50th Anniversary Limited Edition Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1200GAE
Created by Technics in pursuit of true analog record sound, rather than nostalgia, the SL-1200GAE 50th Anniversary Limited Edition direct drive turntable includes the latest technologies to solve issues involved with direct-drive systems, such as cogging. The SL-1200GAE includes a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with greatly increased precision by incorporating Blu-ray Disc technology for rotation control. This cutting-edge direct-drive system will surpass previous direct-drive systems. It is not a reproduction but innovation. We are redefining the reference in direct-drive turntables for the modern age.
- Specially numbered, limited edition model
- Newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging
- Advanced motor control technology for high starting torque and high-speed stability.
- Three-layer turntable platter construction with deadening rubber to eliminate unnecessary resonance
- The balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory using specialized high-precision equipment
- High-sensitivity tonearm with lightweight magnesium for a high damping effect
Thank you!
Hand-Numbered Limited Edition Model
The SL-1200GAE is wholly made in Japan by skilled artisans’ hands, with a significant level of hand-made processes to ensure the highest quality possible. The top panel features a special badge, inscribed with the unique serial number to signify that it is a 55th anniversary model.
Coreless Direct Drive Motor
Conventional analogue turntables have problems with degradation in sound quality caused by factors such as minute speed vibration during rotation and rotation irregularity called "cogging." In the SL-1200GAE, the use of a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging. Also, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque and also reduces minute vibration during rotation. These factors enable reproduction of the warm, exquisitely detailed sound etched on analogue records.
Broadcast Proven Quality Three-layered Turntable
The turntable has a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass and aluminum die-cast platter. With a deadening rubber covering its entire rear surface to eliminate unnecessary resonance, thereby achieving high rigidity and vibration damping. This delivers smooth rotational stability and inertial mass surpassing the SP-10MK2, the direct-drive turntable standard used by broadcast stations worldwide.
Four-layered Cabinet Construction
A hairline-processed, 10-mm-thick top panel of immaculate aluminum has been added to the previous three-layered construction of aluminum die-cast, BMC, and heavyweight-class rubber on the SL-1200MK5. This four-layered construction combines high rigidity with a high-quality finish and feel.
High-precision Motor Control Technology
The application of motor control technology developed for Blu-ray devices and switching the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor achieve a high-starting torque and high-speed stability.
High-level Balance Adjustment
When the weight distribution of the turntable is uneven, excess vibration or noise occurs during rotation, which causes degradation in sound quality. Therefore, the balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory by using specialized high-precision balance adjustment equipment for each and every item after the turntable is assembled. Turntables that have undergone adjustment are labelled with a sticker reading "BALANCED" to indicate that adjustment has been done.
High Dampening Tonearm
The tonearm employs lightweight magnesium which has a high damping effect, with cold drawing improving the characteristics of the material and achieving the high-precision required. In addition, high initial-motion sensitivity is attained by employing the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction with horizontal rotation axis and the vertical rotation axis intersecting at a single central point, as well as high-precision bearings using a cut-processed housing.
High-quality Terminals
The use of brass-milled, gold-plated phono terminals and ground terminals prevent degradation in sound quality while enabling the easy attaching and detaching of cables. Also the use of metal shielding construction inside the case reduces the effects of external noise.