Technics introduces two new direct drive turntables

Panasonic has unveiled two new direct drive turntables from its Technics sub-brand at CES in Las Vegas. These are the SL-1210MK7, which builds on the iconic Technics SL-1200 from 1972, and the SL-1500C Premium Class.

The black SL-1210MK7 has the same design as the previous models in the same series, but features a newly developed coreless direct drive motor. This should eliminate rotational irregularities that can occur with these systems, a phenomenon known as cogging. By removing the iron core from the stator, Panasonic claims to have eliminated the main cause of cogging. The model also offers some new DJ features, such as Reverse Play. When the speed and start-stop buttons are pressed simultaneously, the turntable rotates backwards, giving DJs more creative options. Furthermore, the user has a choice of blue and red LED lighting.

Panasonic calls the SL-1210MK7 ‘the new standard’ when it comes to DJ turntables. The original Technics SL-1200 debuted in 1972 and quickly became the turntable of choice for radio and club DJs. Production came to a halt in 2010, but resumed in 2016 due to the renewed interest in vinyl.

At CES, Panasonic also unveiled the Technics SL-1500C Premium Class, a turntable for a wider audience of vinyl enthusiasts. Key features include the coreless direct drive motor and the sensitive tonearm with a high-quality Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. To be able to connect the record player to equipment without a phono input, this Technics has a built-in phono preamplifier. Prices of the devices have not yet been announced.