Technics SL-1200 - User Manual

E/Technics
SL-1200
SL-120
This instruction manual covers both SL-1200 and SL-120.
The
SL-120
is
same
with
SL-1200
in
every
aspects.
but
comes
only
without
tonearm
section.

Summary

Turntable Operation and Controls

AC Line Voltage Selector

Ensure correct AC line voltage selector is used before connecting the AC power cord.

Rotor and Spindle

Rotor is connected directly to the turntable platter; avoid external force on spindle to maintain performance.

Power Switch and Speed Selector

Select desired speed (33 or 45 RPM); powers the unit and lights the strobo illuminator.

Pitch and Speed Adjustment Controls

Variable pitch controls adjust speed by 10%; use adjustment screws for fine speed correction.

Turntable Components and Features

Special Oil for Lubrication

Use only the provided special oil for lubrication of bearing parts to maintain performance.

Audio-Insulated Legs

Absorb vibration entirely; adjust height and level of the player system by turning legs.

Dust Cover Use and Care

Raise to use; recommended to remove if causing 'Howling'. Clean with provided cloth.

Output Terminals

Connect pickup cords to the same channel of the amplifier (R, L, GND).

Tonearm Description

High-quality universal tonearm with easy operation, durable structure, and automatic stylus pressure control.

Tonearm Operation and Adjustment

Head Shell Installation

Insert head shell into tonearm end, secure with locking nut; connect cartridge wires correctly.

Anti-Skating Force Device

Compensates for skating force caused by stylus contact with groove; adjust to match stylus pressure.

Balance Weight and Stylus Pressure

Adjust zero balance; set stylus pressure by turning knob according to cartridge weight (4.5-11.5g).

Arm Height and Cueing Lever

Adjust arm height with screw; use cueing lever to raise/lower tonearm slowly for playback.

Fine Adjustment Screws

Adjust fine adjustment screw for stylus tip to record surface distance (6-10mm) or arm lift height.

Key Features and Technologies

Turntable Platter and Motor

Features a 33cm ultra-large diameter platter and a direct drive brushless DC motor for stable speed.

Electronic Stabilization and Speed

Electronic stabilization ensures speed stability; speed is unaffected by power supply fluctuations.

Semi-Permanent Performance

No reduction or transmission mechanisms reduce wear; high-performance efficiency is maintained.

Tonearm Balancing and Cueing

Easy balancing and stylus pressure control with a smooth mechanism; feather-touch cueing for gentle descent.

Specifications and Player Placement

Turntable Specifications

Details include direct drive system, platter size, speeds, motor type, power consumption, and dimensions.

Tonearm Specifications

Details include type, effective length, overhang, tracking error angle, and stylus pressure range.

Player Placement Guidelines

Place on stable surface, away from speakers and heat sources, to ensure optimal performance.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Technics SL-1200 and SL-120 are direct drive player systems designed for high-fidelity audio playback. This manual covers both models, with the SL-120 being identical to the SL-1200 in all aspects except for the absence of a tonearm section.

Function Description

At its core, the Technics SL-1200/SL-120 is a turntable system that utilizes a direct drive motor to spin records. This direct drive mechanism is a key feature, as it eliminates the need for belts or idlers, which are common in conventional turntables and can introduce "wow" and "flutter" (speed variations) and rumble (low-frequency noise). The motor directly rotates the turntable platter, ensuring stable and precise speed.

The system includes a power switch/speed selector, allowing users to choose between 33-1/3 and 45 revolutions per minute (r.p.m.) for different record types. Once a speed is selected, the strobo illuminator lights up, and the turntable platter begins to rotate.

For fine-tuning, the device features variable pitch controls that allow for a 10% adjustment range of the selected speed. This enables users to precisely match the playback speed to the record. Strobo marks molded around the turntable platter, when illuminated, help visualize and adjust the speed until the marks appear stationary, indicating correct rotation. If further adjustment is needed, speed adjustment screws for both 33 and 45 r.p.m. are located beneath the platter, allowing for incremental increases or decreases in speed.

The tonearm section (present on the SL-1200) is a high-quality universal tonearm specifically designed for direct drive systems. It is engineered for easy operation, durability, and features an automatic reset mechanism for stylus pressure control. This allows for quick and easy adjustment of zero balance and stylus pressure. The tonearm accepts cartridges weighing between 4.5 and 11.5 grams.

