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Technics SL-5 vs SL-QD3

T

ThatFuzzyB

New Member
I'm the owner of an A-T LP60, looking to upgrade, and both of these have come up in area Craigslist searches for about $100. So now I'm trying to decide!

Looking at the specs for the two tables, wow & flutter and rumble seem the same.
The SL-5 is p-mount, so it'll be harder to find cartridges, but not *that* hard. The SL-5's linear tracking seems nice too, esp as I buy a lot of used vinyl that's slightly scratched. Also, it's original MSRP was higher, so... maybe it's better?

But I have heard tell of mechanical problems with the SL-5, and the lack of pitch control is a bit worrying.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience?
 
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[QUOTE="ThatFuzzyB, post: 10303493, member: 254836"
Anyone have any thoughts or experience?[/QUOTE]

Cast my vote for the Technic SL-QD3.

The stylus on some P-mount cartridges can be upgraded for more fidelity sound. :music:
 
They are kind of an apples to orange kind of thing. If you enjoy the feel of cueing and moving the arm to the record go wilh the QD3. If you want close and play auto hands off get the SL5. I would guess a properly running SL5 may be a bit better sounding. More to go wrong with the SL5 too. They are both p-mount. Go to LP Gear and pick up an ADC PSX 30 cartridge. It will sound awesome on either table.
 
I definitely prefer a hands off, autoplay turntable; looking for the best sound I can get with that experience (and under $250). But illni, balily, you guys seem pretty convinced– what's the problem I'm not seeing?
 
ThatFuzzyB said:
I definitely prefer a hands off, autoplay turntable; looking for the best sound I can get with that experience (and under $250). But illni, balily, you guys seem pretty convinced– what's the problem I'm not seeing?
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We all have our preferences, right or wrong.

Test both of them with actual play.

Go with the one that sounds best to you. :)
 
While I dearly love my technics linear tracker, very similar to the sl-5, the qd5 is the way to go if it will be your only tt.
 
Okay, the SL-QD3 is bought! Picking it up Tuesday! Thanks for help and advice, everyone!
Next... cartridge/stylus! It's currently got a Technics P153S cartridge, which I think would be fine, though I might switch to an Audio-Technica AT300P or maybe a Shure M92E just to start fresh.
Any preferred stylus for those carts? It's just for listening, not DJ'ing.
 
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I'm running an older Shure/Rat Shack RXT5 body with 97ex stylist and it sounds awesome. The QD3 is. Nice little table.
 
I have always loved the sound on AT carts. From the instructions, it looks like the AT92ECD will go right into a p-mount arm, but is that right, or is an adapter needed? And is there a replacement stylus that's recommended for the AT92ECD?
 
Thanks! So here's my next silly question... How can you tell that this stylus will fit the AT92ECD cart? I've been trying to figure out my stylus options, and can't figure out what I should check to make sure stylus and cart are compatible.
 
ThatFuzzyB said:
Thanks! So here's my next silly question... How can you tell that this stylus will fit the AT92ECD cart? I've been trying to figure out my stylus options, and can't figure out what I should check to make sure stylus and cart are compatible.
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A little faith in the seller's listing, a little experience and a lot of help from other more knowledgeable members.

Don't worry, whatever mistake I make would be corrected forthwith. :)
 
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