Technics SL-1200GAE User manual

SL-1200GAE
Operating Instructions Direct Drive Turntable System
Bedienungsanleitung Plattenspieler mit Direktantrieb
Mode d’emploi Platine vinyle à entraînement direct
Istruzioni per l’uso Giradischi ad azionamento diretto
Instrucciones de funcionamiento Sistema de accionamiento directo del plato giratorio
Gebruiksaanwijzing Platenspeler met directe aandrijving
Bruksanvisning Skivspelare med direktdrivning
Betjeningsvejledning Pladespiller med direkte drev
Käyttöohjeet Suoravetoinen levysoitinjärjestelmä
Instrukcja obsługi Gramofon Direct Drive
Návod k obsluze Gramofonový systém s přímým pohonem

English
(2)
Music is borderless and timeless, touching people’s
hearts across cultures and generations.
Each day the discovery of a truly emotive experience
from an unencountered sound awaits.
Let us take you on your journey to rediscover music.

3
Delivering the Ultimate Emotive
Musical Experience to All
At Technics we understand that the listening experience
is not purely about technology but the magical and
emotional relationship between people and music.
We want people to experience music as it was originally
intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact
that enthuses and delights them.
Through delivering this experience we want to support the
development and enjoyment of the world’s many musical
cultures. This is our philosophy.
With a combination of our love of music and the vast
high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand
committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate
emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music
lovers.
Director
Michiko Ogawa

English
(4)
4
Features
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this product.
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for future use.
zAbout descriptions in these operating instructions
- Pages to be referred to are indicated as “(00)”.
- The illustrations shown may differ from your unit.
Sales and Support Information
Customer Communications Centre
zFor customers within the UK: 0333 222 8777
zFor customers within Ireland: 01 447 5229
zMonday–Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, (Excluding public holidays).
zFor further support on your product, please visit our website: www.technics.com/uk/
The coreless direct drive eliminates
cogging and achieves smooth
rotation
zThe twin-rotor construction reduces minute
vibration during rotation while maintaining
high torque.
zThe high-precision motor control technology
switches the drive mode depending on the
operational status of the motor.
This technology combines high torque with
high stability.
The tone arm with high-precision
bearings achieves high initial-
motion sensitivity
zThe tone arm pipe employs magnesium
which provides high rigidity.
zThe use of traditional Technics gimbal
suspension construction and high-precision
bearings attains high initial-motion sensitivity.
Three-layered turntable that
delivers smooth rotational stability
z
The turntable has a three-layered construction
with a rigidly combined brass and aluminium
diecast platter, and a rubber covering its rear
surface to eliminate unnecessary resonance.
With this construction, high rigidity and
vibration damping are achieved.
zThe use of a heavyweight-class turntable that
generates a large inertial mass.
It delivers smooth rotational stability.
Four-layered cabinet construction
and insulators based on thorough
anti-vibration design
zThe top panel of immaculate aluminium
has been added to the three-layered
construction of aluminium diecast, BMC, and
heavyweight-class rubber. This four-layered
construction combines high rigidity with a
high quality finish and feel.
zThe insulators employ special silicon rubber
to ensure high vibration damping and long-
term reliability. They completely dampen
external vibration and suppress howling
noise.
High-quality terminals
zThe use of brass-milled and gold-plated
terminals prevents degradation in sound
quality.
zInside the case, the metal shielding
construction is used to diminish the effects of
external noise.
Highly accurate turntable speed
maintained with the pitch control
zThe digital control method is adopted to
achieve constant pitch control.
zThe pitch variable range select button (×2) is
provided. The pitch control with the range up
to ±16 % is possible.

Before use Getting started Playing
back Maintenance
English
(5) 5
zBefore use
Safety precautions ................................................................ 6
Accessories ........................................................................... 9
Parts Name ......................................................................... 10
zGetting started
Putting the player together ................................................. 11
zAttaching the cartridge .......................................... 11
zFitting the turntable ............................................... 13
zFitting the turntable mat ........................................ 13
zAttaching the head shell......................................... 13
zAttaching the balance weight................................. 13
Connections and installation ............................................... 14
zConnecting to an integrated amplifier or
component system................................................. 14
zInstallation ............................................................. 15
zFit the dust cover.................................................... 15
Adjustment ......................................................................... 16
zHorizontal balance ................................................. 16
zStylus pressure ....................................................... 16
zAnti-skating............................................................ 17
zTone arm height..................................................... 18
zArmlift height......................................................... 19
zAdjusting the turntable startup/brake speed .......... 19
zPlaying back
Playing records.................................................................... 20
Pitch control (fine adjustment to pitch)................................ 22
zMaintenance
Maintenance....................................................................... 23
Troubleshooting guide ........................................................ 24
Updating the firmware........................................................ 24
Specifications...................................................................... 25
Table of contents

