NEW and Fabulous Technics SL-1300G - A Very Deep Dive

A deep dive into the Brand New Released Technics SL-1300G. The one many audiophiles have been waiting for.
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[@sidvicious3129]

Fernando, you killed it absolutely slayed this review slash overview!!! You did what Technics should have done from the beginning you answered all of the questions that people had about the why the price differences. Technics did very well here and this was a very good balance of price to performance features. Since you did a deep dive, I’m going to do a deep dive comment to cover just how much that you did here. We can now see them, not from some meaningless drawing, but from actual production models, just fabulous. You went into the screws, the height differences, the motors differences and you showed the GR2 vs the 1300. You talked about the VTA differences, the arms, the feet and how delicate they are, which not even Technics has done, wow!!! You tied it all together and mentioned references to the current 1200G. There is no question about price now. This is the best overview that I have seen of a current production product vs prior production in the WORLD!!! You topped it all off with sound, which many are afraid of doing, due to strikes. You will sell many tables for Technics and I hope they are bought from your store. You put the work in Fernando, you put the work in. Fernando, you are truly priceless and if it hasn’t been said, all of your efforts are greatly appreciated. You raised the standard here Fernando, that because of your expertise and skill, I don’t think anyone will even attempt to match and that includes the Absolute Sound and any other reviewers on the planet that wouldn’t dare take a table apart, to show and that includes Technics!!! If you are looking for feedback Fernando, this is the type of content that we want to see, bravo 🙌 man 👏

[@mp-wp8df]

Happy to see Technics getting away from the DJ look. FWIW, I have an SL-1200 Mk5 from 2005, and honestly have never used the variable speed control. This new Technics should be in competition with the latest and greatest Denon, which sells for about $2500.00. Both Soundtech and Audio Assist Japan have a couple of YT videos comparing the Denon with the top Technics (and the belt drive Luxman), all using the famous (but old school) Denon cartridge. Each sounds good to me. Whatever one chooses, it's good to see two storied Japanese brands taking audiophile record playing seriously.

[@SkyFiAudio]

agreed, all these great products and innovation is great for the hobby. The Japanese are really doing their part. So cool.

[@screamallyouwant]

A fantastic job. By far the best coverage of this turntable on the internet. Thanks!

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

Amazing review wow! I really enjoy to watch! I have a SL-1210GR (made in japan) for about 4 years now and i just can't imagine my life without my Technics... sounds amazing and so fun to use. also i love the black finish/silver buttons/blue-lights look of it. So beautiful and very classy! Cheers.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hey thanks for sharing, the GR was also a fabulous table, not worth upgrading yet in my opinion unless you can swing the SL1200G. Cheers.

[@gotham61]

Raising the platter surface and thereby the height of the record surface, actually has the same effect as lowering the arm, or adding a spacer, so I think you are actually in better shape with the 1300G

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hey you're totally right! I'll make a correction in the video. I appreciate you taking the time to correct me.

[@michelrochette3066]

I feel like an amazed kid each time I watch your videos Fernando. Thank you!

[@Robertocamero785]

Appreciate the effort put into these video's 👍

[@SkyFiAudio]

This was a long one, sorry about that. So much to cover, glad you enjoyed it Robert.

[@peterstudley1804]

Fernando, you've knocked it out of the park . You are the only one doing this level of deep dive on KZbin, taking a stellar sl 1300g and gr2 and taking them to bits , ive had my sl 1200g 3.5 years now and would never dream of dismantling it . Would like to see a sl 1200g taken apart to look at the inside. Keep up the excellent shows and a big thank you from England 🎉.

[@mp-wp8df]

This is like the 'deep dives' you see on some of the guitar channels, where they take the instrument apart, to show you how and what is going on. If I needed another record player, I'd be thinking Skyfi for sure. Thing is, these Technics machines tend to last more than a lifetime, so I doubt I'll be needing anything new, anytime soon.

