Technics Direct Drive Turntable

 Direct Drive; The Idea That Revolutionized the Turntable

When Technics first introduced the direct drive turntable back in 1969, we were sure that our new drive design would revolutionize turntable manufacre. Subsequent history has shown that we were correct. The direct drive system was so much of an improvement oer the old way that it just couldn't be ignored, and the rest of the audio world was quick to imitate us. Today the direct drive turntable has become the industry standard, and it's no wonder. Just take a look at the direct drive advantages.

Greater Simplicity

In the Technics integral rotor-platterstructure direct drive system, the platter serves as the rotor and the motor housing serves as the stator. Thus, the plater is the only moving part. No pulleys, no belts, and no idlers are needed to drive the platter. Construction is greatly simplified and overall precision is much greater. And with fewer parts to wear out, reliability and service life is vastly improved.

Greater Efficiency

The direct drive motor runs at an ultra-slow speed since it need rotate no faster than the platter. This reduces mechanical wear and stress, causes less evaporation. The brushless DC motor has a power consumption 90% lower than conventional motors. This means much less trouble causing heat and lengthened service life of all parts. And the elimination of the Ac motor means the elimination of hum and power line frequency variations as a source of speed inaccuracy.

Higher Performance

The real payoff is in performance. The simple construction of the direct drive system enables much more precise construction and easier quality control. This has permitted the reduction of wow and flutter to spectacularly low levels and the total elimination of rumble as a source of interference. As you can, see it is no exaggeration to say that the technics direct drive turntable has revolutionized the world of turntables. 

Double Isolated Suspension System

As they have done in so many oyher areas of turntable design, Technics engineers have come up with an ingenious and unique method of coping with the acoustic feedback problem; the floating double isolator. External sounds and vibrations that reach the turntable either through the air or throught the unit's resting position - are met by two separate isolation systems. The first isolators effectively dampen harmful external vibrations which may reach the unit through the surface that it rsts on. The all important turntable, motor and tonearm assembly are then supported on a main base which floats on the secondary isolation system. These isolators are specially designed with material and springs of calculated and finely tuned elasticity to absorb external vibrations. The result is an audible clearity and transparency in sound.

Gimbal Suspension Tonearm

For the finst tracing senstivity, Technics tonearms rest in a gimbal suspension equipped with two pairs of low friction pivot bearings. With this enhanced rotational sensitivity, the tonearm is allowed free, gyroscopic movement to ensure flawless tracking.

One Chip IC Control

Most Technics direct drive turntables incorporate sophisticated one chip interated circuits to govern all motor control funtions. This One Chip IC is one of teh secrets behind the spectacular performance achieved by Technics DD unit. The B.FG principle (Back-Electromotive-Force Frequency Generator) causes a near instantaneous current change to correct for even the slightest speed deviation, assuring highly stable rotation.

 Quartz Phase-Locked Servo Control

The quartz oscillator, the most accurate method known for electronic frequency control, is used in Technics professional grade turntables to provide the basic reference frequency for all motor movements and for the stroboscope. This allows the achievement of the fantastically low speed drift figure of ±0,002%, or a maximum of ±0,036 second error over the 30 minute playing time of a typical LP side.

High Starting and Running Torque

Due to exceptionally high motor torque (6 kg-cm), speed built-up is an amazing 0,25 second. Normal operating speed (33⅓ rpm) is reached after only a 25 degree turn of the platter.

Anti-Skating Device

For perfect tracking, a fine-scale anti-skating device permits adjustment to fit all stylus pressures.

Independent Variable Pitch Controls

To allow adjustment of the rotatiopnal speed, independent pitch controls are built-in.

Illuminated Stroboscope

permits monitoring of exact platter speed

Universal Headshell

For convenient replacement of cartridge, a removable universal headshell fits easily onthe end of the tonearm.

Viscous-Damped Cueing

This feature is provided even on automatic units to allow safe manual lowering of the tonearm onto the record.

Detachable Dust Cover and Sleek, Elegant Design



Technics Direct Drive Turntables:
Technics SL-2000
Technics SL-1800
Technics SL-1700
Technics SL-1600
Technics SL-1100
Technics SP-10 MkII