Techincs sl q200 vs. Gemini xl500ii

[DaveFromOhio]

Which turntable is better: Techincs SL Q200 or Gemini XL-500 ii? Can you change the straight tone arm to an s shaped one on the Techincs?

 

[MrNegative]

Q200, 100%. Much better build quality outweighs all the DJ features on the Gemini.

 

[DaveFromOhio]

That is what I was thinking. I just picked up a Q200 for $30. It looks a little rough but functions as it should. It came with a new AT85EP. I’ve always used an Ortofon OM Pro S on the Gemini.

 

[Kit Carson]

Technics any day of the week over Gemini.

 

[TerryMarmite]

$30 is about right. Didn't like mine so much (there are better Technics) but it may be nicer than the Gemini, no idea. It does hold speed rock solid and that cart is fine, and 50s/60s jazz sounds exceptional on it. The cart takes older styli of the same shape according to internet say-so. Some claim you need to get the capacitance of cables/phono stage right down in low values for AT but I didn't notice much difference with the AT85EP. Or any budget AT I've tried.

 

[Kit Carson]

Well for $30 it sounds like you have nothing to complain about, you would pay a lot more and get a lot less for a new toy turntable. Takes a lot to kill an old Technics even the bottom of the line entry level models.

 

[DaveFromOhio]

Thanks for all the replies. I’ve been cleaning it up as it looks like it’s been in a garage or attic. Looking forward to plays it. Glad to hear it holds its speed. The Gemini not so much. Already on -3 pitch adjust so it plays at 33.3rpm.

 

[TerryMarmite]

I shouldn't have cast so much shade. Enjoy the table. I got my dad set up with the very similar SL-Q210 (same but without strobe or VTF adjustment), going into a cheap phono stage to midrange computer speakers bunched a foot apart on a shelf. Sounds surprisingly nice in a room that I suspect has much better acoustics than my living room.

After cleaning all you need to do is apply 2/3 drops of Technics oil (I think Kabusa in the US sell it) to the spindle, and you should be good for 2000 hours of play. This is explained in the manuals downloadable online.