English
(6)
6
Safety precautions
Warning Caution
Unit
zTo reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or
product damage,
-Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture,
dripping or splashing.
-Do not place objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, on this unit.
-Use only the recommended accessories.
-Do not remove covers.
-Do not repair this unit by yourself.
Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
-Do not let metal objects fall inside this unit.
-Do not place heavy items on this unit.
AC mains lead
zTo reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or
product damage,
-Ensure that the power supply voltage
corresponds to the voltage printed on this
unit.
-Insert the mains plug fully into the socket
outlet.
-Do not pull, bend, or place heavy items on
the lead.
-Do not handle the plug with wet hands.
-Hold onto the mains plug body when
disconnecting the plug.
-Do not use a damaged mains plug or socket
outlet.
zThe mains plug is the disconnecting device.
Install this unit so that the mains plug
can be unplugged from the socket outlet
immediately.
zEnsure the earth pin on the mains plug is
securely connected to prevent electrical
shock.
-An apparatus with CLASS I construction
shall be connected to a mains socket outlet
with a protective earth connection.
Unit
zDo not place sources of naked flames, such
as lighted candles, on this unit.
zThis unit may receive radio interference
caused by mobile telephones during use.
If such interference occurs, please increase
separation between this unit and the mobile
telephone.
zThis unit is intended for use in moderate and
tropical climates.
zDo not put any objects on this unit.
This unit becomes hot while it is on.
Placement
zPlace this unit on an even surface.
zTo reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or
product damage,
-Do not install or place this unit in a
bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another
confined space.
Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
-Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation
openings with newspapers, tablecloths,
curtains, and similar items.
-Do not expose this unit to direct sunlight,
high temperatures, high humidity, and
excessive vibration.
zEnsure that the placement location is sturdy
enough to accommodate the weight of this
unit (25).
zDo not lift or carry this unit by holding the
knobs. Doing so may cause this unit to fall,
resulting in personal injury or malfunction of
this unit.

Before use
English
(7) 7
Caution for AC Mains Lead
(For the AC mains plug of three pins)
For your safety, please read the following text
carefully.
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three
pin mains plug for your safety and convenience.
A 10-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please
ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating
of 10-ampere and that it is approved by ASTA
or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark
on the body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you
must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is
replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be
used until a replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased
from your local dealer.
Before use
Remove the connector cover.
How to replace the fuse
The location of the fuse differ according to the
type of AC mains plug (figures A and B).
Confirm the AC mains plug fitted and follow
the instructions below.
Illustrations may differ from actual AC mains
plug.
1. Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.
Figure A Figure B
Fuse cover
2.Replace the fuse and close or attach the fuse
cover.
Figure A Figure B
Fuse
(10 ampere)
Fuse
(10 ampere)

English
(8)
8
Safety precautions (continued)
Disposal of Old Equipment
Only for European Union and countries with recycling systems
These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying documents mean that used
electrical and electronic products must not be mixed with general household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products, please take them to applicable
collection points in accordance with your national legislation.
By disposing of them correctly, you will help to save valuable resources and prevent any
potential negative effects on human health and the environment.
For more information about collection and recycling, please contact your local municipality.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national
legislation.

Before use
English
(9) 9
Accessories
In order to prevent damage during shipping some of the equipment has been disassembled.
Please check and identify the supplied accessories.
Turntable (1 pc.)
(RYQ1618-X)
Turntable mat (1 pc.)
(RGS0008)
Dust cover (1 pc.)
(RYF1035-Q)
EP record adaptor (1 pc.)
(RMX0551)
Balance weight (1 pc.)
(RXQ2316)
Auxiliary weight small (1 pc.)
(TPAKK61)
Auxiliary weight big (1 pc.)
(TPAKK62)
Head shell (1 pc.)
(RFA3670)
Overhang gauge (1 pc.)
(RMR2210-W)
Screw set for cartridge (1 set)
(RXQ2315)
zNuts (2 pc.)
zScrews-short (2 pc.)
zScrews-long (2 pc.)
zWashers (2 pc.)
PHONO cable (1pc.)
(K2KYYYY00257)
PHONO earth lead (1pc.)
(K4EY1YY00160)
AC mains lead (1 pc.) AC mains lead (1 pc.) AC mains lead (1 pc.)
(K2CT3YY00081) (K2CM3YY00041) (K2CS3YY00033)
Screw set for turntable (1 set )
(RXQ2343)
zScrews-long (3 pc.)
zWashers (3 pc.)
zBelleville springs (3 pc.)
zThe model numbers of the accessories are as of March 2016.
They are subject to change without notice.
zDispose of the packaging materials in an appropriate manner.
zFollow the local regulations when disposing of the product.
zDo not use any other AC mains lead, PHONO cable and PHONO earth lead except the supplied
one.
zKeep the cartridge, auxiliary weight, nuts, screws and washers out of reach of children to prevent
swallowing.

