How Technics Turntables Changed Music Forever with Direct Drive
State-of-the-Art Audiophile Turntables, Amplifiers, and CD Players
There's something about taking a vinyl record out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, putting the tone arm down, and just sitting back and listening to the music. It's an experience that everyone should have at least once. For those who cherish that experience, the role of vinyl plays such an integral part of our love for music, and in turn, raises the importance of the turntable in that experience.
A staple of early music production in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, turntables, record players, or whatever you choose to call them, were the mainstay in how people listened to music (apart from radio). Fun fact: do not make the mistake of calling a record player a turntable. Why? The turntable is the revolving platter where the vinyl record sits. A record player contains a turntable. There are arguments to be made here with semantics and everyone has a different definition, but typically speaking, record players also include the preamp, power amp, and speakers built-in.
The rise in popularity of vinyl records and turntables can be attributed largely to the audiophile community. The passion for music recreation as it once was and improving upon it sets today's record player apart from the players of yesteryear. Where's the foundation of the technology that hasn't changed, these aren't your grandad's turntables. High-end construction, balanced chassis, advanced tone arms, and a plethora of cartridges to choose from: the turntable industry is now as varied as it ever was, offering countless choices to customize according to user's listening preferences.
Moon Audio is proud to carry Technics turntables - a staple in the turntable industry for years. Did you know that this has been a true love and passion for our Founder and CEO, Drew Baird, P.E. for years too?
Technics' Message: Rediscover Music
Music is borderless and timeless, touching people's hearts across cultures and generations. Each day the discovery of a truly emotive experience from an unencountered sound awaits. Let us take you on your journey to rediscover music.
-Technics
Drew's Story - On the Path to Re-Analog Moon Audio
Let's take an audiophile journey through time back to 1985. Drew Baird, P.E. was working his way through college as a professional DJ. Among his prized gear was a pair of Technics sl-1200 MK2s - still very much a benchmark today of some of the best professional DJ turntables out there. DJ'ing was not just a hobby for Drew, but a passion and a way for him to engage with the music that was such an integral part of his daily life.
Unfortunately, after completing his undergraduate studies, Drew had to sell his beloved 1200 MK2s to help pay for student loans. But the love affair with Technics was born. It set the standard for him and as Moon Audio was looking to bring more turntables on board, Technics was the first brand that came up. Their audiophile-grade turntables were/are getting stellar reviews, so Drew brought them to Moon Audio. The lineage and quality of Technics meet our brand standards here, and we are excited to offer a number of their highly-praised turntables to you! Drew Baird, P.E. is on the path to re-analog Moon Audio.
Delivering the Ultimate Emotive Musical Experience to All.
At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music. We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them. Through delivering this experience we want to support the development and enjoyment of the world's many musical cultures. This is our philosophy. With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.
-Technics
About Technics
A Pioneer In Turntable Technology: Technics, a renowned brand in the world of audio equipment, has been at the forefront of turntable innovation for decades. With a commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality and performance, Technics has created a range of iconic turntables that have become the go-to choice for DJs, audiophiles, and music enthusiasts alike. The first model to feature the Technics brand name was the Technics 1 in 1965. It was a sealed, two-way speaker system that was renowned for its excellent bass response that rivaled standard floor-standing speakers. Turntables didn't come onto the scene until 1970 with the SP-10. The SP-10 was the world's first direct-drive turntable. It eliminated vibration and rotation irregularity caused by the belt-drive method, which was so common previously. The technology that was so revolutionary and groundbreaking then continues to set the standard of audiophile-grade turntables today.
Technics is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and is a division of Panasonic now. Older turntable models used to be manufactured in Japan, but since 2021, all production of Technics turntables has been done in Malaysia.
Features of Technics Turntables: (These features are common on all major Technics Turntable models such as the SL-1200G, SL-1200GR, SL-1200GR2, SL-1200MK7, SL-1210GR, and SL-1200MK5)
- Head Shell: The head shell is the detachable part of the tonearm that holds the cartridge and stylus. Technics turntables often feature a die-cast aluminum head shell for optimal rigidity and minimal resonance.