[@Darrylizer1]

This is exactly what I wanted: a turntable comparable to the 1200G but without the DJ controls. Great in-depth review too btw!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad I could help!

[@mcgjohn22]

great overview. Technics is sure gearing up to be the dominant player in turntables once again covering almost all price points.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Agreed, they still have a big gap however between the $4300 1200G and $20,000 1000R. Hopefully we will see some nice tables in the future filling that space.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

If only Technics would rework and update the fabulous SL7 and SL10. I have an SL7 and it's a wonderful turntable and so easy and convenient to use with the smallest footprint, barely larger than an LP cover

[@bretspangler8717]

Great to see Steve G. visit your shop, he is a big fan of Technics and someone whose opinion I trust. I appreciate the in-depth review, I don't mind geeking out, as a retired design engineer this is really fascinating stuff. At some point, I want to get back into vinyl and I have my sights set on Technics, the option to be able to have multiple cartridges and flavors really intrigues and excites me. I'll start collecting cartridges and and maybe sell off a few of my guitars to help.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Tough choice between a guitar and a turntable. Glad I dont have to choose. Thanks for writing sir and hope you get a table at some point.

[@stefaandecroo6774]

Thank You Sir. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Amazing presentation. Kindest Regards. 🙂

[@paulv22]

You're spot on with the amount of engineering in the Technics vs a Rega or whatever. I still wish Technics had included auto lift/shut off in the 1300. Regardless, if my vintage DD turntables die and can't be repaired, I'll get a 1300.

[@SkyFiAudio]

lol, your in for a long wait. Most DD tables that come through the shop work perfectly . Cheers.

[@paulv22]

@@SkyFiAudio Yeah, I'm sure. I have a Pioneer PL 50L II and Kenwood KP-990 and both have been recapped to protect the ICs. The big Japanese companies had huge engineering resources and it showed. It's great to see Technics continue that legacy.

[@hapikapi267]

As always, I appreciate and respect the level of effort that you do when comparing Tehnics TTs. I was hoping that Tecnhnics would offer a SL- 1200G without pitch control and strobe features, but still maintaining the stylus light. I hope that the powers that be at Technics one day realize that there is a demand for such a TT. I would buy one in a heart beat.

[@markn1090]

Fantastic job, you're the best channel on the internet for deep dives into technics turntables. I'm just hoping they come out with a 1200g2 with all these internal improvements

[@SkyFiAudio]

I hope so too! Would love to see an external power supply like the 1000R.

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@cjay2]

Extreme thanks for doing this video, Fernando!

[@clarkfraley5682]

I like that it has the more refined look of the 1500C. I do agree, it would be nice to retain the cuing light.

[@paltomare]

Great review, thank you for doing this. Looking forward to getting mine. If I could change one thing, it would be to keep the popup cue light.

[@SkyFiAudio]

you and me sir. Thanks for commenting.

[@decoyimages]

A target light would be a great addition. Maybe on a newer version. Great in-depth video as always!

[@michaelvaladez6570]

It looks like a fabulous turntable..but I really don't understand as to why companies dumb down on the RCA cables when your paying for a premium product..!!!! But it's the same old story one hand washes the other..money.. !!!! A very good review..it's greatly appreciated.A very nice looking turntable !!!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Im guessing they expect the consumer to buy something really nice at this level. Also allows the retailers like us to sell a bit more product :-).

[@EMP698]

In a way, it's a quite upgraded SL 1500C. Non DJ looks, but higher tier motor and material

[@SkyFiAudio]

Cosmetically it is very similar to the SL1500c, but share very little. Perhaps a few buttons.

[@fanclub670]

Very beautiful turntable !!👍👍 Nice loudspeakers too at the end...

[@SkyFiAudio]

Wow Im flattered, thanks for all the feedback and for taking the time. Enjoy.

[@capwkidd]

I would like to see a Technics turntable with the strobe and the light, but not the pitch lever…

[@CUBICUB]

Great job!