English
(10)
10
Balance weight (13)
Stylus pressure
control (16)
Arm lock
(18)
Arm-height
control ring
(18)
Anti-
skating
control
(17)
Pitch range select
button (22)
Arm clamp (16)
Arm rest (16)
Cue lever (16)
Speed select buttons (20)
Turntable (12)
Turntable mat (12)
Stylus light (21)
Stylus light switch (21)
EP record adaptor (20)
Centre spindle (12)
Insulator (15)
START-STOP button (20)
ON/OFF (power) (20)
Strobe light (22)
RESET button (21)
PITCH ADJ control
(22)
Auxiliary
weight
mounting
location (13)
Head shell (11)
Locking nut (13)
Tone arm (13)
PHONO earth terminal (14)
AC input terminal (14)
Dust cover fitting part (15)
PHONO output terminal (14)
Back
Numbers such as (20) indicate reference pages.
Parts Name

Before use Getting started
English
(11) 11
1Attach a cartridge (store-bought)
tentatively.
Follow the cartridge’s instructions to
correctly attach it to the head shell, and
tighten the screws lightly.
zIf the mounting screws are included in
the cartridge, use them.
zWhen playing SP records, use a cartridge
for SP records.
zUse a commercially available mini flat
screwdriver (4 mm).
Attaching the cartridge
Fit the overhang gauge to the head shell.
lTighten the screw for cartridge.
The overhang can be adjusted optimally.
Putting the player together
Screw for
cartridge
Overhang gauge
Head
shell
Head shell
Lead wire
Cartridge
Nuts
Stylus
Washers
(Lead wire) (Terminal)
Red R+ (Red)
Green R- (Green)
White L+ (White)
Blue L- (Blue)
Screw for cartridge
Terminal
(Example)
52 mm
2Adjust the overhang.
Use the included overhang gauge.
kMove the cartridge to line the stylus tip up
with the end of the gauge.
zThe cartridge should be parallel on
the shell head when viewed from the
top and side (the illustration is the top
view).
zBe careful not to allow the cartridge to
slip out of place.
Stylus tip

English
(12)
Putting the player together (continued)
In order to prevent damage during shipping, some of the equipment has been disassembled.
Put the player together in the following order.
Do not connect the AC mains lead until set up is complete.
Turntable mat
Turntable
Centre spindle
Rotor shaft
Balance weight
Head shell
Attention
Handle carefully as
this is heavy.
6
4
1
3Mounting
screw for
turntable
Belleville
spring
Washers
Rotor shaft fix
hole
2
5
12
Attention
zDo not use an electric screwdriver or
impact wrench to tighten screws.
zNote that using a screwdriver not fitting to
the screws for mounting the turntable may
damage the main unit.

Getting started
English
(13)
Fitting the turntable
1Insert the centre spindle in the
centre hole of the turntable.
Attention
zBe careful when handling the turntable, as
it is heavy.
zWipe off fingerprints or dirt with a soft cloth.
2Slowly lower the turntable while
aligning the rotor shaft fix holes
(three locations) with the rotor
shafts.
zTurn the turntable in both directions to
align the holes with the rotor shafts.
Attention
zIf the rotor shafts are misaligned, a gap
remains between the turntable and main
unit and you cannot mount the turntable
correctly. Do not force the turntable
downward.
3
Attach the washers, belleville
springs, and screws for turntable to
the rotor shaft fix holes, and tighten
the mounting screws securely.
To remove the turntable
Loosen the mounting screws for turntable
and remove them.
-Keep the screws, belleville springs, and
washers carefully.
kHold the turntable with both hands and
slowly pull it straight up.
Fitting the turntable mat
4Lay the turntable mat on the
turntable.
Attention
zWhen tightening screws,
do not allow screw heads
to protrude from the top
surface of the turntable.
zTighten the three screws
evenly.
13
Attaching the head shell
5Fit the head shell with the
cartridge into the tone arm.
Keep the head shell horizontal
and tighten the locking nut.
zBe careful not to touch the stylus tip.
Locking nut
Head shell
0
Attaching the balance weight
6Attach the balance weight to the
rear of the tone arm.
0
Balance weight
0
Auxiliary weight
z
The inside of the balance weight is greased.
Note
zAttach the included auxiliary weight to the
rear of the tone arm according to the weight
of your cartridge.
For adjustable cartridge weight ranges, see
"Applicable cartridge weight range". (25)

