Technics SL-1200GR2 Review and Comparison to SL-1200G

Link to SL-1200G Review

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00:00 Intro
01:10 More Videos
01:35 How to Purchase
02:10 Spoiler Alert
03:00 GR2 Overview
08:09 Improvements
15:45 Upgrades
17:20 SL1200G Comparison
18:35 The Platters
19:59 The Motors
29:12 A look Inside
31:24 The GR2 Motor
36:29 My System
37:46 Listening
39:57 Wrapping Up

[themostwretchedbeast]

I bought my GR2 from you and had you calibrate the cartridge. Couldn't be happier with my turntable and your service.

[alanross]

I agree that the 1200GR/GR2 is really an upgrade from the 1500C. When I went through my turntable journey I was trying to decide between the 1200MK7, 1500C, and 1200GR. I felt like the 1500C was worth the upgrade over the MK7, but I just couldn't do without the strobe. The pitch slider wasn't that big of a deal, but the strobe was a killer for me. In the end I went with the 1200GR basically to get the strobe and what I called the "SL-1200 feel". I'm super happy with my decision - even though I''m mot sure I would hear any difference between the 1500C and the 1200GR. I knew this would be my last turntable so I sprung for the additional costs. Like alot of hifi, the benefits are often incremental between one model and another, but the costs differences can be significant. When you start looking at a 2x price multiplier like the difference between the 1200GR/GR2 and the 1200G, I think those are two really for different customers.

[btsr]

Thank you 🙏. As an old DJ once said to me in the mid-80s: "Believe me, my friend, girls come and go, the 1210s are for life!". Back then I saved up for two 1210s. I was very proud back then. They are still cherished and cared for in the cellar today. Fully functional. Have survived all the moves. Now, for a few years, an SL-1200G adorns the living room. That DJ - I can still see him in my mind's eye today - was right!
Servus from Bavaria.

[antonygilroy]

I have a 1200G, whilst I don’t use the pitch control to me it’s part of the aesthetic and I wouldn’t change it. Love this turntable, it sounds great, looks fantastic and is an absolute joy to interact with.

Thank you from an engineer of the 50s from Patagonia Argentina

[MagicMaus]

The pitch control and the stroboscope on the Technics SL-1200 product line, is like the ignition on the left side of the Porsche 911.

[Wised]

Your summary was right on the money👍🏻. I owned a 1200G and swapped it for a 1000R. I use a Ortofon Cadenza black with an ST 70 SUT. The 1200G is the best consumer grade table, the 1000R. Is laboratory grade and as with any professional precision equipment, that last n'th of perfection comes with a multiplication (4x) of price. The 1000R is hands down the best "production" turntable ever made. Only a few basicly hand built, extraordinarily rare, and even more ridiculously priced decks are as good or arguably better.

[ianringstead]

Thanks Fernando, A really nerdy video but I love it. I used to sell 1200 mk2 and 1210 mk2 in their hundreds back in the eighties and nineties. Battleship build and superb reliability . Like you I love to take stuff to bits to see how they work and inspect build quality ( within reason of course). I live in the UK but if I lived near your shop I'd be calling in all the time to listen and drool over the equipment you sell. Keep up the good work. Regards, Ian

[Tharty]

I love my SL-1200G. I bought it from SkiFi with their recommended Sumiko Starling cartridge. Did their 12 step calibration. Wonderful very high quality turntable! Highly recommend Fernando and SkiFi.

[Michael-bjsz]

I don’t have any issue with your videos; some people just like to complain. I watch your videos from start to finish, the long ones and not so long ones. Your knowledge is so advanced to my own, I used to think I had a clue about audio; now I have a bigger clue and wish I had found you a lot sooner, like way sooner. I’m old now and thankfully my hearing is still very good. I’m never too old to learn; like my new Hagerman Cornet phono amp is a recent wonderful purchase and is so enjoyable. I would not have known if it weren’t for you. After that I found one of Herb Reichert’s reviews of it and a Hagerman trans impedance head amp. Good stuff and I’m trying to relay my appreciation of you and your videos. Looking forward to the next one.

[JumbleTasteSpinning]

Fantastic video!
I have the japanese 1210GR for 4 years now and i love it so much ❤
Added few tweaks over the years, like the Yamamoto HS-6S headshell, MNPCtech feet, the Funk firm APM and houdini.
Sounds amazing.
The G or GR2 - just get one.

[Woofy-tmsi]

I love the pitch adjuster! That's the feature that made me get the table. I had a classical record that was recorded off pitch which drove me crazy until I could adjust the table speed. After that, I insist on speed adjusters on every turntable I buy.

[DanielHog]

You guys are GREAT commentors on electronics, have publicly & personally shared that sentiment with you guys.

[brianlewis]

Great vid. I still have my SL1200MKII’s and my Dad’s SL 1600 MKII that my brother and I bought my for him as a birthday gift over 40 years ago. It’s in need of some TLC and would love to get it looked at and restored. As far as my SL1200 MKII’s they still going strong and is a testament to Technic’s engineering. Hopefully then I can get his Scott’s mono integrated tube amp restored along with his Garrard turntable restored (both Circa late 50’s / early 60’s) to pay homage to the man who gave me a live for music and especially records.

[alexmacdonald]

Proper video - and thanks for giving a conclusion at the start, so I can get the point and leave the deep dive for a second view. Really good idea.

[ridirefain]

Own the older sister to the G, the1200 GAE mated with an Grado Master Hi Output cartridge. This cartridge used to be on a SOTA Sapphire with SME IV arm. Had to swap because of changes in my listening space no longer had room for the SOTA. This purchase was initially something just to tie me over until I could find something that was on par with the Sapphire. The 1200 GAE so far has proven itself to be a real contender, it handles the Grado's size, weight, sensitivity to rumble, and motor hum better than any other table I previously owned (Project, Rega, Thorens, Denon). It has been in my rack now since 2016. I do not think I will ever part with it. Despite never, ever having a need to use the pitch slider.

[AB-meen]

These guys are the best I bought my SL 1000 from Fernando. The set up communication and shipping were exemplary.

[TheMirolab]

Pitch Slider = YES. I don’t understand audiophiles who get upset about features that can totally be disabled (like tone controls). The pitch slider has Zero effect when it’s locked. However it’s invaluable when a song has been mastered off pitch, or if you are a musician trying to pitch or tempo match a track. Yes some musicians are audiophiles!

[backtoussrsoviet]

I originally purchased 1210gr but was offered gr2 right before the shipping only for 10% more which is much cheaper than msrp. Changing cart from hana eh to ml few days ago made a huge difference to already great sound. Great review sir! Straight to the point and very unbiased 5 stars!

[richardberry]

Fernando, Your 1960's dock scene oil painting is priceless! You are truly a man of the arts.