LAS VEGAS — It’s been a long time since Panasonic made any turntables. In a decidedly retro move at CES today, the Japanese electronics giant announced a return to the turntable business, announcing two new Technics models.
Citing increased demand and interest in vinyl records, the company’s Grand Class SL-1200GAE and SL-1200G are actually a revival of the SL-1200 MK2 turntable from the 70’s that has long been coveted by audiophiles and DJ’s. The move is part of a larger revival of the company’s Technics brand of audio equipment which had originally been discontinued.
A new coreless direct-drive motor, along with a microprocessor controlled rotary positioning sensors promises to eliminate ‘cogging,’ the microvibrations caused by typical direct-drive motors. Improvements have also been made to the tonearm and cabinet construction.
The limited edition Grand Class SL-1200GAE will be available starting this summer, followed by the Grand Class SL-1200G in late 2016. Pricing was not announced.