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.

We
want
to
thank
you
for
selecting
the
SL-1200,
DIRECT
DRIVE
PLAYER
SYSTEM.
To
receive
optimum
performance
from
this
DIRECT
DRIVE
PLAYER
SYSTEM,
we
recommend
that
you
read
these
operating
instructions
carefully.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
OPERATION
AND
FUNCTION
OF
CONTROL:
(TURNTABLE SECTION)
AC LINE VOLTAGE (Fig. 2)
Make
sure
that
the
AC
line
voltage
selector
is
correct
to
your
local
volt
‘age before
connecting
the AC power
cord.
CAUTION
If your local voltage is different, please turn the AC line voltage selector
to your local voltage
@ROTOR (See Fig.1-@)
This
unit
uses
a
direct
drive
motor.
Therefore,
the
rotor,
which
is
the
rotating
part
of
the
motor,
is
connected
directly
to
the
turntable
platter.
The
spindle
of
the
motor
and
the
shaft
of
the
turntable
platter
are
the
same.
For
this
reason,
to
maintain
the
high
performance
described
in
the
specifications,
it
is
not
desirable
to
apply
a
large
amount
of
external
force
to the
rotor
and
the
spindle
of the
motor.
The
rotor
is, therefore,
clamped
securely
to
protect
the
delicate
and
important
parts
during
transportation,
Be
sure
to
remove
these
fittings
@
carefully,
and
save
them
for
future
use,
as
when,
for
example,
the
player
must
again
be
transported.
CAUTION
The
rotor
of
the
motor
is
constructed
so
that
it
cannot
be
removed,
in
order to maintain
its high performance
for a long time,
Do
not
attempt
to
remove
the
removal
prevention
fitting
@
for
the
rotor.
@POWER
SWITCH/SPEED
SELECTOR
(See
Fig.1-@)
Set
the
“speed
selector”
to
the
desired
position
(33
or
45,
depending
upon
the
speed
of
the
record
to
be
played).
The
strobo
illuminator
Will Be anes,
anid wie tuiatebe
ctininc
Wil (chem
@STROBO ILLUMINATOR (See Fig.1-@)
When
the
power
switch/speed
selector
is
on,
the
strobo
illuminator
is
lit,
VARIABLE
PITCH
CONTROLS
(See
Fig.1-
@
)
Adjust
the
“variable
pitch
controls”
if
necessary.
These
are
designed
to
provide
adjustment
of
the
selected
speed
by
10%
"ange
Select
the
speed
of
the
turntable
platter
by
setting
the
“power
switch/
speed
selector”
to
the
desired
position.
The
rotating
turntable
platter,
when
illuminated
by
strobo
illuminator,
may
show
movement
of
the
marks
on
the
strobo
disc.
Adjust
the
“variable
pitch
controls”
until
the strobo
marks are stationary.
After
the
necessary
adjustment
has
been
made,
the
speed
will
not
change
and
re-adjustment
will
not
be
necessary.
‘The
strobo
marks
molded
around
the
turntable
platter
are
used
to
check
the
correct
speed
of
rotation
for
50
Hz
(European),
and
60 Hz
(U.S.A.)
Adjust
its
rotation
according
to
the
strobo
label.
@SPEED ADJUSTMENT SCREWS (See Fig.1- © )
If,
for
any
reason,
the
adjustment
cannot
be
successfully
made,
use
a
(A)
tip
screwdriver
to
adjust
the
appropriate
speed
adjustment
screw
(33
of
45)
located
beneath
the
turntable
platter.
Turning
the
speed
adjustment
screws
to
the
right
or
left
will
increase
or decrease the speed respectively.
@STROBO MARKS (See Fig.1- @ )
@STROBO
LABEL
(See
Fig.1-
@
)

Head Shell
Cartridge
I
i
1
1 i
= 52mm (2-1/16") —>t
® @ Fig. 4
Add. 4 Lift Adjustment Serew
Cueing Lever
Fig. 6
Add. 6
fn Height Adjustment Screw
Fig. 7
Add. 7
@ADAPTOR FOR 7 INCH 45 R.P.M. RECORD
(See Fig.1- @ )
When playing 45 r.p.m. records, use this accessory.
