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Technics New Generation Grand Class Turntable - SL-1300G
- Coreless direct drive motor achieving stable rotation
- ΔΣ-Drive suppresses vibrations from the motor for smoother, more accurate rotation
- Anti-vibration structure with a three-layer platter and a two-layer chassis
- Low-noise, low-voltage power circuit and a switching power supply
- Tonearm achieving high Initial-motion sensitivity
- High-rigidity body and high-damping silicon insulators for smooth sound and isolation from various vibrations
Coreless Direct Drive Motor Achieving Stable Rotation
In the SL-1300G, the use of a coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates uneven rotation of the turntable known as cogging. Also, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque, and reduces minute vibrations during rotation. Furthermore, the SL 1300G’s motor was redesigned to eliminate subtle vibrations that could affect sound quality. To improve rigidity, the same reinforcement pattern as the Reference Class SL-1000R/SP 10R was used for the coil mounting base.
Motor-Drive System, ΔΣ Drive(Delta Sigma Drive)
Unlock a realm of audio precision with the ΔΣ-Drive – a state-of-the-art system harnessing Technics’ expertise in PWM signal processing. In addition to reducing harmonics, the drive suppresses vibrations from the motor for smoother, more accurate rotation, ensuring a rich reproduction of the music.
The turntable has a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass and aluminium die-cast platter. With a deadening rubber covering its entire rear surface to eliminate unnecessary resonance, thereby achieving high rigidity and vibration damping. This delivers smooth rotational stability and inertial mass surpassing the SP-10MK2, the direct-drive turntable standard used by broadcast stations worldwide, as well as having more than twice the inertial mass of the SL-1200MK5.
The SL-1300G ensures high rigidity by using a body with a two-layered construction that solidly unifies the BMC and the aluminum die-cast chassis. Reinforcing ribs have been added between the motor/tone arm on the top panel. This improves rigidity and vibration damping characteristics
When the weight distribution of the turntable is uneven, excess vibration or noise occurs during rotation, which causes degradation in sound quality. Therefore, the balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory by using specialized high-precision balance adjustment equipment for each and every item after the turntable is assembled. Turntables that have undergone adjustment are labelled with a sticker reading “BALANCED” to indicate that adjustment has been done.
Use of a high-speed switching power supply ensures a stable supply capacity and less ripple and humming. Applying a switching power supply to a turntable eliminates the need for a large transformer and countermeasures for the ensuing mechanical vibrations. A switching frequency of above 100 kHz limits the impact of noise on the music playback bandwidth.
This technology combines a noise detection device with an error amplifier. It detects residual noise in the power supply and applies an inverse phase current to remove noise components. It removes low frequency noise more effectively than a regulator to ensure a more ideal power supply.
Tonearm Achieving High InitialMotion Sensitivity
The tonearm, a crucial component for precise reading, tracks the record's rotation. Inherited from Technics, it employs a lightweight, rigid aluminum pipe in the traditional static-balance universal S-shape. Featuring a gimbal suspension and high-precision bearing, it achieves high initial-motion sensitivity through manual assembly by skilled Japanese artisans. This meticulous construction ensures accurate tracing of record grooves. Plus, it includes an auxiliary weight, providing flexibility for a variety of pickup cartridges
For the insulators supporting the body, the SL-1300G uses special silicon rubber that ensures high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability.
The turntable uses gold-plated phono terminals for detachable cables, while metal shielding construction inside the case reduces the effects of external noise.
Eco-friendly Cushioning/Packaging Materials
The SL-1300G adopts eco friendly packaging materials to help curtail marine plastics and other environmental problems. The cushioning has been changed from styrene foam to corrugated cardboard, reducing the amount of plastic used by around 70% compared to existing product packaging. We have also taken steps to improve convenience by combining accessories into one box while maintaining the strength of the cushioning to protect against the product’s heavy weight.
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Professional Reviews 93/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
90/100
The SL-1300G marries rock-solid pitch stability with a silent, neutral presentation, exposing texture, spaciousness and authoritative bass without sacrificing vinyl fluency. Its Delta Sigma direct drive, substantial brass-topped platter and fuss-free arm make records feel vividly composed; Hi-Fi Choice and The Absolute Sound highlight its poise, detail and black-background authority. A compelling high-end workhorse for cartridge-led systems.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional pitch stability and speed consistency deliver unwavering sustained notes, rhythmic certainty and natural musical flow.
Quiet, low-distortion playback reveals spacious imaging, low-level detail and a notably black background.
Bass is weighty, textured and tightly articulated without bloat.
Straightforward setup, adjustable VTA and a detachable headshell make cartridge changes and daily use reassuringly easy.
&
Cons
The aluminium tonearm is capable but may limit ultimate performance compared with the SL-1200G’s more sophisticated magnesium arm.
Its performance uplift over the less expensive SL-1200GR2 is considered subtle enough that some listeners may prefer to spend the difference on a cartridge and phono stage.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers consistently describe an exceptionally clean, neutral and deeply musical presentation, combining direct-drive authority with delicacy, spaciousness and convincing dynamics. Its exceptionally steady rotation and quiet backgrounds allow low-level detail, imaging and instrumental texture to come through with unusual clarity.
Overall Sound
96/100
Hi-Fi Choice praises sensational low-end texture, weight and articulation, while Tracking Angle heard outstanding three-dimensionality, stable imaging, transparency and dynamic expression. Other reviewers describe the SL-1300G as neutral, fast and clear rather than bright, with the ability to organize dense recordings while retaining delicacy and emotional expression.
Speed Stability
97/100
Pitch stability is a major strength: Hi-Fi Choice compares it to digital-level stability, and Sound Advice reports sustained notes without a trace of wobble. Tracking Angle measured a consistent 33.32rpm, while several reviews describe rotation as rock-solid, fluid and exceptionally consistent.
Tonearm Performance
89/100
The familiar aluminum S-shaped arm is widely regarded as precise, smooth and easy to set up, with a highly usable VTA mechanism, freely moving bearings and broad cartridge-balancing flexibility. Sound Advice considers it a good, reassuring arm but suggests it may restrain the deck's ultimate potential somewhat compared with more ambitious arm designs.
Noise Isolation
95/100
Reviews repeatedly report a super-silent or black background, supported by effective feet, a damped three-layer platter and a vibration-conscious motor and power-supply design. Tracking Angle and The Absolute Sound both specifically heard unusually quiet playback, while TED Publications highlights the resonance control and noise-cancelling power supply.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
The SL-1300G earns strong praise for its robust, precisely finished construction, high-rigidity chassis and substantial three-layer brass, aluminum and rubber-damped platter. Sound Advice calls it exceptionally substantial for the price, while Hi-Fi Choice finds its build and finish an uplift even over the well-assembled GR2.
Features Usability
88/100
This is a focused audiophile deck rather than a convenience-led turntable, but it offers electronic 33⅓, 45 and 78rpm operation, a detachable headshell, adjustable VTA and supplied counterweights for broad cartridge compatibility. Reviewers also find the cueing and arm operation notably confidence-inspiring, making it easier to live with than more finicky high-end alternatives.
Value for Money
90/100
At roughly $3,299 to $4,500 depending on market, several reviewers see the SL-1300G as a sweet spot in the Technics range and a compelling alternative to the costlier SL-1200G, leaving room in the budget for a better cartridge. Some reviewers question whether its improvement over the less expensive SL-1200GR2 fully warrants the premium, but the overall view is that its performance is highly competitive at the asking price.
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