Customer Ratings & Reviews

As I have started getting more into vinyl records, I realized that I wasn't content with the performance of my current Sony turntable. My quest led to me another brand of audiophile turntable that was even more expensive than this Technics. Long story short, it was way to fiddly and the experience didn't end well. I realized I wanted something that was high quality, customizable, but simple to setup and use. The SL-1210GR seemed to fit the bill. It's a high quality unit with the ability to use the head shell, cartridge, mat, or cabling of your choice. It isn't a piece of art to look at like some other turntables, but it oozes quality and a distinct retro style that is recognizable and unique. It had been out of stock for some time, but I got lucky and it just happened to be available when I was in the market so I eagerly snatched it up. Setup is a breeze compared to other audiophile turntables. It took me about an hour to put it all together, mount the cartridge to the headshell, and get everything calibrated to the right alignment and tracking weight. I used an Audio Technica VM740ML cartridge. It comes highly recommended from many Technics owners and it mounted to the headshell without much difficulty. I am using an Audioquest Golden Gate interconnect cable with the supplied grounding cable running to a Yamaha a3070 receiver with built in phono preamp connected to a set of Bowers and Wilkins CM10 S2 towers. With this setup, I immediately noticed a much more engaging sound than my previous setup. Background noise was reduced, bass was punchier, and the highs were detailed and had more sparkle. Listening to music was more fun and it made me want to give every record I owned a spin to see how it would sound. The only quibble I have is that the tone arm lifter isn't very linear. It suddenly pops up or down. This is something you get used to quickly, so not really a big deal. If you are looking for an upgrade from your current entry level turntable this could be the one for you. IMO it punches above its weight class, offers options for customization, simple no fuss setup, and is built to last. Give it a try, if you can manage to get one when it's in stock, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Precision build, the performance has been outstanding. My only issue is aesthetically I wish the cover was tinted gray or black and the tone arm was black to match the finish of the base.

This 1210GR exudes quality craftsmanship of the highest level. But then again it is a Technics and it is made in Japan so I am not the least bit surprised. I have a low output moving coil cartridge mounted connected to a fully balanced phone stage which is connected to a passive balanced preamplifier. The noise floor is so low that it creates a soundstage width and depth that is massive. I’ve heard megabuck system’s several times more expensive that are not as good as my analog vinyl rig! Technics knocked this one out of the park! A component worthy of the finest available; very musical and very quiet!

Rock solid construction and an update to a legend. Love the all black appearance and while I never experienced a SL1200, in theory this has an improved direct drive unit. Turn table is quiet and super easy to setup. Running a KAB custom Reloop 30 cartridge which took all of 2 min to setup if that. No belts so next to no maintenance and the gold RCA connections are appreciated over hardwires. Paired with a Yamaha A-S2200 receiver with a Mofi Studio Phono and a pair of JBL L82 speakers, it’s been amazing :)

Excellent build qualty . I haven't seen any of the issues purported on forums. Table is solid tonenarm and que no issues. Sound qualty is above premium. Thank you Technics

The best!! Love these tables. Added to my collection of older Technics. Love them.

Love this. Super sturdy and well made. Unfortunately you have to buy a stylus separately, and Best Buy doesn’t really sell anything worthy.

This Turn Table is awesome , makes any type of music awesome yo listen to Be sure to get a need and cartridge at the same time , they are sold separately