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Technics Sl-1600 Turn table

JoeC

JoeC

New Member
Hi everyone I'm relatively new to this retro stuff and wanted to find out what everyone thinks about the Technics SL-1600 Turntable vs the 1200, 1300, 1500, etc.. and the MK2 turntables and what the difference is in a SL-1600 and the MK2 line. I purchased the SL-1600 Turntable on Ebay for $76.00. The person that auctioned it off said that he's the original and only owner and that the turntable looks and works excellent with a slight rub mark on one edge of the cover that could probably be buffed out.

Did I do the right thing!! :-)

Thanks in advance!
Joe:music:
 
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I believe the 1600 is an auto table, where are the 1200 is a manual.. as noted, the MK is quartz, but unless you need a constant beat like when DJ'ing, it's not needed. You can set your speed on the 1600, and it will hold nice and solid so long as the table is in good repair. You got a decent deal on that one..
 
The 1600 MK2 is a superb table. The automatic functions can be fussy with age, but it's one of the best turntables I've ever heard. When everything is working correctly it's a lovely marriage of convenience and sound quality.
 
You did good. The MK line is nice but can have issues like cueing. I think the 1600MKII may be user fixable where as the 1300 thru 1500 MKII are much harder to fix. I have a 1300MKII which is a very nice table but with no cueing is baically a manual table. The 1600 will work fine and I am sure you'll love it :)
 
Thanks guys for the quick and reassuring response!... So is quartz locking preferred with you guys over the 1600 that I bought?
 
I've got a 1200.. It's the first quartz lock I've ever had.. I really can't tell a difference of the speed staying so constant with it, over the tables I've had that aren't quartz...

If i still DJ'd I would and wouldn't want the quartz.. I would like it if I am running two tables on at the same time trying to keep them both synked with the same beat. Non quartz, you may hear them shift a bit, but hard to notice unless you are the one mixing.. I wouldn't want it when going to slow the platter by hand.. it gets kind of jerky trying to keep a constant speed.. A lot of DJ's mod their quartz tables to disable the quartz lock..

If I was you, I wouldn't worry about it one way other the other for home use. I would just enjoy it.. you got a great table at a great price..

I could care less if mine is quartz or not for home use.. mine just happens to be... my pioneer isn't, and it keeps a nice constant speed too for home listening.
 
similost said:
I've got a 1200.. It's the first quartz lock I've ever had.. I really can't tell a difference of the speed staying so constant with it, over the tables I've had that aren't quartz...

If i still DJ'd I would and wouldn't want the quartz.. I would like it if I am running two tables on at the same time trying to keep them both synked with the same beat. Non quartz, you may hear them shift a bit, but hard to notice unless you are the one mixing.. I wouldn't want it when going to slow the platter by hand.. it gets kind of jerky trying to keep a constant speed.. A lot of DJ's mod their quartz tables to disable the quartz lock..

If I was you, I wouldn't worry about it one way other the other for home use. I would just enjoy it.. you got a great table at a great price..

I could care less if mine is quartz or not for home use.. mine just happens to be... my pioneer isn't, and it keeps a nice constant speed too for home listening.
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Well I've never DJ'd and the TT will only be for home use anyways so I see your point about the Quartz TT's.

I've also just recently purchased a Pioneer SX-1250 and a pair of Realistic Mach one speakers.. when I get that TT I should be off and running!! After that, I think I'll go for a nice Cassette deck!!:music::music:

I'm 48yrs old and all of a sudden I was thinking about all the old stereo equipment and how I always felt things were better back in the day... I just thought it was the right time and do something about it! Afterall.. I've always wanted a SX-1250!! In time I'll add some more components to the collection!:music:

In my livingroom I have a Home Theater system which consists of a Pioneer Elite VSX-43TX, with pioneer front speakers I rebuilt. I bought them new around 1986. They are a 4 way system with a super tweeter, tweeter, midrange and a 15 inch woofer. I replaced the old woofers with Eminence.. check spelling.. and I rewired both speakers with 16gauge wire and installed a big ole crossover in both speakers that I purchased from Parts Express... they work beautiful now..Plus I have Bose Center channel, Bose surrounds and a Accoustic Research Sub woofer... not too bad for the average home theater...:music:
 
My main turntable is a SL-1600 without quartz. I have a Shure M97xE and it sounds amazing. The auto features are very nice. You got a good deal.
 
Daravon said:
My main turntable is a SL-1600 without quartz. I have a Shure M97xE and it sounds amazing. The auto features are very nice. You got a good deal.
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Excellent!!... by the way, the SL-1600 that I'm getting has an AKG cartridge are they any good? From looking at the picture the AKG cartridge stylus is red.. so I think its the X10MD AKG stylus.
Thanks!
 
Glad to hear you are doing well Joe.. Yep.. I got a theatre myself.. I even have the speakers out of a theatre.... Life only gets better with age, and sounds like you are aging well! :thmbsp:
 
I know this is an old thread, but may I add that I have an MK1 1600 that I find amazing? Be wary of the Mk2. It is a brilliant-sounding table, but it is getting old now and does have problems.
 
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