New Motor Drive System, ΔΣ-Drive (Delta-Sigma Drive)

The ΔΣ-Drive is a new system that leverages Technics' expertise in PWM signal processing. The new drive not only reduces high harmonics but also suppresses motor vibrations, ensuring smoother and more precise rotation for comprehensive music reproduction.

The First Stage of Technics' New Generation of Direct Drive Turntables

Since the development of the world's first direct drive turntable, Technics has continuously worked to improve sound quality. Now, the manufacturer has developed the ΔΣ-Drive, which suppresses even the smallest motor vibrations and improves the electromagnetic conversion accuracy of the cartridge. The first stage of direct drive turntable systems using this technology is the SL-1200GR2.

Precise, Stable Rotation and Powerful Drive Torque

In 1970, Technics introduced the first direct drive turntable to the market, and the system subsequently became globally popular. In contrast to belt drive and other systems, the motor in direct drive systems rotates at a low speed and directly drives the platter. This offers numerous advantages, such as the almost complete absence of S/N ratio degradation due to motor vibrations and delay mechanisms, as well as high reliability over a long period, as no parts need to be replaced.

In 2016, Technics developed a coreless direct drive motor with two rotors and rotor magnets arranged on both sides, which eliminated the rotational unevenness of the motor, known as cogging, which was a particular problem for direct drive systems. This motor was adapted for the SL-1200G. The hi-fi market was not unimpressed. The SL-1200GR2 follows the same design philosophy with the redevelopment of a direct drive motor with only one rotor, mounted on the surface, which eliminates cogging.

Low-Noise Switching Circuit

The use of a high-speed switching power supply ensures stable supply capacity and reduces ripple and hum. The use of a switching power supply for a turntable eliminates the need for a large transformer and countermeasures for the resulting mechanical vibrations.
A switching frequency of over 100 kHz limits the effects of noise on the bandwidth of music reproduction.

Active Noise Cancellation through Current Injection

This technology combines noise detection with an error amplifier. It detects any residual noise in the power supply and applies a reverse phase current to remove noise components. The system eliminates low-frequency noise more effectively than a regulator, thus ensuring a more optimal power supply.

The Goal: Rigidity and High Vibration Damping

The platter achieves high stability and vibration damping through a two-layer construction with absorbent rubber on the entire back of the aluminum die-cast, to eliminate unnecessary resonances that would otherwise be transmitted to the record.

The Result is Crystal Clear Sound

To achieve higher inertial mass and reduce vibrations, the shape of the aluminum die-cast was optimized through simulation. At 2.5 kg (including the rubber mat), the platter of the SL-1200GR2 is 0.8 kg heavier than that of its predecessor, the SL-1200MK5. In addition, the back of the platter was provided with reinforcing ribs to increase stability. By increasing the contact area with the damping rubber, damping properties are achieved that are more than twice as high as those of the SL-1200MK5.

Highly Sensitive Tonearm

The tonearm, which precisely tracks the rotation of the record and allows for high-precision scanning, is the traditionally used universal S-shaped Technics tonearm with static balance, which, through the use of aluminum, is not only extremely light but also extremely stable.

With its suspension construction, the tonearm uses a custom housing with high-precision mounts, as with the SL-1200G and the SL-1200GR. The high sensitivity at the first movement of up to 5 mg is achieved through manual assembly and adjustment by Japanese specialists. In this way, the grooves in the records can be precisely captured.

In addition, a type of auxiliary weight is included, and the cartridge can be replaced by various other cartridges that are best suited for the respective musical taste. (Cartridge weight when using the existing auxiliary weight: 10–16.4 g (cartridge head not included)

High-Quality Parts

Two-Layer Housing Construction

The SL-1200GR is extremely stable because it uses a housing with a two-layer construction, adapting the BMC and the aluminum die-cast housing.

High-Damping Silicon Isolators

For the isolators that support the housing, the SL-1200GR2 uses a special silicone rubber that ensures high vibration damping properties and long-term reliability.

High-Quality Connections

The turntable features gold-plated phono terminals for detachable cables, while the metal shielding inside the housing reduces the effects of external noise.

Drive System

Direct Drive

Motor

Brushless DC motor

Turntable Speeds

33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm

Pitch Adjustment Range

±8 % and ±16 %

Starting Torque

2.2 kg·cm

Build-Up Characteristics

0.7 s from standstill to 33 – 1/3 rpm

Brake System

Electronic brake

Wow and Flutter

0.025 % W.R.M.S.

Turntable Platter

Aluminum Diecast
Diameter: 332 mm
Weight: Approx. 2.5 kg (including rubber mat)

Tonearm

Type

Universal Static Balance

Effective Length

230mm

Overhang

15mm

Tracking Error Angle

Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove of 30 cm (12") record)
Within 0° 32' (at the inner groove of 30 cm (12") record)

Offset Angle

22°

Arm Height Adjustment Range

0 - 6mm

Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range

0–4 g (Direct Reading)

Headshell Weight

Approx. 7.6 g

Applicable Cartridge Weight Range

(without auxiliary weight)
5.6–12.0 g
3.1–9.5 g (with cartridge spacer)
14.3–20.7 g (including headshell)
(with auxiliary weight)
10.0–16.4 g
7.5–13.9 g (with cartridge spacer)
18.7–25.1 g (including headshell)

Cartridge Mounting Dimension

12.7 mm interval

Headshell Terminal Lug

1.2 mm φ 4-pin terminal lug

Terminals

Audio Output

PHONO (RCA Stereo) x 1
EARTH TERMINAL x 1

General

Power Supply

AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption

11 W (Power ON)
0.3 W (Power OFF)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

453 x 173 x 372 mm

Weight

Approx. 11.5 kg

Operating Temperature Range

0? to +40?

Operating Humidity Range

35 % to 80 % RH (no condensation)

Accessories

Turntable platter, Turntable mat, Dust cover,
EP record adaptor, Balance weight,
Auxiliary weight, Cartridge spacer
Headshell, Overhang gauge,
Cartridge mounting screw set, PHONO cable,
PHONO earth lead, AC power supply cord,
Owner's Manual

Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH Panasonic
Winsbergring 15, 22525 Hamburg, DE
ask.panasonic.safety@eu.panasonic.com
https://www.technics.com/de/
+49 40 85 49 0