Great news for audiophiles, vinyl lovers, disc jockeys and those with extensive collections of long-playing records: Technics turntables are back and better than ever before. You can add an iconic SL-1200 to your stable or go for the reimagined SL-1500 which combines Technics’ turntable technology with a dose of digital flair, making your stereo system capable of delivering vinyl through to the modern convenience of streaming music, wireless speakers or your favourite headphones.
There’s something about the added ambience delivered through the gentle hiss of the stylus traversing vinyl grooves which takes you straight back to golden days gone by. And it doesn’t get more nostalgic than this; the ‘Wheels of Steel’, as Technics’ iconic SL-1200 turntable is fondly known, has quite a history – first introduced in 1972, little has changed in its design, construction and sheer magnetic appeal.
Now a modern classic, a brand-new SL-1200 has the same look and feel as one made more than 40 years ago. And spinning vinyl on these decks, whether scratching or mixing, is timeless, delivering the same reliable performance enjoyed by generations of music lovers.
In fact, the turntable is so intrinsic to modern music that an SL-1200 is on display in the London Science Museum as one of the pieces of technology that has shaped the world we live in.
That’s among the many reasons over 3 million SL-1200s have been sold around the world from 1972 to 2010, when production temporarily ceased. And with the resurgence of vinyl and its unmistakable warmth, Panasonic put Technics turntables back into production as of 2016, essentially giving every audio enthusiast the opportunity to add a ‘New Old Stock’ deck to your collection.
At the heart of the SL-1200 is a quartz-controlled high torque direct drive motor system, enabling consistent and accurate record mixing essential for any serious DJ. Solid build quality, control over wow and flutter, and minimised resonance makes the SL-1200 robust enough to handle the press of nightclubs and other professional use.
Of course, these turntables just as at home in your lounge, where they’ll be a centrepiece among classic collections of records, amplifiers and speakers.
The proven bones of the SL-1200 underpin the hi-fi focused SL-1500. This turntable has the classic style and looks but adds a built-in Phono-EQ equaliser and dedicated lineout so you can connect with any accessories, including streaming sources. The unit can be used with the SC30/50 WiFi speakers which can be paired over wireless and used in stereo or a multi-room set up. There is also a wireless noise cancelling headphone and a DJ headphone in the range.
By adding a host of original Technics technologies, such as a coreless direct drive motor and high-sensitivity tonearm, the SL-1500 is equipped as standard with the highly regarded Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge. Renowned for its open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth, the cartridge rounds out what is a turntable system with tons of appeal for dedicated audio enthusiasts.
Technics decks have a long history and now they are ready for an equally storied future as a new object of 21st century desire.
It’s a turntable classic, rethought. Available in stores from December. Find out more by visiting Technics website.
Sponsored content
© 2022 Stuff Limited
