The Return of the Technics SL-1200

[tmazz]

Looks like Technics is bringing back the SL-1200. The new and improved version should hit the streets some time this summer.

http://www.technics.com/us/introduction/hifi-direct-drive-turntable-system-sl-1200gae/

http://www.thevinylfactory.com/vinyl-factory-news/the-new-technics-sl-1200g-will-cost-4000/

I know this table has a cult like following, but it had better sound pretty darn good, because there is a whole lot of competition out there at the $4000 price point that Technics is aiming for

[S Clark]

I know it is supposed to surpass the SP-10 tables, but at 3-4X the price of a decent SP-10, it darned sure better.   

[rollo]

   Seems high to me however costs of manf. today are higher than when it premiered. Kuzma Stobi S is $3300 list with arm.

charles

[S Clark]

Don't think manufacturing cost have gone up in real dollars

[sleepyguy24]

I enjoy my Technics 1200 Mk2 but if I had $4K to spend on a TT I sure as hell wouldn't buy their latest/greatest Technics 1200. I have no idea what they are thinking there with that pricing.

[Scottdazzle]

Robert Harley in The Absolute Sound online has this to say about the differences between the old and new versions:

"The old and new models couldn't be more similar—or more different. From appearance, the new model looks identical to the old, with exactly the same placement of the controls, including the sliding speed adjustment. But inside, this is an entirely new and much more sophisticated design. The direct-drive motor has no iron core to eliminate cogging, and its speed is controlled by a system developed for the rotational servo-systems in Blu-ray Disc players. The platter is a three-layer construction combining brass and aluminum with a rubber mat, and has twice the inertial mass of the original SL-1200. The 'arm is also new, now made from magnesium, and features gimbal bearings. The base is much heavier and sturdier than that of the SL-1200, with a four-layer construction including die-cast aluminum. The whole package weighs in at nearly 40 pounds, considerably more than its predecessor."

You can read his entire post here: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ces-2016/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email-455

I hope I am not breaking any rules by quoting him here.