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

Neither does my GR. Where was this made?

 

Was it bought new in box?

looks similar
MIJ
Technics SL-1200GR Single Brand New Turntable | Reverb

this one looks the same
4 years ago MIJ

 

Yes, that is completely normal for the SL-1200/1210GR - that is just a sort of PCB with tracks for the speed sensing circuitry. My original (made in Japan) is the same.

This board is completely out of sight so why worry? That board does not need to be expensively finished.

 

Yeah that’s why DJs are very “onerous”.

 

That’s the PCB of the speed detection coil.
And yes that’s a lousy job… the edge should be nicely smooth.
Doesn’t affect performance, but it definitely is inexcusable for any turntable over 1k…

 

Ha! DJ's don't require multiple diamonds.

 

Just at least one for each TT.

 

Agree those look identical, one unfortunate aspect of the 1210 GR's matte black finish is everything shows up in contrast to it. Here's my ~1yrold Malaysian made 1210GR. Would probably be less apparent on a 1200GR.



I think the finish could have been better but many require sanding since the board's core looks very fibrous and is unfortunately light. Guess I don't have to spell this out but this is pretty apple and oranges to MK2 and G/GAE under the hood. One advantage this design has over the classic MK2 is far less of the actual motor is exposed, greatly reducing accidents that could damage the motor.

Anyhow I've put the platter back on and I'm back to playing some records. This AM it's some James Brown on OG King Mono pressings, sounds good to me so not too concerned about this.

 

Looks like the boards have to be trimmed to shape by hand or they are stamped and the edges knocked out. It's out of sight but it is an obvious area were the 1200G is far superior and more expensive build. Not a problem as it has no impact on performance.

 

Well if I'm correct all this business is completely encased in metal in the G so no clue what it looks like on that model under that casing. Of course that casing is not only more expensive and aesthetically better but offers further protection for the motor. I still think the GR design is superior to MK2, but G is really the best solution, motor completely guarded.

 

I bought my MK2 in 89 and everything remains perfect. See you in 30 years to check the same on the news TT

 

I've got an SL-1700 from 77, second owner (wasn't alive then). Been replacing the old caps, and put in new RCAs, otherwise it works fine. I'd hope this GR should last as long as well. The bigger concern would be increased use of difficult to replace surface mount parts vs the finish of a circuit board edge. No Technics table is really that beautiful under the hood.

 

That imo actually looks better than the MIJ photos. Cleaner cut

 

What bothers me is that Technics was all about japanese perfection, this looks contrary.
Early Technics reminds me of Steve Jobs, who wanted computers also be perfect designed from the inside, no matter if anyone will ever see it.

But yes, it might work fine.

 

I think all GR models are made in Japan.

 

Malaysia? Shure you have the GR? I heard all GR are made in Japan

 

Another thing that bothers me is the lift of the GR.
My MK2 moves smooth and slow. The GR lift is hectic and literally bounces the tonearm when going up.
Is this normal? Or is the speed adjustable?

 

They are all made in Malaysia now, except for the uber expensive models (I think).

It does work fine.

 

The MkII cover is moulded mother of plastic.

Did your friend get it new?
They'd have seen the plate when the TT was unboxed.



Is your friend triggered by it in the way you come across as being?
It's not pretty looking under the hood, I'll admit, but does it matter?
Does it affect the TT in use?

 

All Technics turntables are now made in Malaysia, including the SP10R/SL-1000R.

 

No, all Technics turntable production moved to Malaysia a couple of years ago.

 

Too bad. It's not entirely unexpected, as the AT has a nude mircroline and the Sumiko only a bonded elliptical. Maybe it's already as good as it gets.

 

imo perfect
Push, walk away, 2-3 sec stylus softly hits lp, unmute
15 mm in 3 sec is slooooow

 

I think that’s just it. My Super OM 20 (nude elliptical) on my other table doesn’t seem to fair much better than the Moonstone on at least some of those records.

 

Under platter of 1500C