New Technics SP-10R and SL-1000R turntables – CES 2018
Technics has announced a pair of new turntables that joins their industry-leading Reference Class audio lineup for 2018: The SP-10R High-End Direct Drive Turntable and SL-1000R Direct Drive Turntable.
Both of the new models encompass next gen Coreless Direct Drive motors, most recently seen in the SL-1200G. This builds upon technology first seen in 1970 when Technics produced a world’s first in Direct Drive Turntables. Those decks are still highly thought of by many of today’s audiophiles.
Technics direct drive
The legendary SP-10 Series of Direct Drive Turntables and their accompanying Direct Drive Turntable Systems have become synonymous with direct drive technology. This makes them fitting symbols of the Technics brand name that continues to inspire the loyalty of audiophiles worldwide.
Building upon their impressive heritage, the SP10-R and SL-1000R promise to continue to provide a reference point for modern high-fidelity turntable tech.
Technics SP10-R
The SP-10R has been developed to be completely interchangeable with previous SP-10 Series models, such as the SP-10MK2 and SP-10MK3.
In order for users to continue using the turntable base and turntable of these previous systems, the shape and screw positions have been designed to allow for complete backward compatibility.
The control unit is also the same shape and size as the SP-10MK2 power unit for trouble-free replacement.
The SP10-R includes a double coil twin rotor-type coreless direct-drive motor. This is equipped with coils on both sides for 12-pole, 18-coil drive, and high enough torque to drive the heavyweight-class platter with ultimate sovereignty.
The result is a stable rotation of 0.015% wow & flutter or less. This is considered to be the measurement limit.
The turntable also features an impressive turntable platter with a 10-mm-thick brass weight. This is further enhanced with tungsten weights on the outer periphery.
The brass weight is laminated onto the aluminium die-cast, giving the platter a total weight of approximately 7.9 kg and an inertial mass of approximately 1 ton?cm.
A deadening rubber for eliminating unwanted vibration is attached to the rear surface to form a three-layer construction. This achieves an even higher rigidity and provides excellent vibration-damping characteristics.
Also, to achieve further noise reduction, the control unit is separated from the main unit. Its switching power supply is equipped with unique technology that provides a voltage supply with minimal noise via a newly-developed ‘unwanted noise reduction circuit’.
Additionally, the communication between the main unit and the control unit are engineered to resist the effects of external noise whilst increasing reliability.
These noise-reduction measures enable the SP-10R to achieve the World’s highest level S/N.
Technics SL-1000R
The Technics SL-1000R system features an S-type universal tonearm with a lightweight, high damping magnesium tonearm pipe.
The gimbal suspension construction tonearm uses high-precision bearings. Highly-skilled Japanese craftsmen handle all assembly and adjustments to achieve a high initial-motion sensitivity to precisely trace the grooves cut into the records.
Furthermore, to ensure the production of highly-vivid sounds, OFC is used for internal wiring. This guarantees that the music signal relayed from the cartridge is not dampened and the musical energy cut into the record is not lost.
The tonearm base, to which the tonearm is mounted, is strongly integrated with the turntable.
To ensure exceptional tonearm performance, the tonearm bearings, turntable bearings and needle position remain constant.
This provides a structure in which the vibration caused by the rigidity of the turntable base materials has minimal effect.
Why direct drive?
The great appeal of direct drive technology is its ability to eliminate degradation in sound quality caused by rotation fluctuation and minute vibrations between the motor and transmission mechanism.
The SP-10R and the SL-1000R are part of a long and successful line of reference case turntable technologies. Technics released the SP-10 as the World’s first Direct Drive Turntable in 1970 and its superb performance and reliability quickly made the SP series both the go-to turntable for broadcast stations and the holy grail of audiophiles worldwide.
Technics says:
Committed to creating an emotionally-engaging experience and delivering the power of music to all, Technics has been at the heart of music performance for decades. From the emergence to success of hip hop, enabling the fast rise of celebrity DJs, and allowing audiophiles to hear music exactly as the creators wished, it has been and shall remain the brand that leaders in their field turn to for exceptional performance and reliability.”
More information
You can view the brochures here.
