Technics SL-1300G Turntable Review
Technics continues its turntable offensive. The new SL-1300G takes a visually understated approach, appearing more dignified than flashy, yet it scores in terms of technology, mechanics – and sound quality.
Its turntable range, which has grown significantly since the brand’s relaunch in 2016 – now encompassing six models priced between about $1,100 and $23,100 – is neatly organized. The almost legendary basic concept is identical in each case: A then newly developed, digitally controlled, coreless direct-drive motor mounted into a composite housing powers a low platter. There is also an S-shaped tonearm with a convenient removable headshell and adjustable height. The difference lies in the level of effort devoted to each model.
The latest addition to this iconic lineup is the SL-1300G, available in silver or black, always delivered without a cartridge but including a dust cover. It sits between the SL-1200GR2, introduced about a year ago, and the SL-1200G, for which must be invested. The limited GAE edition of that model kick-started the renewed analog offensive of this storied brand, renowned since the seventies for its vinyl turntables.
“HiFi-Design” Shows the Way
Unlike its immediate neighbors in the DJ-look category, Technics presents the SL-1300G, part of the Japanese manufacturer’s “Grand Class” lineup, in a distinctly more refined “HiFi design.” Gone are the distinctive strobe markings on the flattened side of the platter and the blue 50-Hz lamp. Since it does without pitch adjustment and thus the right-hand slider, it doesn’t need them. Instead of the raised power switch, the SL-1300G has a flush-mounted push button in the thick aluminum top plate. And since it’s not intended for dimly lit discos, the retractable target light is omitted. Even down to the simple “Technics” logo on the plinth (instead of the full brand name), the SL-1300G radiates noble restraint and forgoes any “tech-bling” that some listeners might find obtrusive. Even the recessed tray for the single adaptor at the back left is missing.
»AMONG THE TECHNICS TURNTABLES, THE NOBLE SL-1300G HOLDS A DEFINED PLACE.«
What remains is the large start/stop button on the left, which sets the 3.6-kilogram platter spinning in no time or brings it to a halt at the push of a finger. Alongside it are the two small buttons for selecting speed. Pressing them simultaneously sends the platter spinning to a rapid 78 rpm for shellac records.
The SL-1300G is thus made for purist vinyl listeners who are less interested in tweaking their turntable and more in simply playing their records. To ensure this works superbly, it has a two-millimeter-thick brass plate as part of its three-layer platter, joined by an aluminum carrier and a damping layer of rubber. A “Balanced” sticker confirms its precise fine balancing. The two-part chassis itself consists of the mentioned aluminum die-cast top plus a BMC base made of particularly strong, glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.
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The Second Turntable of Its Generation
Of course, the heart is the direct drive, which Technics made salon-ready in its professional, virtually indestructible studio turntables, continuously developed over the decades, and now aims to perfect in the current evolutionary stage. In fact, there are currently only two models representing the fourth generation of Technics direct drives launched in 2023: the SL-1200GR2 and the new SL-1300G.
Compared to its smaller brother, the SL-1300G not only features the mentioned more stable, heavier platter but also, thanks to a double rotor, provides a more powerful torque. The secret to its accuracy, also stemming from the further stiffened stator housing the drive coils, lies primarily in the improved regulation known as “Delta-Sigma-Drive.”
This is a combination of highly precise digital clock generation that minimizes computational errors and thus distortions in the motor’s drive signal, plus extremely low-noise power supply regulation. According to the manufacturer, a “Noise Extractor” in the power supply injects current in opposite phase to achieve exceptionally clean DC voltage for the motor. Both measures aim to minimize vibrations in the drive, thereby enhancing speed consistency and, naturally, resulting sound quality.
The lab confirmed this effort with an excellent wow and flutter measurement (see diagram). The low rumble further underscores the quality of the platter bearing. These innovative technical solutions were inspired by insights from the development of the “JENO Engine” of Technics’ SU-R1000 integrated amplifier, as well as the ultimate SL-1000R turntable, where the power supply is housed in a separate unit.
In the SL-1300G, everything is integrated. It is connected via a standard power cable, which, unlike with the SL-1200GR2, is plugged in straight rather than sideways, making it less fiddly. However, the RCA sockets for the signal cables and the nearby ground terminal are recessed and thus somewhat hard to reach, but they are placed close to the tonearm base for short signal paths.
The tonearm, which moves very freely in all directions, with anti-skating via a spring mechanism and an S-shaped aluminum tube, corresponds to that of the SL-1200GR2. As is typical for Technics, its height can be adjusted using a grippy, smoothly running ring. With the cartridges we used in the test, the top of the headshell was parallel to the record surface when the ring was set to “2.” Each listener can search for their pickup’s optimal setting – even beyond any official guidelines. Once found, a lock prevents unintentional adjustments.
TEST EQUIPMENT
Turntables: Technics SL-1200GR2, Transrotor Rondino Nero
Cartridges: Goldring Ethos SE, Hana SL/SH MK II, Pro-Ject MC9, Ortofon 2M Black
Phono Preamplifier: Brinkmann Edison Mk II
Phono Cable: Silent Wire NF5 Phono
Accessories: DS-Audio ST50 Stylus Cleaner
A Partner for Top Cartridges
Speaking of setup: The included alignment gauge, into which you insert the provided headshell, precisely sets the stylus overhang, making correct cartridge installation a snap and eliminating the need for protractors. Depending on the combined weight of the cartridge plus headshell, one of two metal counterweights must be screwed onto the arm’s rear end to achieve balance. This prepares you for every eventuality.
