• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Going to check out some restored Technics TTs. Which model would you choose?

S

saldog

New Member
He's got multiple Technics models are all around the same price:
  • SL-Q30
  • SL-D2
  • SL-B303
  • SL-QX300
  • SL-Q20
  • SL-230
  • SL-QD35
All seem to be nicely refreshed. This will be my first turntable system. It'll be feeding a tube amp with phono stage and some KEF speakers. I like the idea of quartz lock, but could be flexible. I am undecided on belt vs direct drive, and also not sure about straight vs. S tonearm. I've read fully automatic can be more trouble (and maintenance) than it's worth, but it sounds like a nice feature.

I would welcome everyone's thoughts. What would you pick? I do like to tinker, but for a first system, I'd like to ease into that part of a vinyl system. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Well!

Not the QX300, Q30, nor Q20 - I'd prefer an SME type headshell. (That's a deal breaker for me, but you may feel otherwise!)

Of the remaining two, D2 or B303 based on condition and curb appeal.
 
Nothing wrong with a p-mount arm, if you ask me. Although choices are somewhat limited, check out LPGear... they have an impressive selection!!

I, too would personally go with the SME headshell style.

Also, less 'auto' features is preferable to me, because it will likely be less problematic.

P-Mount-vs-Standard-Mount.jpg
 
Awesome. Thanks for highlighting the headshell differences. I understand the basics, but I'll be researching this aspect a bit more.
 
I have a D2 that has had many upgrades inc high-quality RCA cable, Sorbothane feet, vibration deadening inside the plinth, rings on the arm, etc, they are great turntables, but I am selling mine now as I have aquired a sl1600.
 
Chad Michael said:
Nothing wrong with a p-mount arm, if you ask me. Although choices are somewhat limited, check out LPGear... they have an impressive selection!!

I, too would personally go with the SME headshell style.

Also, less 'auto' features is preferable to me, because it will likely be less problematic.

View attachment 3266521
Click to expand...
A few pmount arms allow you to adjust vtf. In those cases you can often get the pmount versions of many classic carts that'll run the same styli as their much more expensive bretheren.
 
Thanks all. After researching more and the head shell designs, etc I am leaning toward the D2. It has an Empire LTD 200 cart on it. Assuming the stylus is in good shape, I think I’ll be happy with it. I’m not sure about a future stylus replacement for that cart though. LpGear has one for $67, and voice of the music has a 4241-D7 (4241-DID is no longer available apparently).
 
You might research, maybe on utube. How to test the tonearm bearings for condition. Looking for if they are free floating, when in balance. With no vertical tracking force. Without notches, stopping in spots along travel, horizontal or vertical.

And the Kabusa.com site has instructions how to test arms. They offer parts for Technics also, mostly for SL1200s. I have no connection to them.
 
Last edited:
saldog said:
He's got multiple Technics models are all around the same price:
  • SL-Q30
  • SL-D2
  • SL-B303
  • SL-QX300
  • SL-Q20
  • SL-230
  • SL-QD35
All seem to be nicely refreshed. This will be my first turntable system. It'll be feeding a tube amp with phono stage and some KEF speakers. I like the idea of quartz lock, but could be flexible. I am undecided on belt vs direct drive, and also not sure about straight vs. S tonearm. I've read fully automatic can be more trouble (and maintenance) than it's worth, but it sounds like a nice feature.

I would welcome everyone's thoughts. What would you pick? I do like to tinker, but for a first system, I'd like to ease into that part of a vinyl system. Thanks!
Click to expand...

So what's the price?

My preliminary answer would be: Don't buy any of them, unless you can get them at really cheap prices.

Reason:

All those are decent mid-range /low-range turntables from Tecnics. However the hype machine has raised the price of any Technics turntable in the last years, so most likely you'll pay more than reasonable.
 
flavio81 said:
So what's the price?

My preliminary answer would be: Don't buy any of them, unless you can get them at really cheap prices.

Reason:

All those are decent mid-range /low-range turntables from Tecnics. However the hype machine has raised the price of any Technics turntable in the last years, so most likely you'll pay more than reasonable.
Click to expand...
Fair point. The D2 is $300 fully refurbished with the Empire LTD 200. My impression is that spending that amount on anything new would get me much less of a turntable. Open to thoughts though.
 
saldog said:
Fair point. The D2 is $300 fully refurbished with the Empire LTD 200. My impression is that spending that amount on anything new would get me much less of a turntable. Open to thoughts though.
Click to expand...

The Empire LTD200 is a discontinued cartridge. So you (we) don't know if it has a brand-new stylus. And if it has a brand-new stylus, 99% chance is that the stylus is NOT of the Empire brand, thus it's like having a "brand x", "noname brand " cartridge for practical purposes.

$300 is way too much for that turntable in my opinion. I wonder what's really "fully refurbished". Many so-called "turntable technicans" think "servicing" a turntable is only cleaning it and spraying some contact cleaner on the switches.

For me a secondhand SL-D2 isn't worth more than $170. Cartridgeless, preferently. Then you can install an AT-VM95E cartridge, for example.
 
bkatbamna said:
SL-D2 all the way. Will last forever with just some basic maintenance.
Click to expand...

The AN630U integrated circuit on that model will not necessarily last forever. However if you treat the turntable gently and the thermal paste on that IC is replaced, it might last forever.
 
loudnoises said:
A few pmount arms allow you to adjust vtf. In those cases you can often get the pmount versions of many classic carts that'll run the same styli as their much more expensive bretheren.
Click to expand...
T4p mount is obsolete. Audio-Technica's the last company who is making new ones.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom