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Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Turntable System

BH #TESL1210GR • MFR #SL-1210GR
Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Turntable System
Key Features
  • Precision Coreless Direct-Drive Motor
  • Eliminates Cogging
  • Highly Rigid Platter with Low Vibration
  • S-Shaped Tonearm with Counter Weight
The Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Turntable System is a professional turntable designed for audiophiles, DJs, and turntablists. The SL-1210GR builds upon the success of the SL-1200G, which offered significant enhancements to the analog and digital technology including the coreless direct-drive motor and precision digital motor control, which eliminated cogging from rotation irregularities.
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Technics SL-1210GR Overview

The Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Turntable System is a professional turntable designed for audiophiles, DJs, and turntablists. The SL-1210GR builds upon the success of the SL-1200G, which offered significant enhancements to the analog and digital technology including the coreless direct-drive motor and precision digital motor control, which eliminated cogging from rotation irregularities.

Additionally, the turntable utilizes a two-layer construction on the aluminum die-cast platter to achieve high rigidity, while eliminating vibration. The S-shaped tonearm employs a lightweight, yet rigid aluminum pipe, while the gimbal suspension system utilizes high-precision bearings, which are hand-tuned by skilled Japanese artisans to enable the grooves in a record to be accurately traced. The tonearm ships with a counter weight and an additional auxiliary weight for use with a variety of cartridges to match music genre or feeling. High-damping silicon insulation is used throughout to prevent unwanted vibrations from corrupting the sound. This two-layer construction prevents horizontal and vertical vibrations and provides a smooth and articulated sound.

The turntable features gold-plated RCA terminals for use with detachable cables, as well as a detachable earth-ground wire and a detachable power cord. The Technics SL-1210GR ships with a rubber slip mat, dust cover, 45 adapter, balance weight, auxiliary weight, headshell, overhang gauge, cartridge mounting hardware, stereo RCA cable, earth ground cable, and an AC power cord.

  • Coreless direct-drive motor achieves stable rotation
    • Technics developed the twin-rotor, surface-facing, coreless direct-drive motor with rotor magnets placed on both sides, thereby eliminating the rotation irregularity of the motor, referred to as cogging, which was a unique issue for direct-drive systems
  • High-precision motor control for ideal rotation conditions
    • Sine waves stored in ROM are used for the control waveforms at constant speed for smoother and more stable rotation compared with using the simple sine wave generation with an external coil as in the conventional SL-1200MK5
    • Electrical circuitry has been tuned for maximum performance
    • Starting Torque: Achieves 2.2 kg x cm with only a single rotor
    • Same startup time (0.7 sec at 33 1/3 rpm) as the SL-1200G
  • Rigidity and vibration damping characteristics
    • Two-layer construction with deadening rubber applied to the entire rear surface of the aluminum die-cast to eliminate the unnecessary resonance that is otherwise relayed to the record
    • Optimized shape of the aluminum die-cast
    • At 2.5kg (including the rubber mat), the SL-1210GR platter is 0.8kg heavier than that of the previous SL-1200MK5
    • Back surface of the platter has strengthening ribs added to improve rigidity.
    • Increasing the surface area of contact with the deadening rubber achieves damping characteristics that are more than twice those of the SL-1200MK5
  • Tonearm Achieves High Initial-Motion Sensitivity
    • High-precision tonearm tracking of the rotation of the record
    • Static-balance universal S-shaped tonearm
    • Aluminum Pipe: Lightweight and rigid material of the tonearm pipe
    • Gimbal Suspension Construction: Tonearm bearing section uses a cut-processed housing that employs high-precision bearings
    • High initial-motion sensitivity of 5mg or less is achieved through manual assembly and adjustment by skilled Japanese artisans, enabling the grooves etched into the records to be accurately traced
    • Auxiliary Weight: Allows for swapping a wide variety of cartridges to match the music genre or feeling. (Applicable cartridge weight when using the supplied auxiliary weight: 10 - 16.4g
  • High-Quality Terminals for Sound and Appearance
    • Gold-plated RCA terminals for detachable cables
    • Metal Shielding Construction: Reduces the effects of external noise
  • Rigid Body with High-Damping Silicon Insulators for Smooth Sound and Isolation
    • Ensures high rigidity by using a body with a two-layered construction, solidly unifying the BMC and the aluminum die-cast chassis
    • Uses special silicon rubber that ensures both high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability
    • Microcell Polymers: Vibration in the horizontal direction is absorbed by reinforcement with cylindrical tubes using microcell polymers
    • Insulators are tuned specifically for the SL-1210GR
    • Prevents Unwanted Vibration: Installation of the insulators is equipped with a vertical adjustment mechanism using screws, eliminating the rattle that occurs when the turntable is installed in a rack
    • Stable Record Playing: Exact horizontal adjustment of the platter and record surface reduces rotation irregularity due to slanting
UPC: 885170329515