Thanks to its height-adjustable, internally damped feet, the 13-kilogram turntable can be leveled “in a snap.” The supplied phono cable only meets basic standards and should ideally be replaced with a higher-quality one in due time.
This turntable not only tolerates demanding cartridges; it practically demands them! Feel free to look above the $1,100 threshold. With the Pro-Ject Pick it MC9 at around $1,540 or the Goldring Ethos SE at around $1,760, it was by no means overwhelmed, but rather showcased their strengths to the fullest. However, we suspect that most SL-1300G users will opt for cartridges in the ambitious $550 to $1,100 range. Accordingly, we tested with Ortofon’s popular MM 2M Black and MCs like the Pro-Ject Pick it MC3 and Hana SL MK II, all of which harmonized perfectly with the medium-mass Technics tonearm.
With these, the SL-1300G immediately exudes an air of mature sovereignty and a relaxed ease that stems from its capabilities. Unhurriedly and with clarity, it placed grand orchestral works like Chadwick’s sometimes booming, sometimes delicate “Jubilee” into the listening room, carefully observing both the arrangement of musicians and the internal order within the wide spatial panorama.
Not only distinctive voices, such as Esther Fellner’s in “Chanson De La Rue,” came through with a touch of elegant nonchalance, as befits turntables in the upper realms. This one neither sounded nervous nor sluggish. Its timing captured the impetus of the music, giving lively, bubbling pieces like Ana Caram’s “Maybe” the necessary security and calmness, while maintaining tension and intensity in more contemplative tracks – Allan Taylor’s reflective “Chimes At Midnight” is a prime example. Ultimately, the SL-1300G’s refined presentation can be summed up as “neutrality at a high level.” This makes it suitable for every musical style.
Given Technics’ more than half a century of experience and professional approach, this is hardly surprising. The crucial question, though: Can the SL-1300G outperform the $2,200, more feature-rich SL-1200GR2, which also boasts “Delta-Sigma” technology? To find out, we set the two siblings side by side in the large listening room on the same rack. Thanks to the tonearm’s removable headshells, cartridges could be swapped freely, and we matched tracking forces to a tenth of a gram, always moving the phono cable. You can’t get fairer than that!
SL-1300G Moves Ahead
The SL-1300G emerged victorious. It managed an even more polished, smoother, and more effortless performance. The differences were not huge but were immediately audible. In the sentimental “Warmth Of The Sun” from the “California Project,” it made the multi-voice singing flow like oil, moved it further away from the speakers than the 1200 could, seemed more airy and spatially open, and conveyed a deeper, more soulful atmosphere. It simply transported more emotion and inner depth.
After spending some time with the SL-1300G and then switching to the 1200, everything moved a bit closer to the speakers, lacking a nuance or two of finesse, grace, and inspiration. But Technics’ “HiFi” turntable abandons all “DJ” ambitions.
This likely won’t bother SL-1300G buyers as they enjoy its supremely “noble” sound profile, offering a more audiophile spirit that makes the price difference fade into the background.
TECHNICS SL-1300G Specs
| TECHNICS SL-1300G | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type / Price Range | Turntable / $1,650 to $3,300 |
| Website | www.technics.com |
| Dimensions (W x H x D in cm) | 45.5 x 17.5 x 37 |
| Weight (kg) | 13 |
| Distributor / Contact Number | Panasonic Marketing Europe / +49 40 85490 |
| Turntable Type / Drive Principle | Manual, Direct Drive |
| Bluetooth / Connections | No / RCA |
| Integrated Phono Preamp / Cartridge Included | No / No |
| Performance | |
| Sound Quality | Excellent (9.6/10) |
| Comments | Explicitly defined and holistic sound with smooth timing. |
| Measurement Values | Excellent (9.6/10) |
| Rumble | Very Low |
| Speed Deviation (in %) | Very Low (0.06%) |
| Features | |
| Dust Cover Included | Yes |
| Build Quality | Very Clean |
| Interchangeable Tonearm Cable | Yes |
| Speed Settings (RPM) | 33, 45, 78 |
| Pitch Control or Speed Automation | Yes, precise automatic digital speed control |
| Anti-Vibration Feet | Yes |
| Handling & Operation | |
| Speed Adjustment | Easy via Buttons |
| Manual Quality | Excellent, richly illustrated |
| Plug and Play | No |
| Adjustability | Tonearm height, foot height |
| Removable Headshell | Yes |
| Service & Environment | |
| Warranty (Years) | 2 |
| Packaging | Innovative, secure cardboard-based packaging |
| Power Consumption (Standby / Idle in Watts) | Very Low (5.8) |
| Hard Power Switch | No |
| Overall Test Result | |
| Overall Score | Excellent (9.3/10) |
Verdict
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Where’s the review?
thanks for letting me know! I just updated the review.