THE TECHNICS SL-1200 IS BACK
But for $4000, Will Anyone Care?
“This certainly is the cup of kings.” Famous last words by Walter Donovan in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” After drinking from the gilded chalice, moments later, Walter’s face melts, his lady companion screams, and Indy succeeds with a more modest choice.
How we feel about the pedestal the SL-1200 is being placed goes the same way. Some of the worst kept news from CES last week was the return of the classic, but the price was the real shocker. At $4000, it’s not just a turntable, it’s a cardiac event. Expensive for a SL-1200, and expensive for a turntable.
The SL-1200 is a fine turntable, especially in the club environment, although it has many contenders for far less and change. For home use, and sonically, we feel the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is a better choice at 1/8th the price. Or Rega. Like the knight said, “choose wisely.”
The limited edition pictured here (with gold accents) will be even pricier, as most things “limited” are. In 1997, Technics released a limited edition SL-1200LTD in piano black gloss (with gold accents), and it retailed for $1200. Inflation adjusted, it’s just $1775 in 2015 USD.
Perhaps its just the price of being cool, with current trends swinging the direction of all things “retro” and authentic. But there’s little that’s real about this obvious a play for image.
Most disappointing is this calls into question the pricing of everything else in its beautifully styled lineup.
