The Fabulous Smile-Generating Machine
In an ideal world, things should always happen this way. First, customers express their desires, then the information reaches the manufacturer, who takes note. Eventually, a product perfectly tailored to customer expectations is created, and everyone is happy! This is essentially the story of the new Technics SL-1300G turntable, the subject of this review. Based on previous high-end Technics models, it arrives with a sleek look at the request of audiophiles. It retains proven technologies while incorporating innovative new features. Beautiful and understated, the SL-1300G is offered at a highly competitive price for a high-end product and is likely to be a great success. Follow along to learn more.
There’s no need to introduce Technics, as most of you are already familiar with this Japanese company, which has been a part of the audiophile world since the 1970s. Technics made history with its direct-drive turntables, which were available across all price ranges at the time. From the SL-D2, proudly displayed in your brother-in-law’s basement, to the SP-10MKII, likely used by your local radio station, Technics developed unparalleled expertise, selling a considerable number of turntables over the years. However, the most legendary model remains the SL-1200MKII. Launched in 1976 and updated in various versions over time, it became an iconic product for both DJs and audiophiles until 2007. Then, to everyone’s surprise, disaster struck. Panasonic, Technics‘ parent company, made the unexpected decision to cease production of the SL-1200 and discontinue the brand. A corporate decision that certainly did not sit well with music lovers and fans of the brand.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Panasonic came to its senses and rectified the situation by reviving the Technics brand. The first product of this renaissance was the SL-1200GAE, an ultra-high-end version of the SL-1200 that shocked and amazed. This model seemed to loudly proclaim, We’re back, and we’re going all in! Several models followed, including highly innovative amplifiers, attractive lifestyle products, and a more affordable version of the SL-1200 — the MK7. The entire Technics production then relocated to a state-of-the-art factory in Malaysia.
The SL-1300G turntable, the subject of this review, sits right in the middle of Technics’ high-end product range. It is a well-thought-out turntable aimed at audiophiles seeking top-quality, long-lasting reliability without having to take out a second mortgage. Let’s explore its technical secrets and what sets it apart from other Technics turntables.
Technical Description
To position the SL-1300G within the Technics hierarchy, it sits between the SL-1200GR2, priced at around $2,800, and the SL-1200G, which retails for nearly $6,000. With a selling price of $4,500, the SL-1300G fits squarely between them, borrowing features from both.
In fact, the SL-1300G shares the same chassis, tonearm, power circuit, and new motor control circuit as the SL-1200GR2. It also inherits the incredible motor and ultra-heavy platter of the SL-1200G. At the request of audiophile customers, the SL-1300G has shed its DJ-oriented features, such as the strobe light, retractable cue light, and pitch control slider. Still following? I think I’ve been as clear as possible, but you can always reread at a slower pace… Now, let’s examine each feature in detail.
Power Supply
The SL-1300G is equipped with a switching power supply, eliminating the need for a transformer, which is always a potential source of unwanted vibrations. This is an excellent design choice, complemented by a noise-canceling circuit that works by emitting an inverse-phase signal identical to the detected noise — similar to active noise cancellation in headphones. Technics has mastered switching power supplies since the 1970s, so this should prove to be highly reliable and virtually noise-free.
Digital Motor Control Circuit
This is the biggest surprise and the most intriguing innovation. A digital circuit to control the motor of an analog turntable? Have the Technics engineers lost their minds? Not at all — it’s actually a brilliant innovation.
The motor is powered by a delta-sigma PWM chip that delivers a perfectly pure sinusoidal reference signal, eliminating irregularities and harmonics typically found in conventional circuits. The result is a rotation as smooth as the best belt-drive turntables, delivering a sound that is both fluid and rock-solid.
Speed is controlled by a frequency generator with a magnetic reader. To achieve unparalleled rotation quality, the entire system operates in a closed loop with the delta-sigma circuit. This allows the tonearm and cartridge to track the groove with minimal disturbances from micro-speed fluctuations.
Tonearm
The SL-1300G’s tonearm is the aluminum version found in the SL-1200GR and SL-1200GR2. Aside from a few cosmetic tweaks, it follows the same successful formula that has defined SL-1200 turntables for decades. It offers all the necessary adjustments for accurate vinyl playback, precisely calibrated.
However, there are two welcome improvements. The tonearm base has been lowered slightly to accommodate shorter cartridges without requiring an additional mat. This will delight fans of Denon’s DL-103. Additionally, a new counterweight is included for heavier cartridges, such as Ortofon’s SPU.
Platter and Motor
The SL-1300G’s platter is a masterpiece of engineering, consisting of three layers. The bottom layer is a rubber insulator that eliminates resonance. You only need to give it a quick tap with your finger to see how inert this board is.
