Technics Live Demos New SL-1300G Turntable | Michael Fremer Reports...

From Fremer:

At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development Manager Bill Voss walked me through all of the new $3299 SL-1300G turntable's features and mechanical and physical attributes, comparing it to the $2199 SL-1200GR2 below and the $4299 SL-1200G above.

This video should clear up any and all confusion about what stepping up from the 1200GR2 gets you and what stepping down from the 1200G gets you and doesn't get you.

The new 'table incorporates many features found on the more costly 'table including the 1200G's copper-topped triple layer 7+ pound platter, combined with the 1200GR2's iron-coreless type double rotor/single stator motor and ΔΣ Drive that the more costly 1200G lacks. While the SL-1300G's 30 pound plinth is not identical to the SL-1200G's, it is upgraded in key ways compared to the 1200GR's.

The video includes illustrations explaining some of what can't be seen on the outside and an illustrated Technics historical timeline. Lots to look at and consider.

Also in this video is a considered look at the new Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System, which incorporates some interesting new tech and is far more than a typical "powered loudspeaker".

Following the presentation I got to hear both the SL-1300G and the SC-CX700 loudspeaker. Despite the less than optimal room conditions, the bottom end produced by both the 1300G through a pair of floor standing Technics SPG90 Mk2 loudspeakers and the 1200G directly into the powered speakers, which includes a built-in MM phono preamp.

It was an impressive and useful presentation, especially when, at the conclusion I asked whether it might be possible for me to get all three turntables to compare. That's what readers have asked for and that's what I hope to get. Yes, as Voss pointed out, that would be a major undertaking, but it's one I'm willing to do!