Technics SL-1200G & SL-1200GAE Turntable

Back in January, Technics announced that they were going to be releasing a new model of the Technics SL-1200 later this year, starting the famous SL-1200 line back up again after it had been discontinued in 2010. There will be both a 50th anniversary limited edition model, the SL-1200GAE, which will go for a limited run of 1200 models (funny number, isn't it?), and the standard version, the SL-1200G. It will have a series of new designs including a new tonearm, new motor, new platter, among others. It was shown at CES 2016 and will be available this summer.

Being a belt drive fan, it's hard for me to imagine ever wanting a direct-driven turntable such as the SL-1200, but heck, this thing, especially the 50th anniversary model, is a piece of turntable history! Technics even invented the direct drive turntable back in the 1970s! Although belt drive is generally considered to be for hi-fi use whereas direct drive is the kind of thing you would see your local disc jockey using, Technics SL-1200s have gotten the attention of both DJs and audiophiles alike for their sheer durability, low noise, and overall performance. Even though I typically prefer belt-driven turntables, I would definitely get either the SL-1200G or SL-200GAE just for those reasons alone. I will also be attending Rocky Mountain Audio Fest later this year and will likely get to see it shown off. I would even save up $4,000 for it if I had to. This thing truly is a beautiful piece of equipment.