packaging for the SL-1300G is free of Expanded Polystyrene(EPS). Instead, it is made of smart shaped cardboard, maintaining safe protection of the product, and 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 integrate more recyclable content in the future.
About Technics
The Technics brand was established in 1965. Beginning with the Technics 1 speaker, the brand has gone on to develop revolutionary audio products and technologies, including amps, players, and tuners. In particular, the direct-drive turntable was an industry gamechanger, laying the foundation for today’s DJ and club music scenes. Today, in a diverse music scene that favors both analog and digital audio, Technics continues to lead the market as a comprehensive audio brand.