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SL BD-1 vs. BIC 940

Sticklyman

Sticklyman

Well-Known Member
My entry to the world of vinyl playback is almost complete, I just need to choose a turntable.

I have two available to me, but I can't take both, limited space in my apartment are forcing the choice. The two are a Technics SL BD-1, it is in good shape, except for a cracked dust-cover (an aesthetic issue which does not bother me) and some dirty and grime (again, not an issue to me). The other option is a BIC 940, it's probably cleaner than the Technics, the only issue there is that when the headshell mounts to the tonearm, the headshell is cracked some, it's not especially loose, and I wouldn't be against replacing it, as long as that wouldn't be too difficult. As for significant differences between the two, the Technics has a pitch adjust, while the BIC does not. The BIC has a knob to adjust anti-skating, Technics does not. Technics uses a P-mount cartridge, BIC is standard mount, that probably only makes a difference because I was looking at getting an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, which is P-mount.

In case it matters, my receiver is a Technics SA-303, the pre-amp doesn't work properly, and I'll likely be getting an Audio-Technica AT-PEQ3 pre-amp.

Any advice I can get is always appreciated.

-Jack
 
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Jack, to be honest, I'd keep looking. The Technics is a low end model. Thats not saying its bad, but with cracked dust cover and the cleaning needed, I would keep looking. The BIC is a little better, but with a cracked headshell, that is a very big problem. You don't want the cartridge to move around at all. I don't know how hard it is to find a replacement, but could be hard. I'd keep looking. I have a Technics SA-303 and its a nice 40wpc receiver. Whats wrong with the preamp?
 
I don't mind the cracked dust cover, there's only a small part of the plastic missing from one side of it, it's still very functional, and the dirt on it, as far as I can tell, is not affecting the playback. I'll look into a replacement headshell for the BIC, see how that goes. As for the preamp, when I've tested the technics turntable through the phono input, the left channel starts normal, then fades out until no music can be heard through that speaker, only the crackles and pops. When I switched the cables (reversing left and right), left channel still faded. I plugged the TT into the auxiliary input and, though I had to crank the volume, neither channel ever faded out. Also, once I lose sound from the left, it stays gone with other inputs, unless I switch off both the TT and the receiver.
 
My SA-303 required a lot of Deoxit. One channel would fade. With the cleaning it came back. But later developed other issues. It is now working great (knocking on wood loudly :D) Give the pots and switches a good cleaning. The SL-BD1 will probably not sound as nice as some others. Again, thats not putting the table down, there were just nicer tables for equal money these days. If you can get the BIC headshell resolved, that would be a nice table :)
 
Thanks, beatcomber, I'll try to contact them to see if that will work on my 940, as it's listed for the 960 and 980 only.
 
I got an email back from turntableexperts.com ( I love fast customer service) saying they have a headshell for my table. I'm on the verge of ordering it, except for one thing. I unscrewed the old headshell, and the wires seems to run all the way back through the tonearm. I fear that I may have to solder in the new headshell, something I have no experience with, though I could get help.
 
Sticklyman said:
I got an email back from turntableexperts.com ( I love fast customer service) saying they have a headshell for my table. I'm on the verge of ordering it, except for one thing. I unscrewed the old headshell, and the wires seems to run all the way back through the tonearm. I fear that I may have to solder in the new headshell, something I have no experience with, though I could get help.
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Adam, the owner of turntableexperts, is very helpful and responsive, as you've discovered, (as opposed to another dealer whose name begins with "turntable") and will be able to advise you about the headshell and wiring situation. Also, Doug G., our BIC expert may chime in with advice. The BIC is fine for the right price.
 
I asked about getting the headshell off from turntableexperts, and found that they just pass through the headshell, I removed it with no problems, going to order the replacement now.
 
Yes. It is a strange set up coming from technics only experience with turntables. The tonearm wires going straight through the head shell! Really threw me for a loop.

How did you make out? I do realize this is a very old thread.
 
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