Technics SL-1200GR2 + Concorde Elite, Set

The Technics SL-1200GR2 + Ortofon Concorde Elite set is a ready-to-play Grand Class direct-drive turntable, with the Ortofon Concorde Elite mounted and aligned by us before it leaves our workshop.

In short: unpack, set up, connect to the phono stage – and put on a record. 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 stylus. The coreless motor runs without cogging, and the ΔΣ-drive control smooths out rotation even further: a remarkably calm, stable speed the Technics name is famous for. Add the proven S-shaped tonearm with removable headshell. Instead of buying turntable and cartridge separately and aligning them yourself, you get a fully matched unit here.

What you'll hear

Order and calm. The direct drive keeps speed so stable that notes stand firm and the bass doesn't wobble – clean, dynamic, and pleasantly effortless. The Concorde Elite is a precise tracker in a robust Concorde body with a nude Shibata diamond – plug in rather than mount, with clean fine resolution included. Because tracking force and alignment are already dialled in by us, the combination sits right from the very first groove.

Who's this set for? (and who isn't it for – let's be direct)

Let's be direct: this set is for anyone who likes things especially uncomplicated: the Ortofon Concorde Elite combines cartridge and headshell in a single body – plug in, done, no separate alignment needed. To be fair: a phono preamp is still needed, but many amplifiers already have one built in (as MM). If you prefer a classic screw-mount cartridge, we have the 2M sets.

Our verdict

A well-rounded, ready-to-play package: a solid Grand Class turntable, a well-matched Concorde Elite, everything mounted and aligned. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, our technician Mauri sets the whole system up properly, recommends the right phono stage, and delivers it completely ready to go on request.

Specifications

• Type: direct-drive turntable (Grand Class), ready-to-play set with factory-mounted & aligned cartridge
• Drive: 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 in directly
• Platter: die-cast aluminium with rubber damping, approx. 2.5 kg
• Cartridge: Ortofon Concorde Elite (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
• Output: phono output (RCA, detachable) + ground cable
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 453 × 173 × 372 mm
• Weight: approx. 11.2 kg
• Included: SL-1200GR2, plugged-in Ortofon Concorde Elite (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 Elite set?
The Technics SL-1200GR2 direct-drive turntable and the Ortofon Concorde Elite, mounted and aligned by us before delivery. All you need is a suitable phono stage (MM) and your system – turntable and cartridge are already fully matched to each other.

What does the Concorde Elite bring sonically?
The Concorde Elite tracks very precisely with a nude Shibata diamond and delivers refined, clean reproduction. Cartridge and headshell form a robust single unit that plugs directly onto the tonearm – no separate alignment needed. A low-maintenance, sonically strong partner for the GR2.

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

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

Goes well with

A good match: a phono preamp (if your amplifier doesn't have an MM input), a quality phono cable, an integrated amplifier with finesse, and matching bookshelf speakers. You'll find more cartridges under Cartridges.