Technics SL-1650 vs. U-Turn Orbit Plus?
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steelgtr
Well-Known Member
Bahamayellow
Super Member
Definitely the Technics
bigx5murf
Super Member
I'd take the sony over most modern budget TTs. But compared to the SL1650, it has a plastic plinth, and no quartz lock. The platter seems better, but rubber doesn't hold up well over time, and those pads may need replacing, while being difficult to source. The SL1650 rubber mats are still being made new. The sony is interesting, but parts in general will be more difficult to source. While the SL1650, will be able to use many still in production SL1200 parts.
Any idea what AT cart? I do like vintage AT carts, they seem to work very well with cheap generic stylus in general.
steelgtr
Well-Known Member
steelgtr
Well-Known Member
Isn't the 1650 servo, not quartz? Make a big difference?:
https://vintagetechnics.audio/showi...xNjUwIjtpOjE7czoxNToiZGlyZWN0X2RyaXZlX3R0Ijt9
bob
steelgtr
Well-Known Member
bigx5murf
Super Member
looks like you're right, must be the mk2 that has quartz. Well the bright side of no quartz is easier to restore speed control parts, de-oxit and recapping would be the extent of it. Quartz could have logic chip issues, and that easily becomes a headache.
steelgtr
Well-Known Member
SterlingOne
Super Member
OP,
I own a Sony PS-4750 and a Technics SL-1210GR. Sonically, the Sony and Technics are indistinguishable. The Sony is more difficult to set up with some cartridges, however. It does not have adjustable feet to level the turntable, and Its direct drive motor is not quartz locked. It also does not have a tonearm mechanism to adjust VTA. 15mm tall cartridges such as made by Shure will level on records when the Sony SH-35 headshell is used. To level Ortofon 2M cartridges, which are 18mm tall, the Ortofon SH-4 headshell must be used. My PS-4750 is now 44 years old yet it is running just like it did when I first plugged it in 44 years ago. Nothing has broken, and rubber pads have not deteriorated in the slightest. It does not have a plastic plinth or platter, the material is Sony Bulk Molding Compound, a resin reinforced with aluminum particles for strength and less resonance. I have seen used PS-4750's on eBay for about $300. When new my turntable cost about $330. That relates to about $3000 in today's dollars. Now, I purchased my Technics on the impression that with it's adjustment features, I would get more out of the groove with it than with the Sony. That has turned out not to be the case; and, in fact, if you set the Sony on a level shelf, level your cartridge with shim or headshell, and adjust speed with the Sony TT's manually operated pitch control your records will sound as great as on the best of today's turntable offerings. Thing is, you will be enjoying your records on a turntable built better than some of today's offerings. Comparing the Sony to a new budget TT will have the Sony come out on top every time. It's tonearm alone would cost close to $2000 alone if it were offered today. 40 years from now the Sony will still be working while the $400 budget turntables built now will be in the scrap heap.
I own a Sony PS-4750 and a Technics SL-1210GR. Sonically, the Sony and Technics are indistinguishable. The Sony is more difficult to set up with some cartridges, however. It does not have adjustable feet to level the turntable, and Its direct drive motor is not quartz locked. It also does not have a tonearm mechanism to adjust VTA. 15mm tall cartridges such as made by Shure will level on records when the Sony SH-35 headshell is used. To level Ortofon 2M cartridges, which are 18mm tall, the Ortofon SH-4 headshell must be used. My PS-4750 is now 44 years old yet it is running just like it did when I first plugged it in 44 years ago. Nothing has broken, and rubber pads have not deteriorated in the slightest. It does not have a plastic plinth or platter, the material is Sony Bulk Molding Compound, a resin reinforced with aluminum particles for strength and less resonance. I have seen used PS-4750's on eBay for about $300. When new my turntable cost about $330. That relates to about $3000 in today's dollars. Now, I purchased my Technics on the impression that with it's adjustment features, I would get more out of the groove with it than with the Sony. That has turned out not to be the case; and, in fact, if you set the Sony on a level shelf, level your cartridge with shim or headshell, and adjust speed with the Sony TT's manually operated pitch control your records will sound as great as on the best of today's turntable offerings. Thing is, you will be enjoying your records on a turntable built better than some of today's offerings. Comparing the Sony to a new budget TT will have the Sony come out on top every time. It's tonearm alone would cost close to $2000 alone if it were offered today. 40 years from now the Sony will still be working while the $400 budget turntables built now will be in the scrap heap.
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