Best Turntables Series: Technics SL-1210GR2 Review | TM Reports...

Tom Martin goes analog with his review of the Technics SL1210GR Turntable, detailing its wide and detailed soundstage, meaty bass, and a comparison to previous Technics turntables. Listen in to learn if the Technics SL1210GR is right for you!

*The turntable show around 0:30 is an SL-1100 not an SL-1200

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[MontrealNorth]

I picked up an SL 1210 MK2 yesterday from a thrift store the price wasn't that bad it didn't have a scratch on it I love the year 1979 the music from 79 was exquisite it still is today everybody's music that year was a turning point that will always be forever etched in history they can do all they can but they'll never change it is many hits that came out of 78 and 79 I think God love those two years too😂 put back to the turntable it's heavy but the sound after I connected to an amplifier simple old amp they were like they were old best friends from the past that hadn't seen each other in a while and wanted to catch up from what I can tell of it whoever owned it loved it and I'm trying to protect it like they did somebody else will own it one day thank you sir for your video✌️

[Gkm]

Man, I loved audio back in the day. 3 way speakers with 12” woofers, those awesome turntables, powerful receivers with flywheel tuning, reel to reel tape machines… it all looked as good as it sounded.

[djcrystar]

My 1200's are 30+yrs old and they still kick ass

[SAGNI]

Why can’t all equipment reviews be this well articulated and direct - bravo!

[JumbleTasteSpinning]

I have the original 1210GR made in japan and it's my forever turntable for sure. Still in love 4 years later.

[edbrumbaugh]

Thanks for the review and your impressions ... just ordered the SL1210GR2. Going to start it off with the MoFi UltraTracker cartridge and see where I go from there. As you suggested, I'll be putting the savings into more vinyl ... thanks again.

[adrianalexander]

Good review I like the explanation of the piano notes - I do appreciate you explaining things in a way that I can understand them and make sense to me.

[ERRORFACE]

Ordered the same tt in silver with the om2 black cart and it's awesome . Couldn't be more happier . Thanks for your insight .

[johnandlynnklaber]

Well done. Appreciate a review of a product that I can recommend to my kids, whose resources are more limited.

[DrNoahBoddy]

Very excellent reporting, and thank you. Technics is definitely a corporate, darling son, of Japan.

[jeffreypicciolo]

Beautifully done review. Articulate and concise. Excellent.

[mwencil]

Great review Tom! I just purchased this turntable earlier this year replacing a Music Hall have been so impressed with the Technics! I had the Ortofon 2M black installed and have really enjoyed my early listening sessions. I enjoyed your review as you articulate in words some of what I was thinking in my head while listening. Bravo!

[Scopolamine]

As a senior, much of my equipment is becoming classic gear yet I have no desire to upgrade as I am quite satisfied with the SQ and synergy of my entire music system. I am very familiar with the Technics Turntables and I would purchase one if it were years ago but I’m going to stick with my original SOTA Sapphire TT with Graham 2.2 tonearm and my brand new (believe it or not) Koetsu Black Goldline cartridge which I just purchased and it may be one of the last new Koetsu cartridges available in the US. Thanks for the great review.

[Luckiestmanalive-bbmi]

That black and white shot of the original SL-1200 is actually an SL-1100. I should know - I have one! The cogging thing, if it exists, isn't audible on my table and speed variation still measures 0.03% WRMS (v 0.025% for SL-1210GR2). I have never had a belt turntable that came close to that. I am impressed with the rumble figure (78dB) of the SL-1210GR2, however (SL-110 rumble is 70dB).

I have Radiohead's In Rainbows and Taylor Swift's Folklore on record and both sound as good as the digital versions. My wife and I grew up with and still enjoy our (joined) record collection. Our fifty year old SL-1100 (maintained/restored by me) is the first turntable that provides as much if not more musical satisfaction as digital playback. Thanks for your review!

[georgekost]

That picture you inserted at 0:33 was not an SL-1200, but an SL-1100. I DJ'd on a pair of those at a club back in the mid-70's.

[andrewweis]

Your discussion of noise level was appreciated. It’s pertinent that you are using AudioQuest cables. I discovered those cables, signal and power, audibly drain noise from a systems of all price points, including the most humble. The musical manifestation I clearly perceive is a lovely decay not heard with other cables that is quite impressive. If I am not mistaken you were complimentary about the Thunderbird analog interconnects in another review and I agree. I have been equally impressed by the Diamond digital coax (I have no affiliation with AudioQuest). I look forward to your future reviews.

[andrevanstiphout]

Great review. Pity about all the crap on the turntable that wasn't cleaned off prior to photography. Nit picking you might say. Hey, that's what we do!

[iant]

Had a Rega Planar 6 which is a great turntable, BUT I am much happier with my hew GR2, excellent sounding TT, can't see me changing it anytime soon, engineering and build quality are right up there.
You will ALWAYS get DD haters and Belt drive haters, but at the end of the day it's your ears that decide which is best for YOU.
There is no saying that universally one is better than the other, I myself now after owning 3 belt drive tables and now my GR2 will NEVER go back to belt, as long as YOU enjoy your own TT is what really matters.

[chriseggroll]

my next turntable is probably going to be either the technics sl-1500c or the SL-1210GR2. I have to have a removable headshell - had a disaster with a pro-ject turntable in the past, tonearm wires are very delicate. direct drive appeals to me as well - belts tend to get loose over time and you have to keep adjusting the speed to compensate or replace them. belt is a bit of a fancy word for what amounts to a rubber band basically.

[paulwheatley]

This is a terrific video and matches my findings also.
The Stevenson alignment is a better alignment on the Rega arm. I'm yet to find a setting for the Technics that can match the Rega.
But the recommended 52mm is the best I have found yet.