@OIL HOLE (See Fig.1- ©)
@SPECIAL OIL (See Fig.1- ® )
The bearing parts of this set are designed with an ultra-precise finish
to prevent the generation of “Wow and Flutter”
A special oil has been used to maintain the high-performance efficiency
of this set by forming a uniform film of oil over the parts. For this
reason, use only the oil included in this set for its lubrication.
Even if there is oil leakage around the oi! hole or the rotor, caused
during transportation, it will not effect the performance.
Before use, apply about 2 drops of oil into the oil hole.
To lubricate, open the tip of the vessel with a needle, After lubricating,
cover the vessel with the cap to prevent the leakage of oil,
Never use any other type of oil. To lubricate, remove the turntable
platter
and
apply
about
2
drops
of
oil
into
the
oil
hole.
It is sufficient to lubricate the set once after approximately 2,000
hours of use.
Two thousand hours are equivalent to 5-1/2 years, if the set is used
one hour a day, or to 8 months if used 8 hours a day.
This period is much longer than has been necessary on previous, con-
ventional motors, Do not apply too much oil, nor more often than
necessary.
@ TURNTABLE MAT (See Fig.
o)
@TURNTABLE PLATTER (See Fig.1- @ )
The
turntable
platter
is
a
33m
(13")
ultra-large
diameter
1.75
kg
(3.86 Ib) weight
and has inertial
moment
of 310 kg-cm?
(105.9
Ib-
in?), Each turntable
platter
is dynamically
balanced.
@PLAYER CASE (See Fig.1- ® )
@BOTTOM COVER (See Fig.1- © )
@®AUDIO-INSULATED LEGS (See Fig.1- ® )
The audio-insulated legs are designed to absorb vibration entirely by
Using special materials inside them, Adjust the height and level of the
player system by turning legs.
@DUST COVER (See Fig.1- ® Fig.3)
Reise the dust cover upward and place it securely in the hinges.
CAUTION:
We
recommend
that
you
take
off
the
dust
cover,
if
the
dust
cover
becomes the cause of “Howling” from the vibration of speakers
Do
not
wipe
the
dust
cover
with
any
cleaner
containing
alcohol,
enzine or thinner. Use the polishing cloth included in the carton.
@HINGES (See Fig.1- ©
® OUTPUT TERMINALS (See Fig.1- © )
Connect
the
pickup
cords
provided
in
this set
to
the
same
channel
of the amplifier.
R (REO) ——> EEE channel
L (WHITE) ——> [EB Channel
E (U shop) —> EES
@
AC
CORD
(See
Fig.1-
©
)
@
TONEARM
(See
Fig.1-
@
,
Fig.4)
High
quality
universal
tonearm
is
designed
especially
for
direct
drive
player
system.
Most
remarkable
features
of
this
tonearm
are
easy
operation,
durable
structure
and
automatic
reset
mechanism
of
stylus
pressure
control.
Therefore,
adjustment
of
zero
balance
and
stylus
pressure
can
be easily
and
rapidly
accomplished.
Fig. 5
Add. 5

Fig. 1
Abb.1
(TONEARM SECTION)
@HEAD SHELL (See Fig.4- @ , Fig.5)
Insert the head shell in the end of the tonearm, and secure firmly by
turning the locking nut of the tonearm in the direction of the arrow, as
shown in the picture, Be sure to connect the lead wires to the cartridge
terminals
according
to
the
instructions
included
with
the
cartridge.
‘The cartridge should be inserted in the head shell so that the spacing
between the stylus tip and the plug is 2 mm (2-1/16") as shown
the
@LOCKING
NUT
(See
Fig.4-
@
)
@ANTI-SKATING
FORCE
DEVICE
(See
Fig.4-
®)
Skating force is the frictional force caused by contact between the tip
of the stylus and the record groove, and is applied to the stylus as
a side pressure depending upon the relationship of the geometrical
position of the tonearm.
