Direct Drive Turntable SystemGrand ClassSL-1200GAE 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Available in Summer 2016 Three-layered Turntable Platter The turntable has a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass and aluminium diecast platter. In other words, our intent in this development is to redefine the direct-drive turntable reference. Having inherited the DNA of Technics, we do not wish to merely make a replica of the SL-1200. Technics was also a leader in incorporating innovations, such as vibration-damping materials, cabinet construction, and insulators. If we redesign the direct-drive motor and control circuitry, we will be able to create a turntable that is superior to other systems. Originally, direct-drive offered superior sound quality. The view remains that direct-drive is for DJ use and belt drive is for Hi-Fi use. Also, compared with direct-drive, belt drive was designed with the latest technology. In contrast, belt drives can be made with a little cost. When developing a direct-drive motor, considerable capital investment is required for large-scale production equipment. The high torque and reliability of direct-drive were recognised by DJs, and direct-drive turntables became the standard in the club scene. The high-precision rotation and absence of S/N ratio degradation were particularly attractive to these users. High acclaim was then received by audiophiles. In the 1970s, when Technics invented direct-drive turntables, their performance and reliability were first recognised by broadcast stations. Direct-drive is generally considered to be for DJ use, and belt drive is for Hi-Fi use. Here we provide an outline of our intent in this development.
As such, we decided to develop a new system for Hi-Fi use. The direct-drive turntable invented by Technics is still highly acclaimed by audiophiles and DJs in the form of the SL-1200 Series, and there have been many requests to revive the turntable system. Prologue Due to the widespread use of CDs, turntable systems disappeared briefly from the market, but their warm sound quality is bringing them back.