Technics 1200 G Review - BEST Tunrtable in the world?

[@jozefserf2024]

Forget the advertising hype, get a Technics.

[@stevejohncrowe]

Great review Stuart. I went the Rega route but have a mate with an original, refurbished, 1200 (whatever) updated with new bearing etc. It sounds wonderful and will, I’m sure, still be spinning in fifty years time. He’s just fitted a Jelco arm and has three interchangeable cartridges.

[@KarenAppleyard]

Great review thanks and it’s moved up on my shortlist now 👍🏻

[@hifipigTv]

Thanks. Be interested to hear if that's the route you went

[@sarendalove]

@@hifipigTv Where did you get your tone arm lift ?

[@ProjectOverseer]

Interesting review. I own the old SL-1210mkll in mint condition. It also has a rubber underside on the platter. I also use a special arcrilic platter mat that dampens the platter even more. I have a collection of mid to upper midrange cartridges which sound superb on my midrange 25k audiophile system. The turntables weighs 12.5kg with tank like build. I've never heard cogging or any issues in playback sound quality. The SL-1200G is a fabulous near exact looking turntable, but I find it hard to believe I will hear a massive improvement in SQ to justify its 4K price. I will find out soon.

[@hifipigTv]

We have tried a whole load of mats on the 1200MK2 and the G and I think the standard mat is great, though I use a cork mat. Differences are, to be honest, minimal. The G is definitely better than the Mk2. I've had some nice carts on the 2 but got a Hana Red on the G now. With the Swingheadshell by Nasotec this is a great combo !

[@PaulGraham1977]

Spot on video! Nicely done mate :)

[@hifipigTv]

Thanks. We will be adding more short videos by way of introducing products. You might like the videos in doing introducing out reference system. Needless to say I start with the vinyl front end.

[@QoraxAudio]

Maybe a bit late for a review, but better now than never I suppose... Got the 1200G for about 2 years now and I'm still happy with it. The modernization is definitely noticeable, it's a lot more accurate than the original 1200 series. All positives compared to the originals, except for one thing though: the pitch between +/- 7 and +/- 8 is dead, just like the 1210M5G had.

[@michaelwight9851]

the digital pitch works in steps not as good as the mk2

[@QoraxAudio]

@@michaelwight9851 Exactly, that's because the MK2 has an analogue pitch controller instead of digital.

[@adrianowallin]

I guess I never hated my m5g because I like to mix no more than 4 plus or minus lol

[@hifipigTv]

To mixing I have used MK2s for years. Then got 7s and thought I'd not get on with the pitch. In practice I find it easier to lock in...which makes no sense, I know. The 7 isn't as well built as the 2 though. I'd love a pair of Us to mix on !

[@QoraxAudio]

@@hifipigTv I also own an MK7 (M7L actually which is a limited colored version of the MK7). It's much lighter and less solid than the MK2 indeed; the 1200G is the other way around, like an improvement in every way over the MK2. I use both for HiFi, so I use their tonearm lift and that tonearm lift on the MK7 is a bit of a let-down to me... it works, but doesn't feel like a 1k turntable.

[@sebek0311]

How does it compare to 1200gr?

[@hifipigTv]

I haven't heard the HE at home and so can't comment.b

[@michaelwight9851]

Just realised the mk5g was the first digital pitch.

[@jasonpomare5639]

I know you can spend the price of a house on a turntable but the technics turntables will satisfy me just fine 👍

[@thomasdix8453]

Thank you, Stuart!

[@ottoolsen9676]

have they manage to add an auto return on the tone arm?? the old one did not have any automation, and it may be usless for a dj, i used the 1200 as a dj in the 80's, and never missed this function, but it is a handy thing for home use, and i have no plan for a new dj business, that trainride is loooooooong gone. and for all that do not know the 1200 series, it is for sure one of the most stable turntables made, is it the best!! well is there a best, but it is for sure upp there among them. and it is for sure the best dj turntable ever made, the rest is just a copy of the 1200 series.

[@robocop2783]

I really want this turntable

[@chamber20projects]

This would be my ultimate endgame table. Will prolly end up going with a 1500c.

[@badgastein2]

My Technics SL 120 with SME Ser 3 arm is still going strong after 45 years…

[@intotheblue50]

This reviewer has missed the the difference. The MK1 120 and the 1200 are a solid heavy alloy plinth where as the 1200 mk2 and on are half made of rubber. This is fine for DJs it is not fine for home use, as he says ie. for audio files. VPI went down the root of killing all vibration, a mistake, every thing has resonance and its own inherent sound, it's about how you design the resonance's to work together. I will go with the iconic SL120 every time.