This force results in an unbalance of the contact pressure between the
stylus tip and each groove wall of the record, an increase of distortion,
a
deterioration
of
the
performance,
a
decrease
of
separation
character-
istics and abnormal wear of the stylus tip and the record grooves.
For this reason, it is necessary to compensate this skating force.
The anti-skating force mechanism performs this compensation function.
‘The quantity of anti-skating force is in proportion to the stylus pressure
and, therefore, it should be adjusted according to the stylus pressure.
Turn the adjustment knob to the same number as stylus pressure scale
indicates,
@BALANCE
WEIGHT
(See
Fig.4-
@
,
Fig.6)
This
balance
weight
is especially
designed
for
easy
adjustment
of
zero
balance,
Install
the
balance
weight,
packed
in
the
parts
box
on
the
rear
of
the
tonearm.
By
turning
the
stylus
pressure
knob
to
the
arrow,
as
shown
in
the
picture,
adjust
the
zero
balance.
(that
is,
floating
the
tonearm
free).
After adjustment pull the outside of the stylus pressure knob in the
direction of the arrow, then the scale will be reset automatically to the
zero position.
Adjust the stylus pressure by turning the stylus pressure knob to the
arrow in the picture according to the stylus pressure of the cartridge
which you use.
This tonearm accepts any cartridge whose weight is from 4.5 to 11.59.
@®ARM BASE (See Fig.4- ® )
@ARM HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SCREW
(See
Fig.4-
@
,
Fig.7)
If
it is
necessary
to
adjust
the
height
of
the
tonearm,
loosen
screw
and
move
the
tonearm
up
or
down,
@CUEING LEVER (See Fig.4-@ , Fig.7)
After separating the tonearm from the arm rest, and then moving the
cueing lever toward @ position (as shown in the picture), the tonearm
will raise. Hold the tonearm and place the tip of the stylus above
the groove of the record from which you desire to play. When the
cueing lever is moved to the @ position, the tonearm will descend
slowly and the performance will begin.
@FINE ADJUSTMENT SCREW (See Fig.4-@, Fig.7,8)
Adjust the fine adjustment screw, so that the interval between the
stylus tip and record surface is from 6 to 10 mm (15/64" to 25/64")
@ARM LIFT ADJUSTMENT SCREW (See Fig.4-@, Fig.8)
If, for any reason, the adjustment cannot be successfully made by the
fine adjustment screw, adjust the height of the arm lift by turning this
screw.
@ARM REST (See
Adjust so that the tonearm is parallel to the record when the height of
the tonearm has been adjusted.

Head Shell
Cartridge
I
i
1
1 i
= 52mm (2-1/16") —>t
Fig. 5
® @ Fig. 4
Add. 4 Lift Adjustment Serew
Cueing Lever
Fig. 6
& Add. 6
fn Height Adjustment Screw
Fig. 7
Add. 7
FEATURES
(TURNTABLE SECTION)
@33.CM (13”) ULTRA-LARGE DIAMETER TURNTABLE
PLATTER
33
cm
(13)
ultra-large
diameter, and
1.75
kg
(3.86
Ib)
heavy
weight
turntable platter has an inertial moment of 310 kg-cm? (105.9 Ib-in?)
‘and has been dynamically balanced.
‘Around the turntable platter are strobo marks which are used to
check its speed.
@DIRECT DRIVE MOTOR
There
is
no
“wow"
or
“flutter
caused
by
transmission
mechanism.
There
is
no
vibration
because
this
motor
has
no
high-speed
rotation
mechanism, The rumble is extremely low.
@ELECTRONIC COMMUTATOR BRUSHLESS DC MOTOR
The DC motor is not affected by fluctuations of the power supply
frequency. Starting rotation power is large, with complete stability of
speed reached within one-half rotation at 33-1/3 r.p.m. since there is
‘no electro-magnetic hum, the signal to noise ratio (rumble) is excellent.
‘And, because the motor includes an electronic commutator, starting
is perfectly accurate. There is, therefore, no speed instability or brush
deterioration as is often noted in brush commutators, no pulse noise
generated by brush sparking and no sound caused by rubbing of brushes.