Technics SL-1210GR Specs

Turntable
Type
Direct drive manual turntable
Speeds
33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm
Pitch Adjustment
±8%, ±16%
Torque
Starting Torque: 2.2 kg-cm
Starting Time
Build-Up Characteristics: 0.7 sec from Standstill to 33 1/3 rpm
Wow & Flutter
0.025 % W.R.M.S.
Rumble Max
78 dB (IEC 98 A-weighted)
Turntable Platter
Aluminum diecast
Tonearm
Type
Universal static balance
Length
Effective Length: 9.1" / 230.0 mm
Overhang
0.6" / 15.0 mm
Tracking Error Angle
Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove of 11.8" / 30.0 cm record)
Within 0° 32' (at the inner groove of 11.8" / 30.0 cm record)
Offset Angle
22°
Arm Height Range
0.0 to 0.2" / 0.0 to 6.0 mm
Stylus
Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0 to 0.1 oz / 4.0 g (direct reading)
Headshell
Head Shell Weight: Approx. 0.3 oz / 7.6 g
Cartridge Weight
Applicable Cartridge Weight Range:
Without Auxiliary Weight: 0.2 oz / 5.6 g to 0.4 oz / 12.0 g
Including Head Shell: 0.5 oz / 14.3 g to 0.7 oz / 20.7 g
With Auxiliary Weight: 0.4 oz / 10.0 g to 0.6 oz / 16.4 g
Including Head Shell: 0.7 oz / 18.7 g to 0.9 oz / 25.1 g
Cartridge
Cartridge Mounting Dimension: JIS 0.5" / 12.7 mm interval
Headshell
Head Shell Terminal Lug: 0.05" / 1.20 mm φ 4-pin terminal lug
Terminals
Connectors
2 x RCA
1 x Earth terminal
General Specifications
Power
Power Supply: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 11 W approximately (0.2 W standby)
Dimensions
17.8 x 6.8 x 14.6" / 453.0 x 173.0 x 372.0 mm
Weight
Platter: 5.5 lb / 2.5 kg
Turntable: 25.4 lb / 11.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
35.85 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
22.5 x 17.6 x 9.8"

Technics SL-1210GR Reviews

Awesome table!

By Keith
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-24

Coming from a Fluance RT85, this thing is awesome! The RT85 was nice but this is a big step up in quality. The feet are substantial and they pivot to make solid contract. The deck feels beefier. The quartz lock is accurate. Switching carts is simple and you can adjust vta on the fly. I don't care for the brite blue light used to maintain the speed. Otherwise, it's highly recommend!

Solid as a ROCK

By Dave
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-19

When I decided to quit putting up with old TT's I'd bought at auctions and fixed up 'good enough' to use, I went to an audiophile Facebook page I frequent and asked for opinions about the best, most robust TT around. A majority pointed to the SL-1200 family with remarks like, Built like a tank and Set it & forget it. I decided to 'go big' and get the pro-grade SL-1210 GR. My listening room is smaller than I'd like to have so the TT sits between and fairly close to my stacked OLA speakers where tone arm resonance can be a problem. The SL 1210 has taken in stride everything I've thrown at it at high volume, ranging from a direct to disk RCA red seal pipe organ record (Virgil Fox at Royal Albert Hall) to hard driving rock like Allman Brothers live and Led Zeppelin and the sound quality of the AT cartridge I got with it is just incredible. It really IS built like a tank ! I'm lovin' it.