[@cityslacker6221]

such a perfect audiophool deal: you don’t want these speed controls and strobe? ok, that will be double the price!

[@ridirefain6606]

I will never use the pitch slider on my 1200 GAE. So, I think this is a step in the right direction. Regardless, I won't be trading off my current TT any time soon, despite liking the look of this table better. I do find the GAE's correct speed indicator strobe and cuing light too useful to part with.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I tend to agree, would hate to give up the strobe and target light just to delete the slider. Good thing now folks can choose which way they want it. Allot of audiophiles have been waiting for a table just like this so it should be a big success.

[@chrislj2890]

I got my GR2 due to thinking it looked cool and received a lot of rave reviews. But after a while I realized the DJ features were totally unnecessary for me. Although I was only using an economically priced AT-VM95ML cartridge it sounded very good. I eventually put the Technics into my secondary system and went back to my TEAC TN-5BB turntable with AT-OC9XML moving coil cartridge. The TEAC sounds great plus it has the auto stop/lift feature which I really appreciate. The SL-1300G looks okay, but to me just appears like the existing units with features removed. When I bought my GR2 I was also considering the Denon DP-3000NE and I wish I had gotten it instead since it looks much more high end. I wish these companies would start making fully featured high end turntables like they use to back in the '70s. Some of us would appreciate a high quality full auto type that ditches the minimalist stripped down belt drive style.

[@dirkbusche54]

Im using sl 1210 GR plus Denon dp3000NE, the Denon sounds a strong bit more calm than the Technics. But Technics delivers a lot of fun for the ears.

[@chrislj2890]

@@dirkbusche54 I think between the two it's the cartridge that will make the real difference.

[@dirkbusche54]

@@chrislj2890 may be, may be not. I didnt compare the two TTs directly in the same hifi-chain. But my general experience is: the transport plus tonearm is as important as the cartridge. Even diferent headshells are sounding different with the same cartridge. I did compare this too in AB method.

[@angelmarcano6747]

It's so good-looking turntable, it would be nice if they had an optional one where had the strobe light on it with the same quality build of the 1300 G. Either way it's a cool-looking table.

[@SkyFiAudio]

lol, if they did every possible combination they would need 100 part numbers. I agree about the light, I really miss it on the 1300G.

[@Nimboid-20]

I do wish Technics would re-introduce the EPC-205 cartridge or an upgraded successor. I love mine, but it's getting on a bit now!

[@Jdsofar]

Lol with this turntable your getting the new Delta Sigma drive... sounds like they just made up some cool sounding advanced word as a selling point 😂

[@SkyFiAudio]

It's like joining a fraternity :-)

[@dirkbusche54]

Exemplary description of the model differences between 1300 G and 1200 GR2 and 1200G. High-end, so to speak, in terms of technology review. Unfortunately, Technics has still hidden the RCA connections on the 1300, but has at least placed the power connection in a more practical position. I love my 1210 GR, but I dont like the hidden ac- and RCA-plugs. For Oyaide-ACplug-cable I use a 150mm long Furutech-AC-Cable-Filter Flow15, which smaller iec-plug finds a flexible way to the hidden power plug of the 1210GR. The sound? Very lively and crisp with strong bass, if its with denon cart DL 103 or Ortofon SPU GM Mono.

[@christianreusch7874]

Thank you for the in depth review. I have one question though. What is the point of the torque adjustment on the player?

[@JudgeDrokk]

Great TT - excited about this 1300g. Are you able to tell me the depth of the TT with the lid 'up', from front of TT to back of lid? I know the official dimensions are 453 x 173 x 372 mm, but dont think that includes lid. It's in the "up position" I am interested in the depth. Thanks!

[@ryan_torres]

I'm really torn on this model. I currently have a GR2 and can see the quality upgrades they have made on the 1300G. But on the other hand, I do enjoy having the strobe and the cue light. Never really have used the speed control however. Not sure if it's worth the extra 1K or not. Thanks for this in depth video! I really enjoy learning more about things than what meets the eye.

