Technics SL-23 thoughts?

kray

kray

HE>i
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I'm looking for my first starter TT and been talking to a guy locally about this Technics SL-23. He said it's in good condition just replaced belt, etc. here's a couple pics he sent me. Also anyone know what cartridge is on it?

What do you think for $100?

Sl-23-1.jpg


Sl-23-2.jpg


Sl-23-3.jpg
 

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That's an Audio Technica cartridge, not sure of the model. Most of the AT cartridges have the model number on top, requiring you to remove the cartridge from the headshell to see what you have.

I have owned and used two Technics SL-23s. One is with my nephew, the other I sold recently.

You can do a helluva lot worse for the money you're spending. The SL-23 is a fine performer. The speed adjust for 33 & 45 along with the built in strobe allow you to dial in precise speed. Wow & flutter and rumble is not a factor at all, it's a quiet and precise turntable. The semi auto operation is a nice feature as well as the interchangeable headshell, allowing fast and easy cartridge swaps.

Since the belt was recently changed on the unit you're considering, the only potential problem (which I experienced with both units I owned) would be the speed adjust pots. With time sitting on a shelf and lack of use, they tend to get corroded and dirty, leading to erratic speed control. This is an easy fix however. Spraying contact cleaner or "De-Oxit" into the pots will cure this problem.

Hope this helps and enjoy the turntable should you decide to buy it.
 
The other cause of irregular speed, besides the belt and the speed adjust pots is failed electrolytic capacitors on the speed control board. If yours wanders in speed or you occasionally notice a burst of flutter, pull out the board and replace every electrolytic capacitor. You can probably fit ones of higher voltage rating because modern electrolytics are smaller than what's in there. Be sure to double- and triple-check polarity!

I wish I could say which ones of the dozen or so electrolytic capacitors on the board are the bad actors. But I can't because on every one of these I have done (and other Panasonics and Technics, plus Kyoceras, some Garrards, some MCS, etc...), I replaced all of them because that was quicker than doing one at a time, then reassembling and testing, going to the next one, etc., etc., etc....
 
If the speed is steady, stylus is good, tonearm moves freely (doesn't stick at any points), and belt is new... then $100 is reasonable.

The cartridge is definitely an Audio Technica but I don't recognize the model. The stylus looks like it might be intended for a different AT cartridge model, but that's not necessarily a problem.
 
I'm an original owner of an SL-23. It's a great table you won't be disappointed with it. The semi auto (return) is what I like best about this table.
 
GP49 said:
The other cause of irregular speed, besides the belt and the speed adjust pots is failed electrolytic capacitors on the speed control board. If yours wanders in speed or you occasionally notice a burst of flutter, pull out the board and replace every electrolytic capacitor. You can probably fit ones of higher voltage rating because modern electrolytics are smaller than what's in there. Be sure to double- and triple-check polarity!

I wish I could say which ones of the dozen or so electrolytic capacitors on the board are the bad actors. But I can't because on every one of these I have done (and other Panasonics and Technics, plus Kyoceras, some Garrards, some MCS, etc...), I replaced all of them because that was quicker than doing one at a time, then reassembling and testing, going to the next one, etc., etc., etc....
Click to expand...

The belt-drive Technics turntables have only 5 or 6 electrolytics in the power supply and speed control circuit, and they're all relatively small and inexpensive parts. GP49's recommendation to change them all if you detect a speed problem is right on target.
 
SL-23 owner here. Great turntable. I use it a lot and I also own a 1200mk2 and SL-D3 which are DD. Love the looks and the sound. $100 is fair.
 
I owned an SL-20 for years and my father has an SL-23 (currently with AT cart). Not bad tables though I found the plinth to be rather resonant. I had endless issues with speed control when I first got mine (new in the 70's) that were resolved after a trip or two to the shop under warranty. Not a bad table at all though nowhere near in the class as the Thorens TD-125 I replaced it with. I ran various carts on it and ended up with a Nagoaka sounding best of the lot after a few Shures.
 
Got one of those for 25. Tonearm has play/wobble but the darn thing still does great on the test record. I cleaned, lubed, recapped. The dust cover alone is probably worth twice as much.

Edit: that headshell might be valuable.
 
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I own a technics SL-23, and coupled with my Marantz 1060, it sounds wonderful. Great first vintage turntable. Maintenance is very simple. Definitely grab it!


Also, illini, why would the sl-23 headshell be valuable? Is there something unique about it?
 
I have one of these also.

I spent a fair bit more than that for mine but I love it.

There are a lot of threads on here with info on some issues you may encounter on the SL-23 and turntables in general of this age.

They look and sound great :thmbsp:
 
These TTs sound nice. They seem to have a little more laid back sound than the big Technics direct drives. I have one, but the speed is starting to go wacky. It probably has the bad capacitor problem, but I think it's well worth repairing. A project for someday...

That cartridge looks like it might be one of the Technicraft series of AT cartridges, likely a .4 x .7 elliptical. They are decent. Replacement styli should be readily available at LP Gear/LP Tunes.
 
I sprayed the living daylights out of the pitch controls on one of those Technics belt drives before I determined the belt was the problem. With a unit that old, you should go ahead and replace the belt regardless.
 
ReverendFunk said:
I sprayed the living daylights out of the pitch controls on one of those Technics belt drives before I determined the belt was the problem. With a unit that old, you should go ahead and replace the belt regardless.
Click to expand...
My father's SL-23 had a belt that looked like swamp slime when I went to resurrect the table for him. They sure disintegrate thoroughly! It took me quite awhile to remove the slime left behind.
 
Thanks for all the replies. He's about a 2hr drive from me. Ill let you know if I end up getting it.
 
What would be a good starter cart for this TT, or a needle for the atls500 I have on it.

I just got mine of the Closet been twenty years when last used.
 
Great discussion here. My SL-23 has the same symptoms - speed not stable! I'll spray the pots and go from there. I can't find my contact cleaner. What's a good product and do you access the controls at the terminals? Belt appears to be OK.
TIA
 
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