[@z90012]

I've Got the Reloop Rp7000 MK2 absolutely Love it.built like a tank to 😊👍

[@rufdymond]

Are some 1200/1210 really that light? I know they have changed over the years I have a MK2 from the late 1980s and the weighs 12.5kg

[@helthuismartin]

He talked about the MK7 wich is 9,6 KG.. The MK2 ,,,and 5 too are indeed 12,5 KG.

[@topgun3217]

By any chance, have you been able to compare the SL 1200G to the Dr. Feickert Volare turntable ? Asking because they are at a similar price point

[@hifipigTv]

I haven't. I have compared it to the SME 10/309 and a full Origin Live rig and preferred the Technics. YMMV

[@topgun3217]

Thanks for responding

[@topgun3217]

Hi there !! I'm planning to buy a SL 1200G Would really appreciate it if you could tell me about a phono preamp and also a headshell/mc cartridge combo that would complement/do justice more than adequately to the SL 1200G Waiting expectantly for your response

[@zogzog1063]

Headshell: Mainly I wouldn't bother. I like the styling of the Technics ... unless you get an Ebony (or African Blackwood, Mpingo, or any hardwood really) headshell. They make musical instruments from the stuff! The difference is slight and you would not notice it unless you become very familiar with your system, then you would detect a slightly more organic sound. (Top tip: get an ebony stabiliser while you are about it). Cartridge: The world is your octopus. Definitely a moving coil. Just be sure there is not a compliance mismatch (too much to discuss here). It would be pretty hard to overspend on a cart because the TT is just that good. If you are not confident in setting up Azimuth, Tracking Force, Alignment, Overhang, Vertical Tracking Angle, Anti-skate then go for a cartridge that has an elliptical stylus as they are a bit more forgiving where setup is less than optimal. Phono Stage: As with the cartridge the quality of the TT will not be the weak link vis a vis the phono stage. There seem to be many good ones out there, so look at the specs especially the Signal to Noise ratio.

[@topgun3217]

Many thanks for your detailed response. A lot to take in. Much appreciated

[@robertlancaster8190]

What are mains leads??

[@hifipigTv]

Power cords.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

The SL1200G is the best turntable of all time. Because it‘s the only turntable that has implemented the newest technology in the most efficient way. If efficiency does not count, you might find nothing a lot of oligarch gear, but if you keep efficiency in, but want to level it just up that level, get the SP10/SL1000R, and there‘s the end, there is no better turntable, factually. And I never have been a fan of Technics, at all! Technology moves on, most turntables haven‘t that‘s why there‘s so many snakeoil vendors, as people are hunting for fuzz, not tech, vinyl is about the best tech to get the information out solidly and reliably stable. Only technics does that today at that level, others fall behind, a few are near, but done with their capabilities, technics isn‘t finished. Loudspeakers though it‘s either KEF LS50 types, or in the high ranking Avantgarde Acoustic. Amps, I don‘t know any that‘s as central and innovative as the before mentioned products. Many good ones, there, but properly outstanding ahead technology- and sound-wize? Can‘t envision one, CHprecision seems good, WEISS as DAC, but again, there are a few others, too. Cartridge wise, Audio-Technica is jumping like mad getting innovative systems out.

[@Josal]

Great review

[@hifipigTv]

Thanks

[@arupnath3477]

Sir, What is the difference between Malaysia made Technics & Original Japanese made Technics ?

[@hifipigTv]

I don't know. Sounds like the start to an excellent joke, though.

[@colinhathaway9493]

How does it compare to a Michell Gyrodec? Looking at making the switch as I fancy a change as I’ve had my Gyrodec for 12-15 years

[@hifipigTv]

Difficult to say as I've no direct experience of the Gyrodec at home. I have actually considered moving the Technics down into our main system and would do so were it not for the fact that I need to be able to swap arms in and out for review purposes. Personally, I don't think you will be disappointed with the swap!

[@colinhathaway9493]

@@hifipigTv being able to swap cartridges easier cos of the removable head shell will be a bonus as well. Been looking at getting a decent mono cartridge at some point. Also what cartridge were you using when testing the Technics. I have a Hana ML on the way

[@hifipigTv]

I've not compared it directly so can't comment.

[@brucegelman5582]

Amazing how there are a gazillion expensive belt drives....why is that?

[@artiefufkin3292]

They're easy to make. Tooling up to build a 12XX, never mind designing is mega money and a massive barrier to entry for smaller manufacturers. In short they can't afford to make them.

[@jasonpomare5639]

Beautiful.

[@spcverd6654]

Las chapas de laton las venden en Aliexpres de un grosor de 3ml a un precio de 50 €.....El torque es inferior al tocadiscos Synq X-Trem 1 ( 4,5 a 5 ) y el peso de dicho tocadiscos es de 11 kg, ademas las luces azules y blancas las tiene el Synq X-trem 1 antes que el 1200, y la botonadura de retroceso y ajustes del tiempo de frenada y marcha estan a la vista, no escondidas como en el 1200, ademas el brazo de aluminio es mejor que el brazo del 1200, y otro adelanto que posee el X-trem son dos botones de parada, para `poder poner los tocadiscos en forma vertical para competicion..... etc..etc..👀👀👍..🤩...

[@michaelwight9851]

the new mk7s are no way as good as the older models.

[@TemujinScott80]

I enjoy mine a great deal. Older models will definitely have different material used.

[@willej6525]

Don’t buy em then

[@hifipigTv]

I bought some last summer to get back into DJing. They are ok to play on but they are not Gs.

[@nickmenges4792]

Awesome

[@hifipigTv]

Thank you, Nick.

[@sonofacheron]

Solid review

[@hifipigTv]

Thanks

[@hifipigTv]

Thanks

[@nasirbhati8834]

Indian how much price Amazon available yes no

[@michaelwight9851]

nice vid

[@metademon333]

The turntable from my dreams(black 1210) that I'll never would have money to buy It Really SUCKS to be Poor and live in Macedonia

[@metademon333]

I must say that I envy you, you're a lucky man Cheers!!!

[@paulboyce8537]

PLX 1000 does the same. Not saying the Pioneer is better but the Technics 1200 G is more than 7 x more expensive. Is it worth it? Pioneer is silent and has brilliant sound. Most people wouldn't be able to spot the difference. Most difference comes from cartridge and how well the insulation is. Using exotic materials in my opinion doesn't always bring the perfect result but it will empty your wallet. Made in Taiwan vs Japan there is nothing between. Hanpin Technics inspired tables are an upgrade/modern take in many ways giving them lot better value for money. For Technics you need to spend at least twice as much to get the same performance and Audio Tecnica is a match for example Technics 1500. And then there is the cost of repairs that is a nightmare. Inside the Technics is very cheap for the money you pay for it. There are teardown videos and to be honest what you find is not pretty.

[@hifipigTv]

I have a mk2, a pair of 7 s and the g from technics. I also have an SME 10 and an Original Live Resolution. With the same cartridge (I have loads but my choice of them all is the Hana Umami Red) the G is the better turntable of them all, in my opinion. It’s probably three or for grand cheaper than the OL and much more than that with regards the SME. I haven’t tried the PLX and so I can’t comment. I’ve stripped and rebuilt a couple if MK2s and added more expensive arms and external psus but not compared them directly with the G but if I were to, I strongly suspect the G would be the victor.

[@paulboyce8537]

@@hifipigTv The point made is that the PLX 1000 is under AU$1000 and the Technics 1200 G over AU$7000. The margin in quality is small and the sound in blind test would become down to taste and cartridge. I'm talking about strait out of the box. No mods. Technics 1200 G has functions that are refined where as the PLX 1000 shines in it simplicity and in general improvement from the classic. Of course if money wasn't the issue I'll take the Technics. But considering the difference I don't think I can justify AU$6000 extra for the Technics.

[@hifipigTv]

@@paulboyce8537 I use the technics as a reference for reviews and for my own pleasure in a pretty revealing system and so I’d say I would be able to tell…however, you are correct, it’s not 7 times better. It’s bog standard with a great cartridge btw..

[@paulboyce8537]

@@hifipigTv You pay lot for the brand name and I do get it it makes you all warm and cozy inside to know you have something you like. Personally I have always been a Pioneer guy from the 80's component systems till today. I just got back to the vinyl after a long hiatus. I've got fairly large collection. For sure the Technics is not bad but I saw it very much overpriced. How I see it the SL-1500C is somewhere equal to AT-LP140XP, SL-1200GR I would compare to RP-7000 MK2 as equal, PLX 1000 little better. SL-1200G is in totally different price range even that I don't think it sound that much better. For that marginal difference I see expensive adds on the Technics that I'm sure some are willing to pay for. Personally I don't think I'll be able to spot the difference in the sound. In my opinion there is no right or wrong here.

[@hifipigTv]

@@paulboyce8537 I haven't heard all the Pioneers you mention so can't comment. The Technics G is actually the cheapest of the three turntables I mentioned (SME 10 and Origin Live) so I'm not really being swayed by price on this, Paul. The Mk7s, however, I do feel are an inferior product (other than the pitch control) to the MK2 1200 series.

[@Victrola777]

To even say best in the world, and Technics in the same sentence is just foolish !!! I have owned 5 highly regarded Technics tables, even a 1200 limited edition gold, and none of them were great turntables !!! I ended up selling them all.

[@hifipigTv]

I own several high-end turntables including an SME 10 with both 309 and 12" tonearms. The Technics gets played more than any of them. The current Mk7s are a good DJ turntable but ultimately flawed ( i own a pair of them). I also own a MK2. The G is a fantastic turntable that with a great cartridge will beat many so-called high-end audiophile turntables.