- Tonearm: Technics turntables are equipped with a precision-engineered, s-shaped tonearm. This design ensures accurate tracking and minimal distortion. The tonearm is mounted on a gimbal suspension system, allowing for smooth and stable movement.
- Cartridge and Stylus: Choose a compatible cartridge and stylus for your Technics turntable. The stylus, also known as the needle, is responsible for tracking the record grooves and converting the mechanical energy into electrical signals.
- Platter: Technics turntables feature a heavy-duty, die-cast aluminum platter that provides excellent stability and vibration damping. The high-mass platter contributes to the turntable's overall performance and sound quality.
- Auxiliary Weight: Some Technics models, such as the SL-1200G, come with an auxiliary weight that can be attached to the back of the tonearm. This weight helps to fine-tune the tonearm's balance and improve tracking performance.
- Pitch Control: Technics turntables are renowned for their precise pitch control. The pitch control allows you to adjust the speed of the platter, enabling you to fine-tune the playback speed and match the tempo of different tracks.
- High Torque Motor: Technics turntables are powered by a high-torque, direct-drive motor. This motor ensures quick start-up times, stable rotation, and exceptional speed accuracy, making them ideal for DJ applications.
- Phono Cable and RCA Connectivity: To connect your Technics turntable to your audio system, you'll need a phono cable with RCA connectors. Ensure that your amplifier or receiver has a phono input or use an external phono preamp to amplify the turntable's signal.
New Encounters with Sound: A Music Experience Like No Other
The audio landscape has undergone many changes over the years. From recording techniques and equipment to playback devices and types of media, the audio environment is constantly evolving and diversifying with listening convenience becoming a central need. The rise of the Internet, and in particular broadband speeds, has made it possible to send and receive huge amounts of data allowing music to be digitally obtained at lossless quality. It is now time to enter the era of digital networks, not only putting into place our decades of audio experience, but pushing the boundaries of sound reproduction and enabling new encounters with sound for music lovers.
-Technics
Technics Turntables
Technics Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1500C-K
The SL-1500C inherits Technic’s high-end sound quality concept and adds a host of original Technics technologies, such as a coreless direct drive motor and high-sensitivity tonearm. To simplify the playing of analog records, the built-in Phono EQ connects to a wide variety of devices. The SL-1500C also comes equipped with a high-quality Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge. The SL-1500C is a complete turntable system designed for a wide range of users, even outside of strictly dedicated audio enthusiasts.
Features:
- The Latest Coreless Direct Drive Motor Achieves High-precision Stable Rotation
- Complete Turntable with a Built-in Phono Equalizer and Cartridge
- Equipped with an Auto Lifter Function That Allows You to Enjoy Playing Records More Comfortably
- Simple Design with Functional Beauty
Technics Direct Drive Turntable System II - SL-12010GR2
Fusing Technics’ traditional analog and digital technologies, the SL-1210GR2 is the new standard in direct drive turntable systems. With a revolutionary new drive control method for smooth, accurate rotational stability and a new power supply for an exceptionally low noise floor, the new generation turntable outperforms the usual standards of its class, for rich, robust sounds and true high-fidelity listening.
Features:
- Coreless direct drive motor achieving stable rotation
- Low-noise, low-voltage power circuit, and a switching power supply
- ΔΣ-Drive suppresses vibrations from the motor for smoother, more accurate rotation
- Tonearm achieving high initial-motion sensitivity
- Two-layer platter with high rigidity and vibration damping, dust cover
- High-rigidity body and high-damping silicon insulators for smooth sound and isolation from various vibrations
Technics Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1210G-K
Created by Technics in pursuit of true analog record sound, rather than nostalgia, the SL-1210G-K includes the latest technologies to solve issues involved with direct-drive systems, such as cogging. The SL-1210G includes a newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with greatly increased precision by incorporating Blu-ray Disc technology for rotation control. This cutting-edge direct-drive system will surpass previous direct-drive systems. It is not a reproduction but innovation. Technics is redefining the reference in direct-drive turntables for the modern age.