[@SkyFiAudio]

If you have a GR2 it doesn't make much sense in my opinion to upgrade to this model unless the stope and slider are ruining your experience. Save up for the SL1200G! Quite a different piece of kit.

[@rickg8015]

The cueing light is very useful, and would have still looked good on the cleaner aesthetic of the 1300G..

[@SkyFiAudio]

I agree!

[@winstonmcgill6667]

Excellent review. If I didn't already have the gr2 I probably would have gone with the 1300. There are probably a lot of folks in the same position. At this point probably other upgrades like cartridge or even an SME tone arm would make more sense. Gets to a point of diminishing return.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I tend to agree, if you have a GR2 the money is best spent on a better cartridge or premium calibration.

[@winstonmcgill6667]

@SkyFiAudio Do you folks do premium calibrations on turntables not purchased from you? I've only done the basic myself.

[@theomindschrddr7983]

Great to see the ac outlet is good reachable to use a decent powercord, but the place of the rca jackets good be better

[@SkyFiAudio]

I think they went the purist route for the RCA cables keeping them as close to the tonearm as possible. If you look at most high end tables this tends to be the strategy. Yes it is a pain, socially for me that has to make the connections so many times per week :-). Thanks for the feedback.

[@marklearner3299]

I like the hi fi look but still want the strobe, just not the slider…

[@SkyFiAudio]

hey me too. Keep the target light and strobe, lose the slider.

[@gregc7314]

I'll wait for the full blown 1200G version.

[@SkyFiAudio]

What would that look like in your opinion? Please share.

[@gregc7314]

@@SkyFiAudio 1200G without the DJ features.

[@thelowprofile9767]

I recently bought a Technics SL-1600 for $100 from a friend who bought a Rega turntable. It was complete with cartridge. I thought it sounded great using just my Yamaha integrated amp. I'm wondering though how it compares with this new Technics model. Any thoughts?

[@joseauger1353]

I have the SL-1200G and a SL-1200GAE. The new 1300G looks very good. I am surprised that they improved the 1200G motor for this model. That raises the question if they are planning a revision of the 1200G/GAE with additional improvements. I read somewhere that they are working on a Mark II version of the 1200G/GAE but I do not know if that is true or just rumors.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Technics are really good at keeping development secret. We won't know till the day it hits unfortunately. What improvement would you like to see in a revised 1200G?

[@betod63]

Nice approach to the new TT! What we were expecting was, precisely, an SL1200G without lights, strobes or sliders that would incorporate all the technology developed up to this point. Historically, Technics did have an audiophile turntable, one step below the top, whose form obeyed the function and not an image predetermined by marketing and popularity, but for pure marketing based on the continued success of the SL1200 in the dance world, they decided to keep the "look". Putting function into a chinese shoe, without freedom of design. That is the antithesis of design. Something quite irritating, since there was also the notion that these were turntables that had a worse speed linearity (cogging). And this notion was made based on the cheap DD models, since the SP10mk2, this "problem" was reduced. So, they could have used it as marketing, the overcoming of the problem, not the image of a dance floor table, because there is 99% of music on vinyl that is not for a dance floor. In other words, we were expecting a turntable between the SP10-R and the SL-1200G, in the 1200G's price niche. P.S: The funny thing is that the new "1200 type" turntables are not for the DJ market, since they have one that maintains the line and price niche (originally the 1200 was not for dance halls, but it was adopted and was an important part of the development of a type of music with the possibility of real-time modification by a DJ).

[@SkyFiAudio]

A table between the SL1200G and The SP10 but in the SL1200G price niche. How would they do that?

[@johnvincent4048]

Fernando, how does the Technics SL-1300G compare to the Rega Planar 8? I have a Planar 3 and may in the near future upgrade.

[@Matasky2010]

Does the 1300 silver finish top plate look any different than the 1500C? Or exact same color/finish?

