Help! Looking @ Technics SL-1300 vs Technics SL-23 vs Pioneer PL 12-D.

Katattack

Katattack

Member
Good morning!
I'm wanting to but a new tt, the Crosley I have is nowhere near the quality I would like it to be (it's portable with built in speakers - fun but lacking) ...
So this is what I can find right now in our local, reputable shops:
Technics SL-1300 (direct drive, new stylus)
Technics SL-23 (belt, new stylus)
Pioneer PL 12-D (belt)
All are in working condition.
I'm not so worried about the new stylus as I can upgrade that later. More concerned about sound. I've got an 18 yr. old Technics receiver and Pioneer speakers from the 70s that still sound amazing.
Thanks!
 
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Of the three I would pick the SL 1300. It is a pretty nice table overall. If in good shape I think it will sound a bit better and be very reliable.

The cartridge is an even more important part of the sound differences you will hear between the three.
 
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Agreed that the 1300 is probably the best of the three but any of them should meet your needs (as long as they are working properly). You indicated that you will be using an 18 year old technics receiver. Check to see if your receiver has a phono preamp. If not, this will be an additional thing you may need to purchase.
 
Agreed with everything said above. $300 is on the high end but it's my belief they are one of the best values in the used TT market. So even at asking price, if it's a gem, you are getting a lot for your money. Make sure everything works as it should, including the cue, and ask about warranty since it is coming from a shop.
 
pyoung272 said:
Agreed that the 1300 is probably the best of the three but any of them should meet your needs (as long as they are working properly). You indicated that you will be using an 18 year old technics receiver. Check to see if your receiver has a phono preamp. If not, this will be an additional thing you may need to purchase.
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Good call. I've got a phono input but thank you!
 
grillebilly said:
Agreed with everything said above. $300 is on the high end but it's my belief they are one of the best values in the used TT market. So even at asking price, if it's a gem, you are getting a lot for your money. Make sure everything works as it should, including the cue, and ask about warranty since it is coming from a shop.
Click to expand...
Thank you grillebilly. What is the cue?
 
$300 is okay if it's been given the basic servicing needs. Best thing to do is check it out and make sure everything is a-ok.
 
Katattack said:
Good morning!
I'm wanting to but a new tt, the Crosley I have is nowhere near the quality I would like it to be (it's portable with built in speakers - fun but lacking) ...
So this is what I can find right now in our local, reputable shops:
Technics SL-1300 (direct drive, new stylus)
Technics SL-23 (belt, new stylus)
Pioneer PL 12-D (belt)
All are in working condition.
I'm not so worried about the new stylus as I can upgrade that later. More concerned about sound. I've got an 18 yr. old Technics receiver and Pioneer speakers from the 70s that still sound amazing.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

1970's era Japanese made belt drive turntables such as the SL-23 and PL 12-D are very reliable and great sounding. They are not as sophisticated in terms of build quality and automation as the SL 1300 but I doubt you will hear much of a difference. The only drawback to the 1300 would be that it is fully automatic and if it needs servicing, repairs would be more costly than the others.
 
malden said:
1970's era Japanese made belt drive turntables such as the SL-23 and PL 12-D are very reliable and great sounding. They are not as sophisticated in terms of build quality and automation as the SL 1300 but I doubt you will hear much of a difference. The only drawback to the 1300 would be that it is fully automatic and if it needs servicing, repairs would be more costly than the others.
Click to expand...

While it is true that a repair to the SL1300 would be more expensive, the rumble on the Pioneer is more then 4 times louder then the 1300 (23 dB differance), and a little less then 4 times as loud as the SL 23 (18 dB difference). While the SL 23 is a fine turntable, the Pioneer is definitely a lot closer to entry level.

Shelly_D
 
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