Technics' legendary SL-1200 turntable gets two limited 'Master Edition' versions – and they're actually the last track for a famous model

• Technics SL-1200G/1210G upgraded with Delta Sigma Drive
• Gold-colored elements including the tonearm
• 1,200 + 1,210 units worldwide, from February 2026

Technics' SL-1200 turntable is quite probably the world's most famous record deck, especially if you're into dance music and hip-hop: it's been filling floors and entertaining audiophiles since 1972, and (r)evolving all the time. And now it's evolved again, with an impressive upgrade in a strictly limited edition.

The good news is that there are new Master Editions of both the SL-1200G and the SL-1210G turntables. But there's a little bit of bad news too. This edition will be the final version of the SL-1200G, although other SL-1200 models such as the GR2 and MK7 will continue to be produced.

The new Master Edition turntables will be limited to just 2,410 units worldwide: 1,200 of the silver SL-1200GME, and 1,210 of the black SL-1210GME.

What's new in the SL-1200 Master Editions?

The big upgrade here is in the drive system. Technics has brought its ΔΣ-Drive (Delta Sigma Drive) motor control system to both turntables, and according to Technics it delivers "exceptional" rotational stability and smoothness.

The drive system has previously appeared in models such as the SL-1200GR2 and SL-1300G, but this is its first time in the SL-1200G and SL-1210G.

As Technics explains, "The ΔΣ-Drive motor control technology is capable of delivering the perfect driving sine wave signal for the iron-coreless direct drive motor. By using PWM signal generation with ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) Modulation, as employed in Technics’ full-digital amplifiers, motor vibrations are reduced to the minimum, resulting in a super smooth rotational accuracy."

The motor delivers very high torque and has been completely reworked for the Master Edition to reduce minute variations and smoothen the tracking process. And its hybrid encoder features a Hall sensor, which constantly monitors and adjusts the rotational speed. This compensates for issues such as vinyl warping. And there's a new multi-stage silent power supply, similar to the one in the reference SL-1000R.

In order to make the Master Editions look distinct, Technics has incorporated gold-coloured elements including the tonearm, the headshell logo, the top panel logo, the logo badge, the dust cover logo sheet and the strobe off control.

The new Master Edition turntables will be available from authorized North American retailers from February 2026. Pricing will be announced nearer the time.

The best turntables for all budgets

➡️ Read our full guide to the best turntables
1. Best overall:
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo
2. Best cheap beginner deck:
House of Marley Revolution
3. Best budget Bluetooth deck:
Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT
4. Best premium Bluetooth deck:
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2

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