The center of the platter and the perimeter are made of a single aluminum casting. The top layer is made of a thick layer of brass, giving a rich and luxurious look to this turntable. This 8-pound platter is dynamically balanced at the factory for perfect weight distribution and flawless rotation. As we’ll hear later, this heavy, high-quality platter significantly enhances sound quality.
The motor, featuring a dual-rotor mechanism, is another technical marvel. It includes flat-mounted inductors and a precision ball-bearing spindle, with a stiffer structure to further reduce vibrations.
Chassis
The SL-1300G’s chassis incorporates the dual-layer isolation found in the SL-1200GR2. The key difference is the addition of new rubber and silicone feet that offer improved vibration isolation. The top panel features high-quality aluminum, and the buttons have been redesigned for a superior tactile experience.
Unboxing and SetupOne of the first things you notice when unboxing the SL-1300G is its environmentally friendly packaging, made entirely of folded cardboard. It unfolds smoothly like a well-designed origami piece, with only a few plastic bags used for parts.
Setup requires careful attention, particularly when assembling the platter, which must be screwed in a specific sequence. The connections are the same as other Technics turntables, featuring RCA outputs and a grounding terminal. Technics includes a high-quality power cord with a standard IEC plug. Everything you need is included.
Needless to say, the adjustments are made with easily executed precision and flawless quality. This is also the selling point of Technics turntables, which is to allow its owner to make all the necessary adjustments without having to resort to the services of a qualified technician. Indeed, with its exhaustive instruction manual, it will always be possible for you to get by and make a precision adjustment without too much difficulty or specialized equipment. Think about it, especially for music lovers who live in remote areas.
To top it all off, the SL-1300G comes with a removable lid, the hinges of which can be easily removed by simply lifting them up with the lid.
The End of an Eternal Debate?
Quoi de mieux que l’album We Get Request du Oscar Petersen Trio pour débuter cette session d’écoute. Les premières impressions sont celles d’une très belle fluidité dans l’enchaînement des notes, ce qui n’est pas sans rappeler les performances des meilleures platines à courroie. This SL-1300G turntable seems to bridge the gap between two worlds, or the irreconcilable debate between direct drive and belt drive, which has always separated them. The musical listening experience is as clear as a Linn LP-12 turntable, while offering the stability qualities inherent in a direct drive turntable.With this album by the Oscar Petersen Trio, the sound of the double bass is beautiful with a very nice roundness and a very realistic presence. In addition, this same double bass maintains an excellent firmness, which makes it agile and easy to follow. Same phenomenon with the piano, having both a warm and very soft side, while keeping its incisive aspect when necessary. The SL-1300G succeeds in resolving this impossible paradox, by offering different bouquets of sound qualities, which were previously believed to be exclusive to one technology or another. The most ironic thing about this is that it took digital technology to resolve an old argument from the analog world!
Solidity and Stability that make the Difference
Within my circle of audiophile friends, I have this friend who owns an SP-10MKIIA, an old Technics model that, at the time, was intended for radio stations for professional use. Every time I had the opportunity to listen to it, I was always fascinated by how stable and solid it could be. There was something indescribable and very addictive about listening to records that, however, I knew well. For the very first time, thanks to the Technics SL-1300G, I was able to relive this experience at home with my own audio system.
Switching to Nothing Like the Sun by Sting, the SL-1300G reveals its rock-solid stability. This album, recorded with magnificent clarity and punch, allows us to appreciate at its true value all the dynamic aspect that the SL-1300G brings to the restitution. Manu Katché‘s drums are rendered with incredible aplomb, rendering each song in a more interesting way than the last. Listening to Be Still My Beating Heart, the drums are so dynamic that they make you want to turn up the volume and replay the track. This kind of effect that can be provided by listening to a great turntable is the very essence of what one should find when listening to vinyl records. The SL-1300G provides precisely this kind of unique pleasure in abundance. The iconic drum hits in Englishman in New York left me speechless — pure bliss!
Conclusion
So here we are in front of an extremely accomplished turntable, which is the result of many years of work aimed at improving and perfecting it. It offers all the qualities that Technics turntables have accustomed us to, including adjustability, reliability and consistency in performance. It now does so in a more sober and discreet way, which will please audiophile customers. The Technics SL-1300G adds a fluidity of sound reproduction, which was previously the prerogative of belt-driven turntables. It also retains this unconditional stability that has always been the charm of Technics turntables. The Technics SL-1300G is a fabulous machine for generating listening pleasure that will make you smile every time you use it.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The turntable is available in
siver gray: SL-1300GPS
or black: SL-1300GPK
Price: $4,499.99
Warranty : 3 years, parts and labor
Distributor : Technics Canada
https://www.technics.com/ca/fr/
Mediagraphy
The Oscar Petersen Trio, We Get Request, Verve, V6-8606
Sting, Nothing like the Sun, A&M Records, SP-6402
