Unboxing the Technics SL-1210GR reference Turntable

Been vinyl DJing using the SL-1200s for many years, but after saving for 8 months, I finally obtained my first SL-1210GR. After watching several “unboxing” videos, I thought I’d give it a crack! Probably could have included more technical information, but I was pretty ecstatic to open this box! Let me know if you'd like to see further videos for setting up the SL-1210 tonearm, etc.
As a seasoned social media specialist with over a decade of experience, I thought I had it all figured out. However, my recent foray into KZbin reminded me that even the most seasoned professionals can stumble and learn some valuable lessons along the way. In my blog post, I’ll share my positive and negative experiences from creating my first KZbin video without a script, and provide you with practical tips to help you prepare for your own KZbin content creation journey.
I mean, how hard can it be to open a box?
Not that easy it seems … 😂🤣😂
regendigital.nz/blog/2023/06/...
00:00 Pre-ramble
01:30 How hard can it be to open a box?
02:14 Turntable Platter
02:25 Cables
03:30 The DustCover
04:05 Technics Slipmat
04:48 Instruction Manual
05:02 7" Single Adapter
5:55 Finally! The actual Technics 1210 Turntable Unit
6:55 Put some things together
8:30 Post-box Review

[@scratchback2001]

Why Panasonic fail to mention the fact that the rubber mat on a Technics turntable gets thinner from the outside to the centre amazes me. This design means that any record is only supported by the the first 2 cm to keep the record away from the motor if it's being used as an audiophile deck like mine is. I own a standard brand new (it's now 14 years old) SL1200 MK2 fitted with an Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge. When I powered up my vacuum tube PrimaLuna amplifier and played I Robot by The Alan Parsons Project, the whole sound stage just opened up, courtesy of my Wharfdale Speakers. Because my house is brick, the turntable is suspended by two big arms bolted to the wall with a marble base and high quality acoustic foam. After it was checked again ( VTA Protracter Weight etc) the only way I could make the bass speakers excursion move was to ridiculously jump around the lounge. Normal walking did nothing when playing vinyl with friends or by myself. Cheers from Australia, Andrew.

[@DarrinSearancke]

It took me a long time to appreciate the importance of a good turntable mat. I have yet to upgrade mine, but as mentioned in the unboxing video, I’m certainly going to replace the supplied rubber mat. 😅👍

[@rastislavledaj3110]

In fact, SL 1200 was totaly neglected in hi-fi world in 80’s and 90’s, because the production was focused on DJs. Price was quite high because of durability of that “tool” (handstands on platters while live mixing was not unusual thing).

[@DarrinSearancke]

Totally agree. The SL 1200 wasn’t appreciated for its audio ability, but regarded more as a DJ turntable.

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

3 years now after my first spin - and i'm still deeply in love with my SL121GR. this turntable is my endgame deck for sure. i made a few upgrades over the years that pushes the GR to it's limits and the final results are absolutely mind blowin'! no such other turntable that i have ever had or heard sounded ike that - and i had more than 20 different turntables over the past 30 years of my vinyl journey. enjoy with your music & spinnin' my friend! :)

[@DarrinSearancke]

Yeh - I’m slowly investing in a few minor upgrades for my turntable, including a new turntable/stereo rack. I agree, the Technics SL1200-1210 range is always a solid investment, obviously they released a new version after I made my purchase! 😅

[@Lee.Higginbotham]

I have the 1200GR. It's not the 1200G but I didn't have the interest to spend 4 grand. People were complaining about the GR at $1600. Now they have a new GR2 coming out and it's 4 hundred more. I'm satisfied with mine with my ortofon bronze. Happy spinning!!

[@DarrinSearancke]

I’m with you Lee. The investment has to equal the enjoyment… I don’t think the additional expense of stepping up to a 1200/1210G would be enough to make a huge difference. Although I knew the Ortofon Bronze cartridge/stylus would be an investment, which would possibly give “too much” clarity to my older vinyl, I did not expect the Red cartridge would provide more depth/warmth. Really happy I have both! Thanks for you feedback.

[@trancevoyagesessions]

You’re either god of war or it’s light as hell…

[@DarrinSearancke]

Kratos, perhaps? 🤣😂🤣

[@DarrinSearancke]

I actually wrote a blog post about this rather ... "quick and dirty" KZbin Unboxing video. Don't worry, I know it needs work! regendigital.nz/blog/2023/06/20/my-first-youtube-video-lessons-learned-and-tips-for-success/

[@pmbeirne]

the sl 1200G is the reference for 1200 tts imho.

[@DarrinSearancke]

Agree. The GR is also considered a reference TTB - and was within my current budget. 😅

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Top technics is 19 000 GBP... U can upgrade the mains cable... Its an audio grade turntable.. Not just DJ.. Mains cable may improve sownd

[@DarrinSearancke]

Yeh, I just wanted a step up from the standard SL1210. This model fit my price range and current listening location. I plan to get a decent turntable platform and upgrade my speakers … soon.

[@diluxe]

Need the mic closer

[@DarrinSearancke]

True - I need a Mic full stop. This was just me using my iPhone on a tripod.

[@diluxe]

@@DarrinSearancke good luck with the channel

[@jasperhay]

Is the top plate metal and the bottom part rubber or is the bottom part like a hard plastic abs like the SL1210 mk7?

[@DarrinSearancke]

Hey @jasperhay - yes, the top plate is cast aluminium "... combined with BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound), which performs a similar function to the TNRC (technics non-resonant compound) found amid the triple layered chassis of the original SL-1200 and on the base of many of Technics' hi-fi components." *reference: ( www.audioappraisal.com/technics-sl-1200gr-sl-1210gr-turntable-review )