[@Willopops]

Wish the SL-1200G had this look as I think the 1200G will be my next turntable. Would like to keep the cueing light though. I’d love to know what the 1200G sounds like with the DS Audio DS-E3 phono cartridge and equaliser.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Great timing, just ordered the DS audio, will report back.

[@Willopops]

Excellent, looking forward to that 👍

[@QoraxAudio]

Will there be a white version of these, just like the white 1500C?

[@scorpven]

Wonder how these new decks compare to my MK2, how would you rate the difference?

[@larryhoffman7471]

Why do they use flat head screws? A Philips or similar head holds the screwdriver so much better with much less chance of it slipping and damaging the brass.

[@carmelovillena6174]

Because they want it

[@SkyFiAudio]

lol, great question. I think cause they needed a really flat or shallow screw for clearance, The Phillips would have had a much bigger head. Just guessing.

[@thunderbladestorm]

Could the 1200G or 1300G drive a 1000R platter, are the screw-holes at the same place ? ... i was wondering that for years; ever since i got the 1200G Could You make a video of it if fits ? BTW - the amount of detail gone to this video is simply stunning !

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good question, I'll have a look next week! Video was kinda long, I'm glad you enjoyed the detail.

[@olaniyi570]

I'm not sure why technics seemingly can not produce a decent tonearm lift at this price point.

[@EMP698]

It's interesting. The lift of my 1500C got much better after a few months of use...Sometimes Japanese companies think different. If they cut corners instead of doing it in a way that appears fine when bought but does not last, they go for the opposite..😂😂😂

[@JeffBoothman]

I have a 1500 C and the lift arm slightly drops when you lift the arm to place on the record. Is there an adjustment that I can do to fix this great videos thanks.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I know what you mean there is a slight dead spot on the highest point of the lifter. Play with the lifting height which is adjusted by the screw, see manual. You can improve it a bit by changing the lifting height.

[@capwkidd]

Fernando: What is this place you recorded this video in? Some sort of audio tech den?

[@SkyFiAudio]

lol, it my home workshop. Call it the bat cave.

[@chrislj2890]

32:46 You refer to non-metallic screws, do you mean non-magnetic?

[@SkyFiAudio]

lol indeed non-magnetic. Thanks for pointing out.

[@TheBababa420]

I think Technics is missing the point, the strobe is like their trademark, it should be on all their turntables. And just one more contrary point, you all need to make your custom plinths to accommodate the original dust cover on hinges.

[@SkyFiAudio]

We could have, however in my humble opinion a dust cover should not be on while listening to a turntable. It acts like a sail and picks up all the sound vibrations from the air, much like a microphone. Try blasting the music with and without the hinged cover on. We have an acrylic cover coming next month that will lay perfectly within the new plinth, not hinged. I appreciate the feedback.

[@user-ze9nq3sv6d]

@@SkyFiAudioit’s not true actually. You can find videos on KZbin.

[@Matasky2010]

I want a GR2 that looks like the 1300..sigh

[@nasdkhan254]

👍

[@timleelim9930]

Made in Malaysia. Not sold in Malaysia 😂😅

[@TheCaro2]

Sorry to say, but the first 7min 30 seconds of the video is unwatchable for people suffering of misophonia. The soundtrack is absolutely cluttered and filled with tiny crickles and pops ("eating sounds") which are JUST loud enough to hear. If the volume is lowered to "barely audible", then it does not bother :

[@duczmal]

Perfect Review! Also you not mention that in the new technics vs mi2 the tonearm holdings for the bearings are a littlebBit befier! Btw mk2 was always 3 Layer, with rubber bottom + BMC inside - so technicaly the G is a sukcesor of the Mk2. I hope they make a Gmk2 🎉

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point! The MK2 did have 3 layers, which still makes it a formidable table. Im actually hoping they keep the G and come out with something between the G and the 1000. Fingers crossed.