The Technics SL-1200 GAE/G/GR general questions thread

Well, the GR may be different than the G? Still better than vinyl coated MDF.

 

KAB used to have some interesting cabinets. I think they still sell the plans.
But the one pictured might be okay for a basement....or garage....or outdoor shed....

 

I’d want a more refined tabletop than that, for sure. There are decor schemes where that more rustic picnic table aesthetic would work, though.

 

I had a GR and returned it for the G. The cueing on the GR feels really bad, honestly the worst of any table I’ve owned. I’ve never had a reason to notice the cueing on really anything, but with the GR it sticks out. The G is fine.

 

Am I just the one lucky contestant who got the only GR that has a cue lever that feels perfectly fine?

 

Doubt it.

 

I had the GR for three years and it was fine too....................upgraded to the G

 

For a turntable? Really?

 

I got used to mine. It's not the lever, but the queueing action I had to get used to. On my Pro-Ject 1Xpression Carbon Classic it's a slow glide. On the GR it's faster, but fine.

As for people commenting on the build quality, the GR is a tank compared to the Carbon Classic - much better build quality and it looks more solid/heaftier. The Pro-Ject does look classy though.. I have them side by side for the best of both worlds.

 

Nothing wrong with the Technics SL1200 GR, agreat turntable.

 

Nope mine works perfectly

 

It feels a bit lightweight if you compare to SME or even Rega and obviously quite a few arms that cost more on their own than the TT. My main gripe is the flimsy arm clip which is not in keeping with the build quality of the deck.

 

Audio Gold introduces handmade isolation plinth for Technics turntables

 

Real audiophiles don’t listen with their eyes.

 

I never had a problem with the look of GR. It's not universally gorgeous like Marantz TT-15S1, but for technical people it has a different kind of attractiveness.
I like the look.

 

Sure i'm not an audiophile :

 

Changes the entire look dramatic.
Not sure I like it.

Nor did I like SL1200GR from new, but over time taste settled.
Sound is great.

 

Mine was wonky on my GR initially but has become completely smooth and normal after repeated use. No longer an issue/concern in my case.

 

Re: cuing
The height must be correct. Too low and it's too fast. Technics recommends 8-13 mm.
I set mine ~10-11 mm.

Push the lever down quick and the arm lowers fast at first, then slows down. It's not like some where the lever speed ~ the lowering speed.

 

I flick it like a switch most of the time, does the same thing as flipping it over slowly.
On my 1200G that is (same for the MK4/M5G I owned).
Maybe that’s different on the GR.

 

It's the same on the GR. Just flip it down and the arm lowers slowly.

 

The only cueing issue I’ve noticed is that the lever being somewhat fussy towards the center of the disc but I think it just needs time to run in as @Slimwhit33 says. Every time I’ve put new fluid into my old Technics cue mechs it takes a while to really “settle in”. I’m sure the G is much better as it should be, but the GR doesn’t bother me too much.

Honestly I hand cue often and the pickup is handled by the Little Fwend, so it doesn’t keep me up at night.

 

The cuing action is not like most others.
Push the lever down quickly. The arm will take care of itself.
Push the arm up fully quickly. Almost 2 position, like a switch. The arm does not begin to lift until the lever is almost fully up.
I've never considered it an issue?

 

This should be listed in a FAQ.
Widely known that the GR cueing can be a little off at first because the rubber pad is too sticky. It eventually smoothens out with use. A little care at first and the action works well.

 

Good to know. Just set mine up yesterday, and the cuing is a bit disconcerting. It even squeaks a bit when I move the tone arm across the lifter. Patience. All I need is just a little patience. I hope.

Otherwise, I’m liking the way the table sounds. Very much so.