Great quality

By Roger
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-22

I am very happy with this turntable and the B&H delivery. The TT spin accurately is so steady, it's nice and heavy and the tone arm adjustments are amazingly spot on, measured with a stylus scale.

Amazing Turntable & Service from B&H

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-02

From past reviews on this page or any number of glowing evaluations published in the Audiophile community during recent years, it's a given that this turntable is one of - if not the best - value in it's price range. The included Technics instructions make it super-simple to set up. Once you have it up & running you can see that it is engineered & built to last for decades. The improvement in sound quality compared to my (very) old Marantz 6300 is profound. Currently I am running mine with a Nagaoka MP150 stylus & cartridge, but am looking forward to upgrading to a Nag 300 soon - a table of this quality deserves the best cart & stylus you can afford to give it. And a word about B&H's service - I ordered the turntable from the SF Bay Area and had it in hand less than 48 hours later, double boxed for maximum safety, via FREE Fed-X shipping. I am a very happy customer.

Technics Rules!

By George
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-09

Replaces my 50 year old Thorens TD 125 MKII. Did not expect it to outperform the Thorens. Immediate difference in sound. Sound was clearer, The thorens bass was boomy by comparison. Cartridge swaps takes seconds to do. So much easier to use. Should of done it years ago. This is a real Audiophile turntable!

Faithful sound reproduction,Just what a turntable should be!

By Albiano
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-10-05

I was considering brands like Rega, Project, Thorens and others around this price range before I decided on the Technics SL-1210GR. I was also looking its siblings the SL-1500C, SL-1200MK7 and SL-1200G before I finally ordered the SL-1210GR from B&H. (Thanks to B&H for double boxing my order!) The SL-1200G is ideal but out of my price range. I’m not a DJ and do not need the DJ features of SL-1200MK7 but just simply needs an audiophile quality that will faithfully reproduce the sound of my vinyl collection. The SL-1500C seems a step back from the traditional SL-1200 series design. Although the SL-1200GR is pricier when compared to the previous two, you will not regret getting this turntable. The overall build quality is amazing, typical of Japanese quality. This is a precision instrument. If I may suggest do not rush the setup, although very easy when you follow the owners’ manual and specially paying attention when attaching the cartridge, setting the horizontal balance, cartridge overhang, stylus pressure and anti-skating. The balance weight is very precise and accurate when adjusting the stylus pressure as I verified the setting using a stylus pressure gauge. When using the included overhang gauge, I suggest verifying it with a turntable protractor unless you have an eagle’s eye. Once done correctly you will be rewarded with amazing sound! To my surprise it works very well with my Nagaoka cartridge specifically the MP-110, although I intended to fit it with Nagaoka MP-200 but couldn’t get it in time. It will be installed later on a separate head shell (TPBGA003). Now our household enjoys a quality turntable and its faithful sound reproduction. Very proud of this purchase and for sure it will serve and last for some time!

Sounds GREAT

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-10

Everyone knows what this is. I'm writing to say the improved audio qualities aren't just hype. It's a great sounding turntable. Measurably. I swapped the 1210GR in for a very satisfactory AT LP1240 and using same cartridge, headshell, platter mat, interconnects, stand, same everything but the TT, my digital recorder showed the 1200GR has a much lower noise floor consistently across multiple records I tested. I heard it as well. In addition to blacker backgrounds as they put it, there was richer instrument tone, greater higher end extension, and more bass punch. Again, everything else kept constant. This is as good as any similarly priced audiophile-only deck -- I've owned some -- and more rugged and user friendly. Cons? Button feel is a little vague, when playing very loud the dustcover picks up some bass feedback and muddies the low end (sounds better with dustcover off but it's fidgety to remove and replace), and I wish the variable speed range was 50% like on the AT so I could play 16 2/3 RPMs. J&R had a low price, and got it to me in about two days.

Fantastic table

By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-10

Really love my new turntable. I also own 2 "audiophile" tables - a Linn and a Michell Gyro SE but the 1210 is easier to use

See any errors on this page? Let us know

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Could you tell me if it includes the connection ...

