A Brief(!] Look at the Technics SL-1200GR2
Between 1972 and 2021, Technics sold over 3.5 million SL 1200 turntables. Do the math and you’ll find that it works out to nearly 200 units per day! A few weeks ago, I added my name to the total.
Here’s the deck assembled out of the box.
I chose the GR2 as it’s loaded with all the features I was looking for; plus a few I didn’t know I needed, but was delighted to discover.
Pros
Removable head shell - Installing a cartridge on a fixed headshell is not something I can entrust to my clumsy fingers. Far easier to work on them separately, without fear of damaging the tonearm. Also, being able to quickly swap out cartridge/headshell combos is hugely appealing. And, finally, it’s really easy to inspect and clean the stylus with the cartridge off the ‘table.
VTA adjustment dial - Turning a dial to adjust tonearm height is far simpler than loosening some screws and physically pulling the arm up or down. The dial lets you focus on a VTA block and eliminates any trial and error shenanigans. You can even make changes while playing a record, if you prefer to adjust by ear.
Massive torque - The GR2 gets up to speed in less than a second, and stops on a dime. Beneath the platter are switches to control torque and braking; both are factory set to maximum. Which means you can swipe the record firmly with a vinyl brush, without worrying about belt slippage. In fact, it’s pretty hard to stop the platter, even with your fingers.
Super-easy cartridge alignment - Technics provides a simple plastic gauge to set your stylus overhang. Get this right and you’ll hit the null points on a protractor without any problems.
Excellent dustcover - I always remove the cover when I’m playing records, so easy removal and refitting is an important consideration. This one works smoothly, plus the VTA bubble looks cool.
Bulletproof construction - The GR2 is part of Technics’ ‘Grand Class’ line and is built like a tank, with an exceptional fit and finish. Everything works with a satisfying solidity and it just feels very intuitive in use.
Strobe light off option - Unlike the 1200/1300Gs, you have the option to turn off the bright blue strobe light while spinning records. When enabled, it comes on when you start the platter and switches off once the speed is stabilized; which is pretty quickly.
Armlift height adjustment - Another feature you don’t think you need, until you use it.
Cons
Connections - The biggest pain in the a$$ with this ‘table is, appropriately enough, on its backside. The phono jacks and power socket are placed in the strangest, hard-to-reach locations. But once you’ve set up, it isn’t a recurring issue.
No azimuth - The tonearm lacks an option to fine tune azimuth. You’ll have to finagle the headshell while mounting on the arm, or get one that has azimuth built-in.
Cartridge
Having researched various stylus types and their sonic characteristics, I was very keen to try a Shibata. Rather than jumping straight in with an expensive Hana SL or the like, I thought I’d experiment with an inexpensive AT VM95SH on an AT headshell. And the results are glorious! The Shibata seems to pull out more information from the grooves, while keeping surface noise to a minimum. Win-win.
Options
Some of the other options in my budget were the Pro-ject X2B, Michell Tecnodec, Rega Planar 8, Denon 3000NE and the MoFi Ultradeck. I also considered the 1300G, but figured I would be eyeing the 1200G somewhere down the road; so why bother! It makes more sense to invest in a better cartridge and phono stage for now.
Sound
I’ll leave sonic impressions to the experts below. Suffice to say, this revolver is bang on target.
Between 1972 and 2021, Technics sold over 3.5 million SL 1200 turntables. Do the math and you’ll find that it works out to nearly 200 units per day! A few weeks ago, I added my name to the total.
Here’s the deck assembled out of the box.
I chose the GR2 as it’s loaded with all the features I was looking for; plus a few I didn’t know I needed, but was delighted to discover.
Pros
Removable head shell - Installing a cartridge on a fixed headshell is not something I can entrust to my clumsy fingers. Far easier to work on them separately, without fear of damaging the tonearm. Also, being able to quickly swap out cartridge/headshell combos is hugely appealing. And, finally, it’s really easy to inspect and clean the stylus with the cartridge off the ‘table.
VTA adjustment dial - Turning a dial to adjust tonearm height is far simpler than loosening some screws and physically pulling the arm up or down. The dial lets you focus on a VTA block and eliminates any trial and error shenanigans. You can even make changes while playing a record, if you prefer to adjust by ear.
Massive torque - The GR2 gets up to speed in less than a second, and stops on a dime. Beneath the platter are switches to control torque and braking; both are factory set to maximum. Which means you can swipe the record firmly with a vinyl brush, without worrying about belt slippage. In fact, it’s pretty hard to stop the platter, even with your fingers.
Super-easy cartridge alignment - Technics provides a simple plastic gauge to set your stylus overhang. Get this right and you’ll hit the null points on a protractor without any problems.
Excellent dustcover - I always remove the cover when I’m playing records, so easy removal and refitting is an important consideration. This one works smoothly, plus the VTA bubble looks cool.
Bulletproof construction - The GR2 is part of Technics’ ‘Grand Class’ line and is built like a tank, with an exceptional fit and finish. Everything works with a satisfying solidity and it just feels very intuitive in use.
Strobe light off option - Unlike the 1200/1300Gs, you have the option to turn off the bright blue strobe light while spinning records. When enabled, it comes on when you start the platter and switches off once the speed is stabilized; which is pretty quickly.
Armlift height adjustment - Another feature you don’t think you need, until you use it.
Cons
Connections - The biggest pain in the a$$ with this ‘table is, appropriately enough, on its backside. The phono jacks and power socket are placed in the strangest, hard-to-reach locations. But once you’ve set up, it isn’t a recurring issue.
No azimuth - The tonearm lacks an option to fine tune azimuth. You’ll have to finagle the headshell while mounting on the arm, or get one that has azimuth built-in.
Cartridge
Having researched various stylus types and their sonic characteristics, I was very keen to try a Shibata. Rather than jumping straight in with an expensive Hana SL or the like, I thought I’d experiment with an inexpensive AT VM95SH on an AT headshell. And the results are glorious! The Shibata seems to pull out more information from the grooves, while keeping surface noise to a minimum. Win-win.
Options
Some of the other options in my budget were the Pro-ject X2B, Michell Tecnodec, Rega Planar 8, Denon 3000NE and the MoFi Ultradeck. I also considered the 1300G, but figured I would be eyeing the 1200G somewhere down the road; so why bother! It makes more sense to invest in a better cartridge and phono stage for now.
Sound
I’ll leave sonic impressions to the experts below. Suffice to say, this revolver is bang on target.
