Technics SL-1200GAE turntable sells out in 30 minutes

The hype around the new Technics SL-1200 turntable has reached fever pitch, with the first 300 models of the limited edition SL-1200GAE selling out in a matter of minutes in Japan.

Two new Technics 1210 turntables are on the way this year, with the SL-1200GAE limited to 1200 units, while the SL-1200G will follow later in the year with a bigger production run.

The first 300 units of the limited edition 'GAE model went on sale in Japan today priced at 356,400 yen (around $3300, £2200) and all 300 were bought within 30 minutes, according to Panasonic. A further 900 SL-1200GAE turntables will go on sale worldwide, with the UK price confirmed at £2799.

MORE: Technics SL-1200G hands-on review

A Panasonic representative spoke to Japanese outlet Sankei Shuibum, saying: "I didn’t think the price was too high as we have confidence in our brand, but I didn’t expect them to sell out so quickly."

The new Technics turntables were unveiled at CES at the start of the year, with the price tag taking many fans by surprise. Technics told What Hi-Fi? why the new turntable is so expensive at the Bristol Sound & Vision Show, and hinted that a cheaper model could yet follow.

Panasonic has yet to confirm a concrete UK release date for the Technics SL-1200GAE or the SL-1200G, so keep your eyes peeled if you have a few grand burning a hole in your pocket...

[via Tokyo Reporter / Resident Advisor]

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).