Features:
- Newly developed coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates cogging
- Advanced motor control technology for high starting torque and high-speed stability.
- Three-layer turntable platter construction with deadening rubber to eliminate unnecessary resonance
- The balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory using specialized high-precision equipment
- High-sensitivity tonearm with lightweight magnesium for a high-damping effect
Technics Amplifiers & CD Players
Technics Stereo Integrated Amplifier SU-G700M2
The SU-G700M2 Stereo Integrated Amp has inherited the new domain of sound attained by the SU-R1000 Reference Class Amp. In addition to the full-digital JENO Engine with outstanding sound expressivity, the SU-G700M2 comes with a new power supply system that offers high-speed response and low noise. The three-section configuration is packed with noise and vibration prevention measures. The SU-G700M2 is complete with Phono MC input. It delivers extremely pure and dynamic sound regardless of whether the sound source is analog or digital.
Features:
- Exquisite, Grand-Class Amplifier with full-digital core amplifier technologies
- Natural, detailed sound with load adaptive phase calibration (LAPC)
- Vintage and modern connections with low distortion and a wide frequency range
- Gorgeous, sculptural body with sleek, hairline-brushed aluminum cabinet
Technics Network / Super Audio CD Player - SL-G700M2
The Grand Class SL-G700M2 Network / Super Audio CD Player is the new generation multi-digital player that delivers the highest sonic fidelity with new digital/analog processing technology and power supply noise suppression that thoroughly eliminates adverse effects on minute signals. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allow you to stream your music from a wide variety of sources, or play traditional CD/SACD with crisp, clear audio. The SL-G700M2 brings out rich details and tones in music files, no matter what the format.
Features:
- Premium High Precision Coherent D/A Converter
- Coherent Processing Technology
- Multi-stage Silent Power Supply
- Current Injection Active Noise Cancelling
- Ability to play a wide variety of music sources including Super Audio CD and MQA
- Housing and chassis supports high quality sound and design
Phono Cartridges
Phono cartridges are another great way to customize and personalize your sound. Materials matter, and audiophile-grade turntables are built with incredibly high-end and sensitive materials - especially with the cartridge. The cartridge is the part at the end of the tone arm of the turntable and is the device that lowers onto the vinyl to read the grooves and modulations to play your favorite music. The cartridge includes the stylus, or needle, which is the part that fits into the grooves of the record. Because it is reading these minuscule analog signals, the device is very sensitive, floating across the record as it spins. The material of the cartridge is exceptionally perceptible to resonant frequencies, vibrations, and more, so the material that the cartridge is made from has a great impact on the sound of the music as it reads the vinyl.
At Moon Audio we love the natural and dynamic sound that Grado cartridges produce. Grado makes some excellent wooden cartridges that have a depth and balance that you have to hear to believe. It's a superb option for those who want a unique high-end sonic upgrade to your metal cartridge which can sometimes have a sterile and analytical sound that can be fatiguing if you're not privy to that kind of sound signature. These Grado cartridges are a great upgrade for any turntable:
Dragon Cables
Our Dragon Interconnects are the perfect pairing with your Technics turntable. With RCA outs, our Silver, Black, Bronze, and Blue Dragon Interconnects will help bring out amazing detail and resolution in your analog signal - making sure that you are hearing nothing but your favorite music in its purest form. We make our interconnects to work perfectly with your Technics turntable - just plug in and hear the difference!
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Delivering the Ultimate Emotive Musical Experience to All.
At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music. We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them. Through delivering this experience we want to support the development and enjoyment of the world's many musical cultures. This is our philosophy. With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.
-Technics
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