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Technics SL-23 or SL-DD33

T

technics11

New Member
My SL-DD33 has been my first TT and old reliable since day 1 six years ago. I just put a new cart on https://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGATSER05S.html LP gear T4P VS. I also have a Technics SL-23 in great shape. Would I be better off with the SL-23 and the new cart? I'm guessing the tonearm is better on the SL-23. I know there are infinite 1/2" cart options but I'm not looking to buy another after just dropping a lot on the VS series.

Two things I've read that I'm not sure if are valid.
The SL-23 tonearm is not suited for p mounts.
The SL-23 oem slipmat should be upgraded. (As an aside my SL-DD33 also has the oem slipmat, upgrade?)
 
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You could use a P mount adapter for the headshell on the SL-23 and listen to both to make a decision. I have a DD33 with Shure V15 HRP that sounded good before I wore out the stylus. Now I use a SL-1700 with a few different carts. I also have a SL-230, but the 1700 sounds better. Never compared the DD33 to the two tables mentioned. I use the stock mats on all of them.

That cart should sound good.
 
I'm with tcss. Buy a P mount to 1/2" adaptor and try both tables. As long as the mats on both tables are in good condition, there's little reason to replace them. I have seen a video on YouTube that showed a SL-23 mat that turned to a gooey mess but mine is like new.
Here's a picture of Audio Technica's AT-PMA1 adaptor:
AT AT-PMA1 T4P Adaptor.png
Amazon sells these for $10 but if you have a vintage audio store in your area you may be able to buy a used one for less.
 
technics11 said:
My SL-DD33 has been my first TT and old reliable since day 1 six years ago. I just put a new cart on https://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGATSER05S.html LP gear T4P VS. I also have a Technics SL-23 in great shape. Would I be better off with the SL-23 and the new cart?
Click to expand...
Yes!
technics11 said:
I'm guessing the tonearm is better on the SL-23.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily so... I'd say both tonearms are comparable, however the SL-23 tonearm has greater variety of carts for it.

And the SL-23 is mounted to a wood plinth, I would say it's structurally a better turntable.
technics11 said:
The SL-23 tonearm is not suited for p mounts.
Click to expand...
You can fit P-mounts too using the adapter which is easy to get (many AT P-mount cartridges come with one)
However, it does not make sense; better get a regular-mount cartridge.
technics11 said:
The SL-23 oem slipmat should be upgraded. (As an aside my SL-DD33 also has the oem slipmat, upgrade?)
Click to expand...
No opinion on this.
 
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More thoughts:
Compliance match for the P mount cart will match the DD33 much better. But you may not hear a difference.
The VTA would have be be the same on both turntables to have a accurate comparison. This ( VTA ) is one difference that can be heard.
 
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