Technics Live-Demos New SL-1300G Turntable and New SC-CX700 Wireless Powered Loudspeaker

everything you wanted to know about the SL-1300G

At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development Manager Bill Voss walked me through all of the new $3299 SL-1300G turntable's features and mechanical and physical attributes, comparing it to the $2199 SL-1200GR2 below and the $4299 SL-1200G above.

This video should clear up any and all confusion about what stepping up from the 1200GR2 gets you and what stepping down from the 1200G gets you and doesn't get you. The new 'table incorporates many features found on the more costly 'table including the 1200G's copper-topped triple layer 7+ pound platter, combined with the 1200GR2's iron-coreless type double rotor/single stator motor and ΔΣ Drive that the more costly 1200G lacks. While the SL-1300G's 30 pound plinth is not identical to the SL-1200G's, it is upgraded in key ways compared to the 1200GR's.

The video includes illustrations explaining some of what can't be seen on the outside and an illustrated Technics historical timeline. Lots to look at and consider. Also in this video is a considered look at the new Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System, which incorporates some interesting new tech and is far more than a typical "powered loudspeaker".

Following the presentation I got to hear both the SL-1300G and the SC-CX700 loudspeaker. Despite the less than optimal room conditions, the bottom end produced by both the 1300G through a pair of floor standing Technics SPG90 Mk2 loudspeakers and the 1200G directly into the powered speakers, which includes a built-in MM phono preamp. It was an impressive and useful presentation, especially when, at the conclusion I asked whether it might be possible for me to get all three turntables to compare. That's what readers have asked for and that's what I hope to get. Yes, as Voss pointed out, that would be a major undertaking, but it's one I'm willing to do!

Comments

2024-09-19 05:56:20 AM

Tim wrote:

Excited at the innovation, cross-eyed by naming convention. Glad to see Panasonic is spending money on R+D.

Aesthetically, they could probably afford to be more adventurous since their successful relaunch into the industry in the last 10 (~) years. Wouldnt mind "seeing" something new, not just knowing it.

Would be interested to know how these new TTs compare, performance wise, to the flagship Technics of yesteryear.
2024-09-19 07:44:42 AM

tim davis wrote:

I hope the upgraded model includes the ability to spin at 78 rpm & the backwards rotation option found in my SL 1200 mk7L. I can't fully enjoy Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust", Styx's "Heavy Metal Poisoning", & Iron Maiden's "Still Life", let alone Ross Bagdasarian jr's masterpiece "Chipmunk Punk", without them donchaknow.
2024-09-19 08:46:52 AM

Andrew J Aldridge wrote:

This one should appeal to those audiophiles who are put off by the speed slider that makes the others look like DJ decks. I'm definitely going to audition when the opportunity arises.
2024-09-19 11:18:21 AM

PTG wrote:

If I recall correctly, Fremer was not a huge fan of the latest Technics TT he reviewed.... Tap test etc..
- 2024-09-19 03:20:45 PM
  
  Michael Fremer wrote:
  
  I don't recall not being a fan....
2024-09-19 12:26:13 PM

miguelito wrote:

Seems to me it is pretty clear this new drive tech will percolate up to the SL-1200G and the SL1000R. I personally am very excited for improvements like this and would definitely consider a new gen SL1000. It is great to see a firm with such research prowess as Technics advance the state of the art.
2024-09-19 12:30:08 PM

miguelito wrote:

BTW... Is the presentation in the video available as a pdf anywhere? I found it interesting to get the history and measurements laid out so clearly.
- 2024-09-19 03:21:01 PM
  
  Michael Fremer wrote:
  
  not sure...