Technics’ new Grand Class hi-fi turntable features something you sadly rarely see: a beautiful brass top that looks like it’s made of solid gold. But it’s not there to look at. The 2mm-thick brass top is part of a three-layer platter, sitting atop an aluminium centre and a rubber base to boast exceptional rigidity and vibration damping.
The new SL-1300G is a direct drive turntable that builds on the hugely successful SL-1200GR2. Like that turntable, it features Technic’s ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor control to eliminate micro-vibrations and deliver a richer soundstage, and in addition to that heavier platter it also adds a more powerful motor.
Technics SL-1300G turntable: key features, pricing and availability
The chassis features a rigid two-layer construction of bulk molding compound and die-cast aluminum atop vibration-damping feet, and the S-shaped aluminum tonearm with high-precision bearings comes without a cartridge, allowing you to choose your favorite musical partner. Technics says a new silent multi-stage power supply achieves an exceptionally low noise floor to deliver an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
In our glowing review of the SL-1200GR2 , we praised the 2023 deck’s tank-like build quality and its positively clear, revealing sound, but we also noted that it really did sit at the top end of this market in terms of price – not least because on top of the ticket price, you’d also have to spend another $500 / £500 / AU$650 or so more for a cartridge this worthy of this turntable. To cheap out the cartridge with such a high-spec turntable would be a false economy.
That is also the case here: where the SL-1200GR2 cost $2,190 / £1,799 / AU$2,999 The new SL-1300G is considerably more expensive at $2,999 / £2,799 / around AU$5,740. That’s a lot of money for a turntable. But then again, just Look to get there.
Technics’ new SL-1300G turntable will be available from October 2024 in a choice of black or silver finishes. One for our recently updated turntable buying guide? We’ll see if we can get our hands on one to write a full review…