You probably won’t find this at a DJ booth any time soon – Technics just announced its latest SL-1000R turntable that comes in at an eye-watering US$20,000. Its build looks more like a minimalist sculpture than a functional piece of music gear, and it has ultra-top shelf features that you’ll need audiophile gear to maximise (and golden ears to hear) including a magnesium S-shaped tonearm and a 10mm thick brass vinyl platter. Despite all this, it doesn’t have a pitch control fader, so this is strictly for high-profile listening rooms, top-tier audiophile set-ups, and carefree yacht parties of the one percent in Monte Carlo.
The SL-1200R makes the company’s recent SL-1200GR turntable feel like chump change – it costs US$1600, which is more in the price range of a CDJ-2000NXS2. It’s still beyond the reach of most DJs, but at least it’s got a pitch fader. For now though, we’re still quite happy with our decades-old 1200s that still work a treat for once-in-a-blue-moon retro parties or for when we just want to throw on some Pink Floyd LPs.
• The Technics SL-1000R will be available from Spring 2018.
What are your thoughts on this turntable? Know anyone who would be keen on getting it? Let us know in the comments.
Joey Santos
