Technics SP 12 – direct-drive turntable with plinth

Japanese through and through, an authentic embodiment of the best of Japan’s electronics industry during its golden age, this power amplifier represented one of the purest interpretations of the design philosophy that characterised the Japanese audio industry at the height of its technological development.

This unit was essentially the motor-only version of the legendary first-series SL 1200. And when you said ‘1200’, that said it all. People spoke of ‘the’ turntable. They meant Technics, and that was that. In this historical context, this unit represented the first version, far harder to come by than the classic models that followed, and was regarded as a mechanical base of great prestige, intended for high-end setups with selected plinths and tonearms.

The platter was driven by an ultra-low-speed DC motor, a design solution that stabilised rotation and eliminated noise induced by fluctuations in the mains supply voltage. The direct-drive motor featured high torque and a short start-up time, characteristics that at the time helped define the new standards for direct drive. The rotation speed could be electronically adjusted by 10% for both speed settings. With impressive technical specifications, such as wow and flutter of <0.03% WRMS and an SNR of 70 dB (DIN45539B), the SP-12 went on to achieve a phenomenal reputation in the hi-fi world in the years that followed.

The SP-12’s exceptional sound and build quality were commonly cited by critics as its winning features, elements that helped cement its reputation among enthusiasts and collectors of Japanese hi-fi equipment.

This unit has been fully refurbished and is in excellent condition.

As this model was intended exclusively for that market, the power supply was 100 V, and a 230 V transformer was required to connect it to the European mains supply (please contact us for further information).

A collector’s item, in good condition, thoroughly refurbished.

The plinth is made of solid plywood and veneered with oil-treated fine wood. It
is fitted with two plates for mounting the tonearm: one flange to be drilled as required and the other fitted with a slot for SME-type tonearms. The plexiglass dust cover is removable and supported by hinges.

Supplied as shown in the photo, complete with a new cork mat, without tonearm.

Dimensions: 55x44.5x18.5 cm
Weight: 17.5 kg