English
(14)
Connecting to an integrated amplifier or component system
Connections and installation
zTurn off all units and disconnect the AC mains lead from the socket before making any
connections.
zConnect the AC mains lead only after all other connections are completed.
zBe sure to connect the PHONO earth lead. Otherwise mains hum may occur.
zRefer also to the instruction manual of the connected device.
1Connect the PHONO cables and
PHONO earth lead to the PHONO
terminals of the connected
equipment.
zYou will not have adequate volume or
sound quality if the connected amplifier
has no PHONO terminals.
2Connect the AC mains lead.
zConfirm the wattage of the AC outlet on
the connected equipment before using it
for this unit.
(This unit consumes 14 W.)
zThe operation switch does not separate entire unit from mains even if in “OFF“ position.
Remove the plug from the mains socket if you will not be using the unit for an extended period of
time. Place the unit so that the plug can be easily removed.
Note
Amplifier(not included)
PHONOPHONO
EARTH
Back of main unit
5V2.1APHONES
VOLUME
INPUTSELECTOR
LR
LR
Insert the AC mains lead
up to a point just before
the round hole.
PHONOcable
PHONO earth lead To a household
mains socket
14

Getting started
English
(15)
Installation
Fit the dust cover
Install the unit on a horizontal surface
protected from vibrations.
Keep this unit as far as possible from speakers.
Adjusting the height to make the
unit horizontal
Raise the main unit to turn the insulators and
adjust the height.
zClockwise: Reduces the height.
zAnti-clockwise: Increases the height.
Attention
zDo not turn the insulators too far.
Doing so may cause them to come off or
damage them.
Notes for installation
zBefore you move the unit, remove all devices
connected and turn off the power supply.
zEnsure the unit is not exposed to direct
sunlight, dust, humidity, and heat from a
heating appliance.
zThis unit may pick up interference from a
radio if there is one nearby.
Keep the unit as far as possible from a radio.
zDo not install the unit on a heat source.
z
Avoid a place with large temperature variations.
zAvoid a place with frequent condensation.
zAvoid an unstable place.
zDo not put an object on the unit.
zDo not install the unit in a confined space
such as a book shelf.
zInstall the unit at a position well away from
walls or other devices to ensure effective
heat radiation from the inside of the unit.
zMake sure that the material of the
installation location is sufficiently strong to
withstand the weight of this unit.
zNote that the unit may be damaged by
cigarette smoke or moisture from an
ultrasonic humidifier.
Condensation
Think of taking out a cold bottle from a
refrigerator. If you leave it in a room for a while,
dewdrops will form on the bottle surface. This
phenomenon is called “condensation“.
zConditions causing condensation
Rapid temperature change (caused by
moving from a warm place to a cold place or
vice versa, rapid cooling or heating, or direct
exposure to cooled air)
High humidity in a room with much steam,
etc.
Rainy season
zCondensation may damage the unit. If it
has occurred, turn the unit off and leave it
until it adapts to the ambient temperature
(approximately 2 to 3 hours).
1Hold the dust cover with both
hands and insert it into the dust
cover fitting parts (10) on the
player.
zTo remove the dust cover, keep it open
and lift it straight above.
Attention
z
Return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix
it with the arm clamp before you attach or
detach the dust cover.
15

English
(16)
Anti-skating control
Arm clamp
Arm rest
Cue lever
1Free the tone arm from the arm
rest and adjust horizontal balance
by turning the balance weight.
Hold the tone arm and turn the balance
weight in the arrow direction to adjust
the balance until the arm is approximately
horizontal.
zTake care not to
allow the stylus tip
to touch the
turntable or main
unit.
Balance weight
Hold here
to turn
16
1Turn the stylus pressure control
until “0“ comes to the centre line
of the rear of the tone arm.
zHold the balance
weight still while
doing this.
Preparation
zFirst, remove the dust cover.
zReturn the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it
with the arm clamp.
Horizontal balance Stylus pressure
Preparation
zFirst, remove the dust cover.
zRemove the stylus cover, taking care not
to damage the stylus, then release the arm
clamp.
zLower the cue lever.
zTurn the anti-skating control to “0”.
Adjustment
Balance weight
Arm clamp
Centre line
Stylus pressure
control
Hold here
to turn
Balanced and the tone
arm is parallel to the
turntable.
The balance weight is
too far forward.
The balance weight is
too far back.
zRefer to the user's guide for your stylus for
the appropriate stylus pressure.
Note

