Technics SL-1200GME Master Edition Direct Drive Turntable System

Available in limited quantities worldwide, we have minimal inventory on this very special turntable.

Note: A quirk of Technics is that they list their finishes as separate models. So the SL-1200GME is the silver finish, and the SL-1210GME is the black finish of otherwise identical turntables.

The Technics SL1200/1210GME is a very special limited edition turntable that continues the legacy of the beloved SL-1200. Just 2,410 units have been released worldwide, and we have very few of these high-demand products in stock.

Each GME features a plinth plate proudly displaying a gold-painted embossed logo and a serial number. The magnesium tonearm is finished in gold paint. While the silver finish is traditionally the default choice for a Technics turntable, the black finish contrasts beautifully with the gold, and is our top choice.

The Upscale View

The first question asked by those without a nostalgic connection to Technics tables is, why should an audiophile buy a DJ turntable? We address this in detail in our blog post You're Not a DJ. Why Buy a Technics Table?

In it, we discuss how all the features and engineering choices that make a Technics a good DJ turntable also make it a good hi-fi source, whilst exhibiting great style that's been central to so much music culture.

State-of-the-Art Drive Technology

The SL-1200/1210GME uses a new twin-rotor coreless direct-drive motor for even more of Technics' legendary speed stability and low vibration. You may have heard that direct-drive motors can directly transfer vibration into the platter and therefore the record, but Technics uses advanced technology to make its motors extremely low vibration to the point where they are competing with great belt-drive systems.

The ΔΣ-Drive is crucial to suppressing vibrations from the motor, and an anti-vibration structure with a three-layer platter and a four-layer cabinet construction helps dissipate or absorb all stray vibrations, whether structural or airborne. This effect is further enhanced by the use of high-damping silicon insulators using αGEL.

One way to suppress vibration and instability at the very source is to use a high-quality, highly engineered power supply. Technics uses a low-noise, low-voltage power circuit and a switching power supply to deliver the cleanest, most stable power to the motor.

More Details on the Technology

Coreless Direct Drive Motor

The SL-1200/1210GME features a coreless direct-drive motor that eliminates cogging for smooth rotation. Its twin-rotor construction maintains high torque while reducing bearing load and minute vibrations. The coil mounting base uses the same reinforcement pattern as the Reference Class SL-1000R/SP-10R for enhanced rigidity.

Upgraded 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. The SL 1200/1210GME expands the PWM carrier frequency from around 2 kHz to over 20 kHz, reducing audible noise and further suppressing micro-vibrations.

Three-layered Turntable Platter

The turntable has a three-layered construction with a rigidly combined brass and aluminium die-cast platter. It has 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.

High-Level Balance Adjustment

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".

Four-Layered Cabinet Construction

A hairline-processed, 10-mm-thick top aluminum panel has been added to the previous three-layered construction of aluminum die-cast, BMC, and heavyweight-class rubber on the SL-1200MK5. This four-layered construction combines high rigidity with a high-quality finish and feel.

Insulator

A newly developed zinc insulator using αGEL™ gelatinous material with excellent shock absorption, providing high vibration damping and minimizing feedback.

Tonearm

The tonearm uses lightweight magnesium that is cold-drawn for high precision. High initial-motion sensitivity is achieved through Technics’ gimbal suspension construction and high-precision bearings.

Low Noise Power Supply

A high-speed switching power supply of over 100 kHz ensures stable output, low ripple and reduced vibration. Combined error- and noise-detection technology cancels residual noise via inverse current, outperforming regulators. ΔΣ-Drive boosts PWM from 2 kHz to 20 kHz+, cutting noise and micro-vibrations for precise audio playback.

Ideal Circuit Layout

To improve board rigidity and layout, a four-layer PCB separates power and ground lines for motor, digital, and LED circuits.

Eco-friendly Cushioning/Packaging

The SL-1200/1210GME is shipped in 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 previous product packaging.