Technics SL-1200G marks the return of this iconic turntable

Technics SL-1200G marks the return of this iconic turntable

The Technics SL-1200G and limited edition SL-1200GAE will return in 2016.

The only difference between the two models seems to be that the GAE has a magnesium finish as opposed to aluminum and will sport a small plaque with a limited edition serial number on it. Features-wise the two models appear to be the same.

The snag though for eager beavers is that the SL-1200GAE will be available first, possibly several months before the mass produced Technics SL-1200G comes out. We’re guessing that South Africans can probably expect to see the Technics SL-1200G here around October to December 2016.

Interestingly the new Technics SL-1200G is being mooted as a turntable for audiophiles and HI-FI fundis and not specifically for DJs. This, no doubt, has a lot to do with the fact that the global increase in vinyl sales in 2015 has more to do with collectors records in the form of limited edition releases of pop and rock music artists than actual dance music, although notably there was a mild resurgence of electronic music releases on vinyl last year.

With the plethora of laptop DJs these days who have never played off vinyl, it’s unlikely that this market will adapt turntables so in reality Panasonic’s biggest market in the DJ world are oldskool vinyl DJs. Even though one could connect the Technics SL-1200G to Traktor Scratch Pro or Serato DJ via timecoded vinyls, unless you’re an actual scratch DJ, there’s no real advantage to using turntables instead of a controller or CDJs via HID, so for mass production and sales the hi-fi market seems logical.

What’s new with the Technics SL-1200G?

It’s new but it is the same! The bottom line is that the new Technics SL-1200G will pretty much be the same tried and tested unit as its predecessor. The direct drive motor they say has been improved to further minimize vibrations but essentially they’ve gone with the approach of ‘why mess with what works perfectly.’

Like Pioneer’s PLX-1000 (a very close clone of the SL1200) they’ve also not opted to include modern technology such as USB integration.

READ - Review: Pioneer PLX-1000 vs. Technics SL1210 

The Pioneer PLX-1000 is pretty expensive and we’re not expecting the new Technics SL-1200G to be too cheap either.

Other options that can more than do the job are the highly rated Numark TT250USB and the Reloop RP-8000, both of which are direct drive and sport USB connectivity at half the price of the PLX-1000 and most likely the Technics SL-1200G too.

Specification

All New Design for Redefining the Direct Drive Turntable
Twin-Rotor Surface-Facing Direct Drive Motor
Direct Drive Motor Controller
High Sensitive Tonearm
Brass-Top Turntable Platter
Insulator
Technics Definitive Design
Inherited SL-1200 Series
Heavy Aluminium Top Plate
Turntable Speeds
33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm
Variable Range Pitch
±8%, ±16%
Dimensions & Weight
W: 453 mm (17-27/32 inch) H: 170 mm (6-11/16 inch) D: 372 mm (14-21/32 inch)
Approx. 18 kg (39.7 lbs ) *Tentative *Height including dust cover
Terminal
Phono Output x 1 / SIGNAL GND x 1

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Update

As reported by What Hi-Fi? and various other publications the new Technics SL-1200G will set you back $ 4,000 (R 64,000) and the limited edition a hefty $ 5,000 (R 80,000) when released. if you are shocked by this revelation and find yourself wondering ‘who the heck would spend that much cash on a turntable’ don’t worry you’re not alone.

Legendary turntablist and hip-hop DJ, Jazzy Jeff wasn’t too impressed either…