Technics SL-1200GR2 vs SL-1200GR: What's The Difference?
The legendary Technics SL-1200 series has been a mainstay for DJs and audiophiles alike for decades. With the arrival of the Technics SL-1200GR2 and SL-1210GR2 priced £200 higher than the SL-1200GR, a key question arises: is it worth the upgrade? This blog post dives into the details, differences and improvements of this new version to help you decide which is right for you.
Prefer watching a video? Check out our Technics SL-1210GR2 vs. SL-1210GR Comparison on Youtube
Technics SL-1200GR2 vs SL-1200GR: Design
At first glance, the new Technics SL-1200GR2 might not seem drastically different from its predecessor. But don't be fooled by the familiar exterior. Technics has wisely focused their upgrades on the internal components, where it truly counts.
The iconic coreless direct drive motor system and classic DJ-inspired aesthetic remain intact – after all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! These core elements are what cemented the original SL-1200's legendary status, and they continue to be a major draw today.
The SL-1200GR2 sticks to the classic silver look, Technics also has a black version, confusingly named the SL-1210GR2. But don't be misled by the different names – these are essentially identical turntables, simply offering another choice of colour.
The build quality is equally as impressive as the original. Both models feature the same two-layer chassis, platter, and high-sensitivity tonearm, all crafted from aluminium. The only visual changes are some subtle colour-matched accents and additional branding, giving the turntable a more refined and premium appearance.
The SL-1200GR2 is a testament to Technics' commitment to perfecting a classic. By preserving the core elements that made the SL-1200 series so popular and introducing subtle refinements, they've created a turntable that is both familiar and fresh.
Technics SL-1200GR2 vs SL-1200GR: Functionality
Functionally, the SL-1200GR2 is similar to the SL-1200GR too. You’ll find the same familiar layout, with the pitch control, queuing light, start/stop button, and separate speed selectors all in their usual places.
The S-shaped tonearm and platter remain unchanged too. Plus, like its predecessor, the GR2 doesn’t come with a cartridge in the box. A blessing or a curse depending on your level of audiophile expertise. Personally, we prefer the added flexibility it offers.
However, if you’d like some added support to find the perfect match for your deck, feel free to contact us and one of our expert guides will be more than happy to assist!
The only other real external difference between the two of these is that the GR2 now comes with a headshell spacer in the box. The team at Technics must’ve been reading the forums because we know a couple of people with the older GR model had to get a bit “creative” to fit certain low-profile cartridges, but this spacer solves that problem and ensures your vertical tracking will be correct regardless of what cartridge you’re planning on using.
The only real gripe we have with the external design is the placement of the power cord and RCA outputs. It’s the same for both models so we can live with it but they’re just a bit fiddly for our liking.
Technics SL-1200GR2 vs SL-1200GR: Internals
So, why the price hike for the SL-1200GR2? While many manufacturers focus on superficial upgrades for their second-generation products, Technics has taken a different approach. Instead of flashy external changes like new isolation feet or a fancier tonearm, Technics have dedicated a significant amount of R&D into improving the internal workings of their turntable to deliver a significant leap in sound performance.
Turntables are susceptible to vibrations. Even small micro-vibrations can negatively impact sound quality. Technics has spent considerable time and resources tackling this issue head-on. By addressing the root cause of vibrations, they aim for a significant improvement in sound clarity and detail compared to the original GR model. But what exactly did they change? Let’s dive into the details...
Upgraded Internal Power Supply:
Just like a high-performance car, a good turntable needs a strong engine to deliver peak performance. The SL-1200GR2 boasts a new, multi-stage silent power supply designed to deliver cleaner, more consistent power delivery for the turntable's internal components.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always quiet (or quiet enough by hi-fi standards), so on top of that Technics have also added noise-cancellation technology that works similarly to what you might find in high-end headphones to reduce the effects of motor vibration.
This clever noise cancelling system inherited from their flagship SL-1000R turntable, actively identifies and cancels out any unwanted electrical noise within the power supply, ensuring the purest possible power reaches the turntable's core with no noise alongside it.
Enhanced Coreless Direct Drive Motor:
Technics has also given their Direct Drive system a serious upgrade with the introduction of ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive). This technology essentially controls how the turntable spins your records. Imagine if your record player had a slightly uneven spin – it would affect the sound quality.
Technics has used advanced technology from their high-end JENO Engine to create a motor that spins the platter with incredible precision. By carefully managing the electricity flow to the motor, they've managed to reduce vibrations and create a smoother, more consistent playback experience.
Rather than overload you with technical terms like Pulse Width Modulation and high initial motion sensitivity, if you are interested, Technics’ press release is a good place to start if you would like to delve into the nitty gritty of technical specifications.
Improved Rotor System
To top it off, Technics has ditched the old twin rotor system for a single rotor design. This change eliminates what’s known as 'cogging,' a technical term for that annoying jerky movement that can sometimes affect a turntable's platter.
By combining this single rotor with the advanced ΔΣ-Drive technology, the GR2 delivers a smoother, more consistent spin. This means less fluctuation in speed and a more accurate playback, resulting in a better overall listening experience.
Our Verdict
For us, the SL-1200GR2 is a clear step up from the original SL-1200GR. The soundstage is wider, and overall, it’s just a more enjoyable listening experience. It’s clear that Technics has made some serious improvements, and as a big fan of the original GR and the SL-1200 series in general, that’s high praise. They've managed to enhance the classic SL-1200 formula without losing what made it great.
Consider this: high-quality isolation feet or a sturdy turntable stand can easily set you back over £200. While these can improve sound quality, we don’t think they’d match the performance boost you get from the GR2's internal upgrades. So, while it's a bigger investment, the improvements are worth it in our opinion.
Now, the GR2 won’t be for everyone. If you already own the original GR, an upgrade might not be necessary. And for those who don’t need this level of performance, the SL-1500C is another great option within the Technics range. For us, Technics has done a great job of providing options for everyone, ensuring that the iconic vinyl experience is within reach, no matter your budget.
If you’d like to explore what other Turntables are available, feel free to head to our website, we’ve got a wide range from the likes of Technics, Pro-Ject, Rega and Audio-Technica so you can find the perfect fit for your home.
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