Getting started
English
(17) 17
0
1
3
2
Anti-skating
1Turn the anti-skating control to
adjust it to the same value as the
stylus pressure control.
2Turn the balance weight to adjust
to the appropriate stylus pressure
for the cartridge.
zThe stylus pressure control will turn
together with the balance weight.
zTurn until the centre line points to the
appropriate stylus pressure.
Centre line
Balance weight
Hold here
to turn
Turns
together
zFor stylus pressures 3 gand above, adjust
anti-skating control to “3”.
Note

English
(18)
3
4
1
2
Tone arm height
Make this adjustment only if the cartridge you
are using makes it necessary.
Preparation
zPut a record on the turntable.
1Release the arm lock.
Adjustment (continued)
Index line
Arm-height control
ring
Cartridge height
(H) in millimeters
Height control
position
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Arm lock (Released)
(Locked)
Use the chart below as reference to find the
appropriate position mark for the height of
your cartridge.
kTurn the arm-height
control ring to align
the position mark
with the index line.
0 to 6 mm are
marked on the arm
height control ring.
2Adjust the height with the arm-
height control ring.
Adjust the arm height until the tone arm
becomes parallel to the record.
(For supplied head shell)
When you don't know the cartridge
height (H),
Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to
damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp.
Lower the cue lever, rest the stylus on the
record and adjust the height control until the
tone arm and record are parallel.
3After arm height adjustment is
finished, lock the tone arm by
turning the arm lock knob.
Parallel to the turntable
Attention
z
Be careful not to damage the stylus tip.
z
Do not use the product with the arm lock
released.
18

Getting started
English
(19)
Armlift height
Make an adjustment according to your
cartridge if necessary.
Preparation
zPut a record on the turntable.
zRemove the stylus cover, taking care not
to damage the stylus, then release the arm
clamp.
zLift the cue lever and move the tone arm over
the record.
You can choose manual mode or auto mode.
(Factory setting: Auto mode)
Auto mode
We recommend auto mode that can maximize
performance of the product. It adjusts the
"startup speed" (described below) automatically.
(The set torque control is not reflected.)
Move the mode switch to [A] using a tool
such as a thin screwdriver.
Manual mode
Allows you to adjust the "startup speed" manually.
Move the mode switch to [M] using a tool
such as a thin screwdriver.
Startup speed
You can adjust the startup speed (the time for
the turntable to reach the constant speed) from
pressing [START-STOP] and the torque gain at
the constant speed.
Adjust the torque knob using a flat
screwdriver.
zH direction: Fast startup
zL direction: Slow startup
Brake speed
You can adjust the brake speed from pressing
[START-STOP] until the turntable stops.
(Adjustment is possible in both auto and
manual mode.)
Adjust the brake speed control knob using a
flat screwdriver.
zS direction: Slow stop
zF direction: Fast stop
S
BRAKE
TORQUE
F
H
L
M
A
Brake speed
control knob
Torque knob
Mode switch
Adjusting the turntable startup/
brake speed
Note
1Check the armlift height (distance
between the stylus tip and record
surface).
If adjustment is needed, go to
step 2.
zThe armlift height is factory-adjusted to
8 to 13 mm.
2Return the tone arm to the arm
rest and fix it with the arm clamp.
Turn the adjustment screw.
zTurning the screw clockwise lowers the
armlift.
zTurning the screw anti-clockwise raises
the armlift.
4
1
2
Armlift
screw
Armlift
zUse a commercially available mini flat
screwdriver (2.4 mm) to adjust the torque/
brake speed control knob.
zDo not turn the knob too far using an
excessive force.
19

English
(20)
Playing records
1Turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit on.
The strobe light comes on. 33-1/3 rpm is
automatically selected and the indicator [33]
lights.
2Press [START-STOP].
The turntable starts revolving.
Speed select buttons
Indicators
·
4
3
5
1
2
EP record adaptor Centre spindle
1
2
2
Preparation
1 Put a record on the turntable.
2 Take off the stylus cover and release the arm clamp.
33 45
78
START･STOP
33
・
・
・
+6.4
3.3
0
-
3.3
%
Strobe light
Indicator
20