Panasonic Unveils Technics SL1200G Direct Drive Turntable

Panasonic announced two new SL-1200 turntables with direct drive control at CES 2016. The reintroduction of the SL1200 series, especially known among DJs, will come in two phases. First comes the limited edition SL1200GAE and later in 2016 the SL1200G.

Panasonic uses a direct drive mechanism in the new models to counteract cogging: small vibrations of the motor and fluctuations in speed. The motor no longer contains an iron core, which means that such torque ripples must be prevented. In addition, a system of sensors and a microprocessor must detect and cancel any remaining vibrations.

Panasonic already described the operation of the direct drive mechanism earlier. The rotor consists of two discs with magnets that create a magnetic field in the axial direction and between which is a stator of coils.

The housing of the turntables is made of brass and aluminum, with a top layer of rubber. The arm is made of magnesium on the SL-1200GAE and aluminum on the SL-1200G. The mounting and pivot point of the tonearm has remained identical to that of the original SL1200 series, including the gimbal.

Panasonic will release both turntables under the Grand Class line. The SL1200GAE will be released this summer in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Technics brand name in a limited and numbered edition of twelve hundred pieces. The SL1200G will be available in a larger edition later in 2016. The prices are not yet known.

Panasonic is targeting vinyl enthusiasts and DJs with the new Technics SL1200 line. Among this group, the SL1200, whose production began in the 1970s, is legendary for its stability and longevity. Production of SL1200 models stopped in 2010, but according to Panasonic, the demand for analog turntables and music is increasing again, especially in European, North American countries and Japan.