Phillips GA 312 vs Technics SL-D2

[MouseMaster]

My guitar teacher is looking at a Phillips GA 312 and a Technics SL-D2. They are similarly priced. I'm not familiar with these models.

Can anyone offer pros / cons to each? Which would you pick?

 

[xeizo]

My guitar teacher is looking at a Phillips GA 312 and a Technics SL-D2. They are similarly priced. I'm not familiar with these models.

Can anyone offer pros / cons to each? Which would you pick?

The Technics is better in every respect, lower wow & flutter, 13dB lower rumble(a lot), a much better tonearm and the direct drive makes it near service free. Only case I would consider the Philips is if it matches something else in looks.

Worth mentioning is the Philips has some kind of spring suspension meaning it could teoretically withstand noice from the surrounding world a little better, it is somewhat erradicated by the fact that it makes much more noice on it's own. The Technics is fairly sturdy anyway so external vibrations shouldn't be a big problem.

 

[SSaxdude]

The Philips is more complex on the inside, and therefore has more that could go wrong with it. And the tonearm is lighter, so you're limited to high compliance carts for it. The Technics S-arm is much easier to find a suitable cartridge.

 

[CT Jim]

I ran Philipps 212s and 312s and rebuilt a bunch, and I never had any noise issue I could hear. Yes, the belt may need to be replaced but the sensor lites rarely die, however, they are available. The point about a direct drive though is important to some people because they cannot do repairs, so choose whichever fits the bill!

 

[eb2jim]

I have owned both. Unless the 312 has been completely rehabbed and has led conversion, new belt, needle etc, stay away from that. They're wonderful machines, and done over - NOT looks nice and seems to run - but truly $200 plus rehab, you're going to have headaches.

The D2 can sit in a closet for 20 years and come out working fine. Minor pitch and tonearm set up and you're running. Plus you can get parts easy. Good.

 

[MouseMaster]

Thanks guys. I run a Technics SL1200 myself, so I'm familiar with that one. Knew nothing of the Phillips or the D3. I told him to go for the Technics.

 

[mythless]

I rather like the Philips but, for ease the Technics is better.