Pioneer PL7 or Technics SL-Q2?
- Thread starter AdamITR
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Decibel_116
AK Subscriber
I vote the SL-Q2. Aluminum plinth, heavy and solid build quality, great specifications with high quality tonearm akin to the SL-1200. Worthy of a serious cartridge upgrade.
Balifly
Listening
Pioneer PL-7
2-Speed Direct-Drive Turntable
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-7.shtml
Technics SL-Q2
Semi-Automatic Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Turntable (1979-1980)
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-q2.shtml
The Technics SL-Q2 is probably more user friendly and would allow you to use a wider range of cartridges. :thmbsp:
mythless
Looking for projects!?
Both are equal. The Pioneer comes with a better cartridge but, the Technics offers user friendly and widely available headshells and is a lot easier to service, in my experience. Aesthetically, the Technics looks a lot nice over the faux gold Pioneer. But, the Pioneer does have an excellent tone arm that despite it's short comings in finding additional headshells is better over the Technics.
The tone arm on the Technics, however, is not akin to the tone arm found on the SL-1200mk2 as another forum member posted.
If I could only choose one turntable as starter turntable, I would take the Technics just because cartridge variation is a lot easier to come by. As a backup, I would take the Pioneer due to the tonearm and cartridge.
The tone arm on the Technics, however, is not akin to the tone arm found on the SL-1200mk2 as another forum member posted.
If I could only choose one turntable as starter turntable, I would take the Technics just because cartridge variation is a lot easier to come by. As a backup, I would take the Pioneer due to the tonearm and cartridge.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
The Technics wins out. Sturdier built. Better motor. The Technics arm is very good, takes easy to get headshells and can handle cartridges people prefer today. And it's the more reliable.
All true.
I've taken apart the arm on an SL-Q3 (exact same arm as the Q2) and numerous arms on the SL-1200 Mk2. They have a lot in common, and are for all intents and purposes different flavors of the same design. The biggest difference is that the Q2/Q3 versions don't have the VTA lifter ring.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
As well put. The arm is excellent on the SL Q-2. And the turntable is well made, very durable, and lots of cartridge choices which do well on one. And it has automatic return. One I used to own was one of the 2 tables which made me a Technics DD fan for life. It is that good.
Decibel_116
AK Subscriber
Why not get both and make your own decision on which one to keep. Especially if they are both in good condition. IMHO, you wouldn't have an issue selling either one later. I would definitely upgrade the cartridge on the SL-Q2. If memory serves, that particular AT cartridge is a budget cartridge with a conical stylus that probably needs replacing anyway.
Dave