@ROTATION OF THE TURNTABLE PLATTER CAN
BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME
This is a feature which is not found in players which have speed
reduction and
transmissions
devices
such
as
a
belt
or
idler.
If
such
stopping
is
attempted
on
ordinary
players,
the
belt
or
idler
will
soon deteriorate and efficiency soon becomes poor. In this player
system, such stopping causes no problem other than a slight increase
of the motor current, which is not really a problem.
@ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL
Because this set includes special circuitry to stabilize the speed electri-
cally, speed stability is extremely good.
@ELECTRICAL SPEED CHANGE
There is no mechanism to change the position of the belt or idler
There is, therefore, no “wow” or unwanted speed change.
@NO EFFECT FROM FLUCTUATIONS OF POWER
SUPPLY FREQUENCY OR VOLTAGE
Since the motor is the DC type, the rotation speed does not depend
on the power supply frequency. And, because a OC-stabilizer is used,
the
set
is
not
wffected
by
changes
of
the
power
supply
voltage,
even
if
the fluctuation is large.
@SEMI-PERMANENT HIGH PERFORMANCE
Unlike previous players, there is no reduction or transmission mecha
nism, such as a belt or idler.
‘The motor rotates the turntable platter directly at an ultra-low speed.
Wear
of
parts
is
therefore
reduced
to
the
extreme
minimum
and
high-
performance efficiency can be maintained semi-permanently,
@POWER
CONSUMPTION
IS
1/100
TH
THAT
OF
ORDINARY
MOTOR
Motor
power
consumption
is only
0.1 W. which
is less than
1/100th
that
of a conventional
AC motor.
(There
is a power
consumption
of
about
4 W, in addition
to the drive,
on other
electronic
circuitry)
(TONEARM SECTION)
@EASY BALANCING AND STYLUS PRESSURE
CONTROL
By a smooth rack-and-pinion type movement, the balance weight can
be adjusted easily. After adjusting the zero balance, pull the outside
of the stulys pressure knob outward, and the scale will be reset auto-
matically to the zero position. Now you can add the amount of stylus
Pressure you desire by directly reading the scale.
@FEATHER-TOUCH CUEING
Feather-touch cueing is viscousdamped in both directions for gentle
decent and ascent. The tonearm willbe set down exactly on the spot
you desire.

Fig. 1
Abb.1
Fig. 3
Abb. 3
SPECIFICATIONS
(TURNTABLE SECTION)
Type
Turntable platter
Turntable speeds
Motor
Power supply
Power consumption
‘Speed change method
Variable pitch controt
Wow and flutter
Rumble
Build-up time
Dimensions
Weight
(TONEARM SECTION)
‘Type
Effective length
Overhang
Tracking error angle
Stylus pressure
PLACEMENT OF PLAYER
Direct
drive
player
system
Aluminium
die-cast;
33
em
(13)
diameter
310
kg-cm?
(105.9
Ib-in?)
inertial
moment,
1.75
kg
(3.86
Ib)
weight
33.1/3
and
45
r.p.m.
20
poles
(rotor),
15
poles
(stator)
ultra
low-speed
brushless
OC
motor
‘AC 120V, 60H2
an
Electronic
change
Individual adjustment by variable resistor. 10% adjustment range
0.03% WRMS
-50 dB (DIN A) -70 dB (DIN B)
1/2 rotation at 3-1/3 r.p.m.
45,3
x
36.6
x
18,0
cm
(17-13/16"
x
14-13/32”
x
7-3/32")
(W
x
D
x
H)
10
kg
(22.1
Ib)
with
dust
cover
EPA-120 Direct reading stylus pressure adjustment, st
anti-skating force device.
220 mm (8-21/32")
14 mm (35/64")
Within £2.0°
0-49
@se
the
player
system
in
a
stable
and
horizontal
position,
where
there
is little or no vibration.
@se
the
player
system
as
far
away
from
the
speakers
as
possible
and
isolate
the
player
system
from
sound
radiation
from
them.
@Avoid
placing
the
player
in
excessively
hot
or
cold
places,
particu-
larly near heaters.
ic-balanced type, universal head shell,