Technics SL-1210M5G Turntable

Product Rating
5 of 5
3 reviews

Price Range
$598 - $800

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Product Description

Summary

It's my opinion that 1210MV5MG and its predecessors may be favored by dj's around the world, but this particular version is a serious piece of audiophile gear. There's plenty of information on the web and specs, so I'm not going to focus on that, but I do have quite a few impressions of this refined beast.

I dare say it appears to me to one of the most technologically advanced turntables in the world that is within the reach of the average consumer. The motor and platter assembly are absolutely incredible. I don't know if this is accurate, but it looks to me that the motor and the platter are magnetically coupled, meaning the motor has no physical connection that I could see to the platter. If that's the case, that would put this table in same leage as air drive systems. Hopefully other reviewers can shed some more light on how the drive system works.

It's also a very ergonomic and user friendly machine. Now I know lots of people love to fuss with their TT's, make adjustments, make it a somewhat of a ceremony to play a record, that's cool with me. I have no issues with people deriving enjoyment from spending their money and playing with their gear. But I have to say, this turntable is blast to use.

You're up in under 1 second and the speed is dead on. I'm even having fun playing with the slider and reviewing some passages at slower speeds. Back to perfect speed at the touch of the reset button and you don't have to account for stylus drag. Hell, you can brush the record while it's playing. The rubber mat is outstanding with a slight depression for the underside of thr record label. I'm using a lighter stainless steel Clearaudio clamp and set-up was also achieved with a Clearaudio aluminum protractor jobber thingee.

The integrated lighting is a welcome feature. A red LED hitting the strobe mirrors is neat, but the blue pop-up LED that lights up the stylus is straight out of James Bond! Impeccably cool!

There's a lot of great tables out there, but I just couldn't pass this one up given it's most critical attribute: THE SOUND! Forget about price for a moment and ponder that to these old ears, the presentation in terms of soundstage, speed, decay, ambience, and the void of space where sounds emerge from this machine provides is anything but entry level. I hope you'll agree and get one before folks here in the USA realize what they've been missing.

Strength

Perfect Speed Accuracy
Super quiet black "void of space" background.
Gimbaled tonearm, and I like the retro look.
High quality tonearm cable on this model.
The slider is a cool feature if you like to change the pitch or review a passage at slower speed.
Swapping cartridges is a snap with multiple headshells and accurate markings.

Weakness

Would like to see subequent versions allow for greater flexibility and ease in swapping tone arm cables, tonearms, updating power supplies, and the like. Not that you can't do it now, but it takes more effort and knowhow.

Summary

I sold my last turntable two years ago. That was an original Ariston RD11 with SME 3009-II. I ended up wasting loads of money buying music I already in my archived vinyl collection on CD. My options for a new turntable were limited to the rather fragile audiophile models or a DJ deck. My Ariston sounded ok when it was set up correctly and it got through parts. It took ages to start up, the speed change was under the platter. The springs, belts and wood made it feel a little agricultural. More often thant not, it was feeling a bit off colour. What I really wanted was something that was built to last and convenient to use. Enter the MDF-free Tehcnics SL-1210M5G. The deck has been around for 30 years or so and needs no introduction. The M5G is a 30 year celebration model and has a special finish as well as some addtional DJ features, it looks stunning. Sound quality comes second to durablility in DJ deck design, and this model is no exception. Audiophiles usually steer clear of direct-drive turntables for obvious reasons but it actually sounds fine for home use. I added a Rega Bias 2 cartridge and it sounds as good as any other deck I've owned including the RD11 and a Rega 3. SL1200s have always been fast and fun to use. Long term running costs are cheap thanks to the abundance of spares and durable construction. Without doubt, the best record deck I've owned, a real classic!

Strength

Stunning looks Bomb-proof construction Fine sound quality A classic Low depreciation

Weakness

The styling is not subtle. Mk2 and Mk5 are better value for home use

Summary

These turntables are built for one purpose: Best DJ turntable made. Ask any dj that has had the chance to use and master the art of mixing, scratching and functionality of a turntable and this is it. I have been mixing for 25 years and have played in many clubs but always call the 1200's my home tables. I recently came across a great deal and bought the latest 1210 M5G. I had waited about 4 months online looking for a great deal and found them for $450 each. Keep in mind I paid almost the same price for 1200 MK2 15 years ago. Took not more than a few sessions of mixing to get used to the digital pitch slider (user replaceable). I have been so familiar with the dead spot just under +-0 (any dj that uses 12's knows about this) that it was a change to have to look where zero is instead of feeling it. I never felt the need to have more than +-8% mixing vinyl until I bought the M5G's. Just add one more tool to your creativity list! The anti skating has been increased and the all black finish is a dream to look at as is the blue led lights and pitch. The pitch control feels a bit less solid than the sliders on MK2-5's but in a different way. I have been using my M5G's now for about 9 months and pitch is perfect with both tables. Still feel brand new opposed to non digital 12's that get that broken in feeling after significant use. This is a Ferrari workhorse. Beautiful to look at and solid as a rock strong. My old 12's have been with me for 15 years and I still love playing on them when the need for 1 or 2 more tables are in order.

Strength

Best overall turntable in the world.Best table for scratching. Torque is always strong and a solid feel. Minus the fact I dont have gold plated, this is a beautiful looking and impressive piece of equipment.

Weakness

Expensive turntable for someone that just wants to play records.