Technics’s New Hi-Fi Turntable Looks Like an Absolute Stunner

The Technics SL-1300G is an audiophile-grade turntable that promises to sound even better than it looks.

Published September 5, 2024

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Technics, the legendary Japanese hi-fi maker, has unveiled a new audiophile-grade turntable. And it’s an absolute beauty.

The upcoming Technics SL-1300G is the jewel in the crown of the company’s Grand Class series of turntables — which sits below its Reference Class series, which includes the $20,000 SL-1000R.

You can think of the SL-1300G as the next step up from the company’s SL-1200GR2 ($2,200) turntable, which was just released last year. It features similar technologies but promises an even more accurate, cleaner sound.

Technics SL-1300G

$3,299.99 at Technics

Less vibrations, more accuracy

The new SL-1300G is a direct-drive turntable that builds on the foundations of the SL-1200GR2. It features a similar Delta Sigma Drive motor control — which was first introduced with the SL-1200GR2 — that eliminates micro-vibrations from the motor.

According to the company, the Delta Sigma Drive motor control “reduces the minute vibrations that are triggered by slight fluctuations in motor rotation.” As a result, it reduces vibrations on the platter’s surface and enables a richer, wider soundstage.

The SL-1300G builds up this by adding a more powerful motor and a heavier platter, both of which should help further reduce vibrations and aid the cartridge to more accurately read the record.

A sight to behold

The Technics SL-1300G comes in two different finishes, black or silver, with the focal point of each being its golden platter.

The platter has a heavy three-layered construction — a 2mm thick brass top, an aluminium middle and a deadening rubber bottom — that helps it achieve high rigidity and vibration damping.

The bottom chassis has a super rigid, two-layer construction of BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) and aluminum die-cast, which should further aid in playback accuracy. There’s vibration dampening feet, as well.

The turntable features a similar S-shaped aluminium tonearm with high-precision bearings as the SL-1200GR2 — although there’s no cartridge, so you’ll have to freedom to use your own.

The Technics SL-1300G has an electronic speed change that supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.

Price and availability

The Technics SL-1300G turntable will come in two different finishes, black or silver, and will cost $3,300 — a significant step up from the $2,200 SL-1200GR2, which has been the most high-end turntable in Technics’ Grand Class line.

You’ll be able to purchase the Technics SL-1300G in October 2024.