Technics SL-1200GR2 + Concorde Music Black, Set

The Technics SL-1200GR2 + Ortofon Concorde Music Black set is a ready-to-play direct-drive turntable from the Grand Class, with the Ortofon Concorde Music Black mounted and aligned at our workshop.

In short: unpack, set up, connect to the phono stage – and drop the needle. No mounting, no aligning, no guesswork.

Why this set?

Because the SL-1200GR2 is one of the most sensible direct drives in its class – and here you don't get it without a cartridge. The ironless coreless motor runs without cogging, and the ΔΣ-Drive control smooths the rotation even further: a remarkably calm, stable speed stability that Technics is famous for. Add to that the proven S-shaped tonearm with detachable headshell. Instead of buying the turntable and cartridge separately and aligning them yourself, you get a fully matched unit here.

What you hear

Order and calm. The direct drive keeps the speed so stable that notes stand firm and the bass doesn't wobble – clean, dynamic and pleasantly effortless. The Concorde Music Black is the finest cartridge in the Music line: a nude Shibata diamond for very precise tracking – in the practical Concorde body. Because tracking force and alignment are already set correctly by us, the combination sits right from the first groove.

Who is this set suited for? (and who it isn't – straight talk)

Straight talk: This set is for anyone who likes it especially uncomplicated: the Ortofon Concorde Music Black combines cartridge and headshell in one body – plug it in, done, no separate alignment. Honestly: a phono preamp is part of the deal, though many amplifiers already have one built in (as MM). If you prefer a classic screw-mount cartridge, our 2M sets are the ones for you.

Our verdict

A well-rounded, ready-to-play package: a solid Grand Class turntable, a well-matched Concorde Music Black, everything mounted and aligned. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, our technician Mauri sets up the set properly, recommends the right phono stage, and delivers it completely ready to play if you like.

Technical data

• Type: direct-drive turntable (Grand Class), ready-to-play set with factory-mounted & aligned cartridge
• Drive: ironless coreless direct drive with ΔΣ-Drive control
• Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter: 0.025 % W.R.M.S.
• Tonearm: statically balanced S-shaped tonearm (aluminium), effective length 230 mm; the Concorde body replaces the headshell and plugs straight on
• Platter: die-cast aluminium with rubber damping, approx. 2.5 kg
• Cartridge: Ortofon Concorde Music Black (MM), stylus: nude Shibata diamond – mounted & aligned by us
• Phono stage required: MM phono input (already built into many amplifiers), otherwise a separate MM phono stage
• Connection: phono output (RCA, detachable) + ground cable
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 453 × 173 × 372 mm
• Weight: approx. 11.2 kg
• Included: SL-1200GR2, plugged-on Ortofon Concorde Music Black (body incl. stylus), standard headshell, counterweight, platter, RCA cable, ground cable, dust cover, manual

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the SL-1200GR2 + Concorde Music Black set?
The Technics SL-1200GR2 direct-drive turntable and the Ortofon Concorde Music Black, mounted and aligned by us at the workshop. All you need is a suitable phono stage (MM) and your system – the turntable and cartridge are already matched to each other.

What does the Concorde Music Black bring sonically?
The Concorde Music Black is the top of the Concorde Music line with a nude Shibata diamond. It tracks especially finely and delivers precise, detail-rich reproduction – sonically related to the 2M Black, but in the integrated, plug-on Concorde body.

Do I still need a phono preamp?
Usually not a separate one: the GR2 outputs an MM signal, and many integrated amplifiers already have an MM phono input. If yours doesn't, add a small MM phono stage. We'll take a look at your amplifier and give you an honest answer on whether you need anything.

Why buy the SL-1200GR2 set at HD Zürisee?
Because ready-to-play at our place really means ready-to-play: our technician Mauri mounts and aligns the Concorde Music Black properly, we recommend the right phono stage, and deliver it completely ready to go if you like. As an experienced specialist team, we take the time for your system. Questions? Call us (+41 44 680 22 00), send an email or a WhatsApp message.

Goes well with

A good match here is a phono preamp (if your amplifier has no MM input), a clean phono cable, a refined integrated amplifier, and matching bookshelf speakers. You'll find more cartridges under cartridges.