SL-D2 vs 1X00... worth chasing?

[DarkAudit]

My current daily driver is an SL-D2 I purchased from a local repair shop. It's in fine working order, having received a thorough going over before hitting the sales floor. Only negatives are a dust cover that's glued in place, and a cueing mechanism that drops the tonearm just a little too fast. Nothing that disturbs the listening experience.

However... the call of the 1x00 turntables is hard to resist. The 1200 may always be out of my price range, but what of the others? Is there anything to be gained by chasing after any of the others in the series? Once I'm back on the couch and the music starts, do any of them have a real edge over my trusty SL-D2?

 

[HTHMAN]

Once I'm back on the couch and the music starts, do any of them have a real edge over my trusty SL-D2?

In terms of sound, probably not. I have an SL-D2 and it is a very nice work horse turntable. It is solid and dependable. I have 3 other turntables hooked up and seem to use this one most often-I just like it. If you are not hearing and wow or flutter and if the speed stays stable, use it and enjoy it.

 

[ferninando]

IMO keep the D2. Its a fine TT.
No need for anything else sept maybe cartridge rolling if you happen to like doing that sort of thing.
you can get ''cueing oil'' from ''turntable basics'' to fix the cueing problem.
Again, IMO no real ''edge'' to be gained.
you mite like browsing the vintage technics site for reference.

http://vintagetechnics.co.uk/turntables.htm

 

[Electone]

Aesthetically, I prefer the 1X00 series. The D series was the entry-level Technics DD family of turntables. The plinth is plastic whereas the 1X00 is aluminum. The D-series has its controls outside of the dust cover whereas the 1X00's are inside. If you can find a 1600, 1700 or 1800, they have a spring-suspended chassis and seem a little more resistant to vibration.

 

[ferninando]

what you say is true but any "improved" sound quality?
doubtful. some maybe.
My D2 sounds as good as my holy grail TT/tonearm combo,
Thorens TD124 II/SME 3009 II . But thats OK. It all part of the game.
You get what makes YOU happy and no body else.

 

[Electone]

what you say is true but any "improved" sound quality?
doubtful. some maybe.

I owned a mint SL-D3 which is the fully automatic version of the D series. I sold it when the opportunity arose to buy a 1310. Have I noticed any difference in sound quality? No. Is the 1310 better built? Yes. For me, it was just aesthetics.

 

[ferninando]

Well I pik'd up a 1350 fully auto changer a few yrs back just cause it was so cool looking and it was local on CL and the price was rite. I like all the knobs to control things.
It's a very good table IMO. And probably better built. But sounds same as my D2, but I don't care. they both sound good to me.

 

[Decibel_116]

I think the SL-D series are fine turntables as well as the follow on quartz-locked models, the SL-Q series. I have not been able to hear any difference between these or the SL-1X00 turntables. They are different implementations on a theme with some neat features and impressive looks. The SL-1600 and 1700 are simply elegant designs with electronic cueing and digital pitch controls. Cool stuff for sure, but not anything that improves on sound in my experience. Correct cartridge setup, proper turntable maintenance and the right cartridge makes all the difference. There is something to be said about adjustable tonearm height, which the SL-D or Q does not have, for those few cartridges that make it necessary. Other than that, an SL-D or SL-Q in good operating condition with a nice cartridge is hard to beat IMHO. My favorite right now is my SL-Q2 with my SL-D2 running a close second.

David

 

[KentTeffeteller]

The SL-D2 is good but less good than the higher end models. It is built well, but to a price point and less rugged in practice.