The tonearm includes a head shell for mounting the cartridge, which connects to the tonearm via lead wires. A locking nut secures the head shell firmly. An anti-skating force device compensates for the inward force (skating force) exerted on the stylus by the record groove, which helps maintain balanced contact pressure, reduce distortion, improve separation, and minimize wear on both the stylus and records. The anti-skating adjustment should correspond to the set stylus pressure.

A balance weight on the tonearm allows for easy adjustment of zero balance, ensuring the tonearm floats freely. After setting the zero balance, the stylus pressure knob can be pulled outward to reset the scale to zero, then turned to apply the desired stylus pressure directly.

The cueing lever provides a feather-touch, viscous-damped mechanism for gently raising and lowering the tonearm onto and off the record. This allows for precise placement of the stylus on the desired groove. Fine adjustment screws are available to set the interval between the stylus tip and the record surface (6 to 10 mm), and an arm lift adjustment screw allows for further height adjustments if necessary. An arm rest secures the tonearm when not in use and should be adjusted to keep the tonearm parallel to the record surface.

The player system is equipped with audio-insulated legs designed to absorb vibrations, which can be adjusted to level the player system. A dust cover protects the turntable from dust and can be raised and secured in its hinges. Output terminals (RCA jacks) are provided for connecting the turntable to an amplifier, along with an AC cord for power.

Usage Features

The Technics SL-1200/SL-120 is designed for user-friendly operation and consistent performance. The direct drive motor ensures quick startup, reaching stable speed within half a rotation at 33-1/3 r.p.m. This system is robust, allowing the turntable platter to be stopped at any time without causing wear or damage to the motor, unlike belt or idler-driven systems.

The electronic stabilization control maintains excellent speed stability, unaffected by fluctuations in power supply frequency or voltage, thanks to its DC motor and DC stabilizer. This ensures consistent playback quality regardless of external electrical conditions.

The large-diameter, heavy turntable platter (33 cm, 1.75 kg) provides significant inertial moment, contributing to rotational stability and dynamically balanced operation. Strobo marks around the platter serve as a visual aid for precise speed verification.

For 7-inch 45 r.p.m. records, an adaptor is included for proper playback. The AC line voltage selector ensures compatibility with local voltage requirements, which should be set correctly before connecting the power cord.

The tonearm's design emphasizes ease of use, particularly for balancing and stylus pressure control. The smooth rack-and-pinion movement of the balance weight simplifies zero balance adjustment. The automatic reset mechanism for the stylus pressure scale allows for direct reading and application of desired stylus pressure. The feather-touch cueing lever, with its viscous damping, ensures gentle and precise tonearm movement, preventing accidental drops and potential record or stylus damage.

Maintenance Features

The Technics SL-1200/SL-120 is built for long-term, semi-permanent high performance with minimal maintenance requirements. The direct drive system, lacking belts or idlers, significantly reduces wear on parts, as the motor rotates the platter at an ultra-low speed. This design contributes to the system's durability and sustained efficiency.

A special oil is provided for lubricating the bearing parts, which are finished with ultra-precision to prevent "wow and flutter." This oil forms a uniform film to maintain high-performance efficiency. It is crucial to use only the included special oil for lubrication. Approximately 2 drops of oil should be applied into the oil hole after every 2,000 hours of use (equivalent to 5-1/2 years if used one hour a day, or 8 months if used 8 hours a day). Over-lubrication or more frequent application is unnecessary. The rotor of the motor is constructed to be non-removable, ensuring long-term high performance, and removal prevention fittings protect delicate parts during transportation. These fittings should be carefully removed upon setup and saved for future transport needs.

The dust cover should be cleaned with the included polishing cloth and not with cleaners containing alcohol, benzine, or thinner, to prevent damage. If "howling" (feedback) occurs due to speaker vibrations, it is recommended to remove the dust cover.

Proper placement of the player system is also key to its maintenance and performance. It should be placed on a stable, horizontal surface with minimal vibration, as far away from speakers as possible to isolate it from sound radiation, and away from excessively hot or cold environments, particularly near heaters. These measures help ensure the longevity and optimal operation of the device.

Technics SL-1200 Specifications