Technics’ SL-1300G Turntable Aims to Deliver Category Leading Performance: Preview [Updated]

The high-end turntable market in 2024 offers a plethora of options for vinyl listeners at either end of the market. The entry-level (below $1,000) features a number of solid options from Pro-Ject, Rega, U-Turn Audio, and Andover Audio, whilst the top end of the market is saturated with state-of-the-art decks from Clearaudio, VPI, Brinkmann, Kuzma, and many others.

Depending on how far your budget stretches, some of the best options in terms of value/performance exist in the $2,000 to $4,000 range. Don’t get us wrong — spending $3,000 is still a lot of money for a turntable, but the increase in performance when you jump up to something like the new Technics SL-1300G might not be the worst investment for the long-term.

Based on our experience with one of the first samples at Technics/Panasonic’s North American HQ — it’s starting to feel like a very wise investment for the price.

Building upon the superb ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor control technology, first introduced in the SL-1200GR2 during last year, Technics is taking the next step and making this outstanding technology accessible one model class higher by combining it with a more sophisticated iron-coreless motor.

The goal is the elimination of minute motor vibrations, resulting in rotational accuracy.

The motor used in the SL-1300G is an iron-coreless double rotor/single stator type, the driving force of which is remarkable higher than the simpler version with only one rotor/one stator such as used in the GR2 turntable. Because of the cogging-free iron-coreless construction, the rotational smoothness of this higher motor version has been improved.

However, more research was done on how to further eliminate vibrations of the drive unit. Thus, the coil mounting circuit board of the motor now comes with a new reinforcement with leads to a further reduction of the mechanical vibrations caused during rotation.

The usage of a more powerful motor also enables the usage of a more massive platter – another measure for further reducing mechanical vibrations during vinyl playback, resulting in an ultimately detailed, spatial and rhythmically breathtaking performance.

The performance of the mechanical + electronical drive system is further supported by the new Multi-stage Silent Power Supply similar to the one used in their reference turntable, the award-winning SL-1000R.

It is a combination of a low-noise, high-speed power supply working at over 100kHz and a noise canceling circuit, eliminating remaining noise by injecting the reversed-phase current of the actual noise. By this method, a very low noise floor is achieved, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, improving the overall signal performance.

The further characteristics of features are as follows:

The 2-layered bottom chassis made of aluminium die-cast and BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) is a rock-solid fundament which enables high resistance against vibrations.

In the SL-1300G, the thickness of this aluminium die-cast bottom chassis has been increased for higher rigidity, thus reaching better vibration damping.

Even more, a thoroughly designed rib structure has been added to the bottom side of the chassis plate between the motor and the tonearm, further keeping mechanical motor vibrations away from the tonearm to ensure an undisturbed tracking process leading to a sound image of highest fidelity.

The high-sensitivity S-shaped aluminium tonearm with high-precision bearings, enabling an ultimately high initial motion sensitivity, makes maximum use of the vibration-free chassis for an ultimately precise reading of the information engraved in the vinyl grooves. Highly effective insulator feet shut out external vibrations for further tracking precision.

Initial Impressions [Updated on 09/17/2024]

Does it make sense to spend $3,299 USD on the Technics SL-1300G? Depending on your existing system, record collection, and long-term goals — it might actually be the last deck you ever need.

Technics has done a remarkable job with their direct drive motors and history tells us that their turntables are built to last.

Whilst they might not be the “sexiest” looking decks on the market, the bottom line is that they offer excellent speed accuracy and have proven to be a great platform for a wide range of MM and MC cartridges. You might be surprised just how good high-end carts (above $1,000) can sound on this table, leaving many to wonder what more expensive turntables truly offer for a lot more money.

The eCoustics team were invited to spend some time with the forthcoming SL-1300G along with the new Technics SC-CX700 Active Loudspeakers ($2,999.99 USD/pair) and a secondary pair of Technics SB-G90M2 Floorstanding Loudspeakers ($6,000 USD/pair) driven by the Technics SU-G700M2 Stereo Integrated Amplifier ($2,899.99 USD).

So how did it all sound?

Technics decided to install an Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 on the SL-1300G and it did not fail to impress.

Based on what we listened to during our 90-minute season, mounting a $999 MM cartridge on the SL-1300G would not be a waste of your money and this deck is clearly capable of elevating the sound of almost every cartridge you can install on it.

We would love to try an Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze or Grado Labs Timbre Reference3 Cartridge on this table which for most vinyl listeners would represent a state-of-the-art vinyl playback rig.

Build quality is excellent throughout. The removal headshell facilitates using different cartridges and that’s something we could definitely get behind.

For those with more limited cartridge budgets, one could use something like the Ortofon 2M Bronze, and swap it out for a Hana EL or Denon DL-103 rather easily.

The brass platter is definitely not there for cosmetic reasons.

This platter consists of three layers: aluminium die-cast builds the fundament for high rigidity. A top layer of 2mm-thick brass, thoroughly fixed to the die-cast platter, further eliminates vibrations and adds an extra portion of touch & feel.

Finally, heavy wight rubber underneath the platter dampens the remaining vibrations. Because the heavier platter means higher mass inertia, the rotational accuracy of the SL-1300G is expected to be outstanding.

The table itself (30 pounds) is extremely inert and lifting it up for even a brief moment was a bit of a challenge.

Listening Impressions

Not only is the SL-1300G a very quiet deck (from an operational perspective), but it gets up to speed almost immediately and the synergy between the Ortofon MM cartridge and tonearm was rather evident.

Having owned a standard 2M Black for almost 6 years, I am more than familiar with its sonic capabilities and those considering this table should consider the 2M series as a really good staring point (with the Bronze being your starting point).

The mid bass and lower midrange performance were impressive; controlled, clear, detailed, forceful and ripe with texture.

The musical selections (supplied by Technics) conveyed a degree of presence that we generally only experience with more expensive tables (over $3,000) and it was hard not to notice the extremely wide soundstage and rock solid stereo image.

The loudspeakers were pulled at least 8 feet into the room from the wall behind them and I found myself leaning into the music with most tracks.

The Technics SC-CX700 Active Loudspeakers were connected to another Technics turntable and I must confess that I preferred the larger SB-G90M2 for their low end impact and overall presence; more meat on the bone and the spaciousness in the larger room.

Music had excellent pace, layers of detail, and this overall feeling of solidity in the space between the loudspeakers — Technics has seemingly engineered an outstanding turntable designed to last a very long time.

We can’t wait to get a review sample.

Price & Availability

The new SL-1300G will be available in silver or black finishes during December 2024 at authorized Technics retailers for $3,299.99. 

For more information: us.technics.com

About Technics 

Technics is the brand name of hi-fi audio products owned by the Panasonic Corporation with main residence in Osaka, Japan. The Technics brand was founded in 1965. Driven by a constant strive for innovation and excellence within the audio field, countless legendary hi-fi components have been released by the Technics brand, many of them having set new standards in the audio world.

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