The Technics SL-1210G Turntable Review

Tom Martin reviews the Technics SL-1210G detailing its design, attributes, advantages and potential pitfalls...

About Tom Martin:
Tom is a long-time audiophile. He began his reviewing career after acquiring the The Absolute Sound magazine in 1997 and then hi-fi+ magazine in 2002. He has worked closely with Harry Pearson and Robert Harley at TAS and with Roy Gregory and Alan Sircom at hi-fi+. Since Tom and his teams expanded the TAS and Plus platforms in the digital domain, he has served as Chief Content Officer.

What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.

#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

[jerryandlisa]

I am in love with my technics 1200g what a turntable, I also had the 1200gr and it's also a great buy.

[cobar]

I have a Techic too and a love the fact that I can change head shells and thus the design and stylus style

[billstevenson]

Tom, thank you for this thoughtful and well considered evaluation of the SL-1210G. Since it was first introduced I have owned and enjoyed the similar SL-1200GAE and can affirm that your observations parallel my own. In particular I would emphasize not only the ease of cartridge change, but the ease of repeatability of setup. It is quite simply among the easiest TTs to set up in my experience and I used to be the TT setup man at a highend stereo shop back in college. My reference TT is a VPI HW-40 and your comments about the differences between your reference TT and the SL also ring true and I must thank you for putting the difference into words. At the same time, I would not want to swap cartridges frequently on my reference. It is a privilege to have both side by side. I also own other TTs but these are the two in daily use. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[mpaige]

Hi Tom .. I really enjoyed your review ! I your thoughts and observations pretty much match my own. On my system, my 1200G/Denon 301 Mkii sounds like it has dynamic power behind it and dead accurate pitch. The sound literally explodes from my Polk L200s. !!! My Yamaha AS2200 probably helps too .. synergy is important and like you say everyone has a different impression when listening. But I have to say this is the best TT I have ever owned which includes my SL1200Mk5 which I loved to another room !! Thanks for a very insightful review, Tom :)🎉

[greencraig]

"it does the analog thing" Exactly!

[Schnauzer-]

Hello Tom, for me this video is a Master Class about tuning a turntable and a cartridge. I saw it and my conclusion is that all your knowledge is the result of experience and dedication to our hobby. I have been into it since middle sixties, when an integrated amplifier, Grundig SV 40 and a Garrard turntable arrived home. After all this years I have been learning with all the devices that have passed for my home. I am totally agree with you in all aspects you mentioned. The great secret is to do with dedication to solve the integration equation of what are in home. Each part of it is to go deep in detail, and with patience obtain the best results.
Thanks for this detailed and wonderful video that is useful for many turntables!

[DM-fzly]

Just found your YT channel. Do you have a video demonstrating what you alluded to in turntable setup using a computer and watching the spectrum? What is a good vinyl test/setup record?? Thanks!

[erichagen]

I'm going back and forth between getting an SL-1210G or just getting a gimbal tonearm for my Prime.

[christopherbarker]

Is the lift mech. different between the GR and the G and why didn’t they, after all the complaints, improve the lift?

[blade]

Got some 1210 mk2s that I bought in the mid 90s and never ever heard cogging. Also have an acoustic signature wow xl with matching ta1000 tonearm. The technics stand up pretty well against it.

[Hector_Malot]

I have an RP8 and changing cartridges is a disaster, all turntables should be like the Technics. As a fault I would say that the arm-eight control ring does not go low enough, and does not give a satisfactory adjustment of the VTA (GR model). Good video on an excellent turntable often shunned by "audiophile purists", wrongly of course.

[SPINNINGMYWHEELS]

never had to upgrade from a sl-1200MKII series. No one ever would notice a difference, a nice turntable the G - but the price is outrageous. I can see some details on the G that would bug me, like even the font choice of the Anti-skate has changed it looks more CHINA generic and why UPPER CASE lettering suddenly - some dubious design choices that reek of imitation not flattery.

[rogerdsmith]

Regardless of brand, whenever you have a direct drive turntable, that uses a servo motor, it will have worse performance than a good hi-end belt drive turntable.
Why?
Because anytime a servo motor is used, it will by definition, be constantly changing its speed.
Try this instead, do a side by side comparison between this and a Linn LP12 turntable. Use identical tone arms and cartridges. Play the same record. You will experience hearing two different performances.

[paulboyce]

Compared to PLX 1000 I'll take the Pioneer any day. Plus it is lot cheaper.

[gerry]

Disco and rap? It's called Djaying Tom!

[jakeross]

in the future, could you please compare components to similarly priced alternatives? You always say "compared to less expensive alternatives, this is better, and compared to more expensive alternatives, it's not as good." But that's hardly informative.

[jonsays]

Ouch. Uturn, pro-ject, and fluance, or an old school dual for me. I’ll put the other $4k into upgrading my ride :)

But thanks for the info. An 8lb platter is certainly impressive. Here’s yer’ upthumb.

Did they just stack the steel higher, or did they clad some lead or tungsten for the platter?

[paulrogers]

The rega p8 on most levels is far superior and cheaper to

[nuttyisms]

You mean DJ's for the non-audiophile market. mate. Yikes. I'm an ex club DJ and none of my DJ friends have ever played disco or rap. Have a couple of 1210 MK5G hooked up to the system along with a VPI HW-40th Anniversary for 'audiophile' listening.