Could you tell me if it includes the connection cables, the dust cover, the needle head and the cartridge or needle ?.
Asked by: Juan
In the Box Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Turntable System Turntable Sheet Plastic Dust Cover EP (45 RPM) Adapter Tone Arm Balance Weight Auxiliary Weight Cartridge Headshell (Cartridge Not Included) Overhang Gauge Set of Screws for Cartridge Stereo Phono Cable Earth Ground Wire Power Cord Limited 3-Year Warranty
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2022-08-05

I'm sure that the build and materials quality of ...

I'm sure that the build and materials quality of the GR is superior to the MK7, but I wonder if solely from a listening perspective, there is a great deal ($700 worth) of difference?
Asked by: Jonathan
I've used both in my system and there is a significant difference. The sl-1210gr has a more open and detailed sound. The sound stage is more defined and wider, extending beyond the speakers. I thought the MK7 sounded good but everything was a bit mushed together in-between the speakers by comparison.
Answered by: Kao
Date published: 2023-02-14

question

I've been out of the DJ loop for 30 some-odd years now. I still have my two original Technics SL-1200MKII tables from 1982. My questions:1) Would this new Technics SL-1210GR be an upgrade, downgrade or an exact duplicate (minus the electronic braking system) of what I currently own? 2) Also, what makes these new Technics SL-1210GR's worth $1,700? Back in 1982, my 2 1200's were roughly $299 each (on sale) at Uncle Steve's on Canal Street (if anyone remembers them!). Thanks for any replies.
Asked by: Jeffrey L.
Well if your SL-1200's are still in good working order, still tracking well not DJ abused, then I'd say this new table would only be a bit of an upgrade mostly a heavier base and new all around so new is always better right? LOL. As Charles mentions price is a matter of NRE for technics. As I understand it they made millions of the 1200's but had to re-tool for this new line. So we have to pay for that. Couple that with inflation and while a bit on the high side I think they represent the best of what I'll call reasonable turntables. Done get me started about this crazy 100K turntable phenomenon. I replaced my 40 year old Dual turntable with this one. After living with belt drive for so many years I wouldn't go back after experiencing the power and stability of this beast. You already have that so if they are in good working order get a new cartridge (I went with Ortofon Blue) and enjoy your LP's
Answered by: Bryan H.
Date published: 2022-08-05

Does the sl-1210gr come with an installed dust ...

Does the sl-1210gr come with an installed dust cover?
Asked by: Wayne
This item comes with a plastic dust cover in the box
Answered by: leticia
Date published: 2022-08-05

Can someone tell me how DVS works with this ...

Can someone tell me how DVS works with this turntable? What other equipment I need to control the music from my laptop in Serato? I know that it might sound stupid for some of you but I apologize, I am beginer. The mixer needs to have the DVS option and it works automatically or I need extra equipment to play DVS on this turntable? Thank you
Asked by: geo
Here is a great link to Serato and explains DVS. The key is the installation, the operating system and that the mixer must accept input - DJ needs a controller or mixer with necessary CD/Phono inputs
Answered by: james
Date published: 2020-11-10

Does the arm pick up automatically at the end of ...

Does the arm pick up automatically at the end of the record?
Asked by: John
No, the SL-1210GR does not have an end of record automatic tonearm lift; and, while some may want auto lift convenience, lifts do not work well, that's because many records have recorded music past the distance the tonearm will lift. In other words, the last recorded music selection will not play to the end before the tonearm rises. I've now enjoyed my SL-1210GR for a little over a year, playing about 1 to 2 hours daily. My impression is it's got to be the best turntable out there today for the money. Easy to set-up, easy to use, and sounds great.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2023-03-11

question

Whats the main difference between the technics sl1200mk2 and the sl1210gr? B&h sells the mk2 brand new! I wouldnt imagine it
Asked by: Franklin
The electronic brake on the MK2 is the significant difference.
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2022-08-05

Could you please share 2-3 needle options? I ...

Could you please share 2-3 needle options? I purchased and didn't realize it doesn't come with one. Would like to get one that is a good compliment to the system. Thanks!
Asked by: Maile
BH #ORMIXCCSNGL , B&H # OROMEGA , B&H # OROM5SOMSNGL
Answered by: David
Date published: 2023-01-02
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