Technics SL-1210GR2 + Concorde Elite, Set

The Technics SL-1210GR2 + Ortofon Concorde Elite set is a ready-to-play Grand Class direct-drive turntable, with the Ortofon Concorde Elite factory-mounted and aligned by us.

In short: unpack, set up, connect to the phono stage – and play a record. No mounting, no aligning, no guessing.

Why this set?

Because the SL-1210GR2 is one of the most sensible direct drives in its class – and here you don't get it without a stylus. The ironless coreless motor runs without cogging, the ΔΣ-Drive control further smooths the rotation: a remarkably calm, stable speed that Technics is famous for. Add to that the proven S-tonearm with detachable headshell. Instead of buying the deck and cartridge separately and aligning them yourself, you get a ready-tuned 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 Elite is a precise tracker in a robust Concorde body with a Nude Shibata diamond – plug in instead of mounting, clean fine resolution included. Because tracking force and alignment are already right with us, the combination sits perfectly from the very first groove.

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

Plain talk: this set is for anyone who likes things especially uncomplicated: the Ortofon Concorde Elite combines cartridge and headshell in one body – plug in, done, no separate alignment. Honestly: a phono preamp is still needed, but many amplifiers already bring it along (as MM). If you prefer a classic screw-mount system, you'll find our 2M sets.

Our verdict

A well-rounded, ready-to-play package: a solid Grand Class deck, a well-matched Concorde Elite, all mounted and aligned. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil our technician Mauri sets the set up cleanly, recommends the right phono stage and delivers it fully ready to go on request.

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-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 present on many amplifiers), otherwise 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-1210GR2, 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-1210GR2 + Concorde Elite set?
The Technics SL-1210GR2 direct-drive turntable and the Ortofon Concorde Elite, factory-mounted and aligned by us. All you still need is a suitable phono stage (MM) and your system – deck 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 a fine, clean reproduction. Cartridge and headshell form a robust 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 not, you 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-1210GR2 set at HD Zürisee?
Because ready-to-play at HD Zürisee really means ready-to-play: our technician Mauri mounts and aligns the Concorde Elite cleanly, we recommend the right phono stage and deliver fully ready to go on request. As an experienced specialist team, we take our time for your chain. Questions? Call us (+41 44 680 22 00), send an email or a WhatsApp message.

Goes well with

A phono preamp (if your amplifier has no MM input), a clean phono cable, an integrated amplifier with fine finishing and matching bookshelf speakers go well with this. You'll find more systems under cartridges.