Nice Thing - Technics SL-1000R

Text: Olaf Adam; Photos: Olaf Adam, Technics
This article originally appeared in 0dB - The Magazine of Passion N°3

There’s probably no other audio product where precision is as crucial as it is with a turntable. A hair-fine diamond stylus is pulled through the record groove at the end of a long tonearm, scanning microscopically small structures on the groove’s flanks. At the top of the cantilever sits a miniature electromagnet, converting these movements into tiny electrical fluctuations. These electrical modulations are transmitted via cables that seem infinitely long compared to the dimensions of the cartridge—first to a phono preamp, then to a power amplifier. There, the signal—and any error that may have crept in along the way—is amplified many times over. For such a delicate mechanical and electrical system to function, everything must fit together perfectly, down to the smallest detail. Only then can you extract as much music as possible, with every detail and the full force of emotion.

Striving for Perfection

As an ambitious hi-fi enthusiast, you’re always searching. Searching for perfection in playback, for the ultimate listening experience. If you pursue this goal through analog means, you’ll need a turntable crafted with the same dedication. One born from the same pursuit of perfection. Like the Technics SL-1000R, with which the Japanese manufacturer breathes new life into its SP-10 from the 1970s using state-of-the-art technology. The SP-10 established the excellent reputation of the then-young Technics brand, so expectations for the modern interpretation of this legend are high. That’s why the effort Technics has put into this reissue is enormous.

This is exemplified by the platter of the SL-1000R. It’s constructed from three layers, each with different properties and functions. The core is made of thick cast aluminum, damped underneath by a layer of natural rubber. The third layer, serving as the top platter, is made of solid brass, ten millimeters thick and precisely machined from solid material. Twelve heavy tungsten weights are set into the edge of the top platter. The entire construction weighs almost eight kilograms and would already satisfy many other manufacturers in terms of precision. Not so at Technics, not with the SL-1000R. Before final assembly, each platter is weighed, measured, and then finely balanced by means of a custom borehole on the underside. The Japanese accept nothing less than tolerances at the very limit of measuring technology for a turntable they themselves call "Reference Class."

Power and Precision

Like all Technics turntables, the SL-1000R features a powerful direct drive. The advantages of this design are high starting torque and the ability to control rotational speed very precisely. However, there’s a risk that motor vibrations could be transmitted to the platter. That’s why the engineers revisited the coreless direct-drive motor, newly developed just a few years ago for the SL-12000GAE, further optimized it, and reduced wow and flutter to less than 0.015%. Perhaps they could have pushed it even further, but here too, the limits of available measurement technology were simply reached.

An external control unit regulates the modern direct drive, completely decoupled from the mechanical activities of the drive mechanism—totally independent, impressively precise. After all, the elaborate optimization of the platter and drive is only worthwhile if the electronic control of the motor is also absolutely perfect.

Almost Too Beautiful to Touch

This perfection in detail continues in all other aspects of the SL-1000R. In the chassis/subchassis construction, made from a combination of solid aluminum and vibration-resistant special plastic. Inside, in the technical sophistication of the mechanical and electrical design. Even the feet are a complete new development, where different damping elements and materials work together to combat the smallest vibrations. Firmly coupled to the well-protected platter chassis is the tonearm base. This ensures the platter bearing and tonearm always operate under the same mechanical conditions—the ideal prerequisite for precise tracking.

The outward appearance is fitting for this celebration of Japanese engineering. Everywhere you look, you find workmanship of undeniable quality; your gaze lingers on the refined surfaces, which are almost too beautiful to touch. But only almost.

Precision Engineering Masterpiece

There’s no doubt—the Technics SL-1000R is a truly exquisite turntable. Given a suitably high-quality hi-fi system, it lets you enjoy analog music playback at a level only a few other players can reach. At the same time—and precisely because of this—the SL-1000R is a precision engineering masterpiece, one you can lose yourself in, just as you can lose yourself in the music it plays. In every respect: a beautiful thing.

Gallery Technics SL-1000R