Technics SL-5 vs SL-QD3

[tubewade]

Heh– okay, so at least I know I'm not missing something in the listing...

I'll concur that Audio Technica nomenclature can be terribly confusing. They have used so many different names to describe exactly the same product. But I'll also verify that the stylus that Earl recommended above definitely will fit your cartridge. I'm not one of the more "knowledgeable ones" he speaks of, but I am pretty well versed on this family of cartridges.

Wade

 

[Balifly]

I'll concur that Audio Technica nomenclature can be terribly confusing.

They have used so many different names to describe exactly the same product.

Wade

Each time Audio Technica furnished a cartridge for a particular model for a particular line/brand of turn table they may have given its own model number.

For tax reasons, domestic and export models - different for each region may also be identified differently.......

 

[stratokaster]

I have a Technics SL-5, and I think it's very good for what it is. It's about the size of a toy, looks like a cheap piece of plastic, and yet it sounds surprisingly refined. Noticeably better than Technics SL-QD33 with the same cart (QD33 is a more advanced version of QD3).

It also has other tricks up its sleeve. For example, it tracks very problematic records (badly worn, damaged, etc.) with gusto.

Alas, it has some very significant (to me) problems. It won't play decentered records because they bump into something inside the turntable with every revolution. It won't play 25cm records. And it's susceptible to acoustic feedback because the tonearm is mounted to the lid. For these reasons, I can't use it as my primary turntable.

 

[ThatFuzzyB]

Okay, now this is nuts... I went with the SL-QD3, and bought a new Audio-Technica AT92ECD cartridge for it. Decided to do a little comparing it to my Audio-Technica ATLP60 with ATN3600L stylus (with phono output– I'm not a savage!), hooked up to my 1983 Yamaha A-1000 amp, at the 47 k-amps setting.. Just wanted to revel in the difference.

But then..... but then.... Wha? The LP60 sounds... better?

On Steely Dan's "The Royal Scam" and Miles Davis' 'Round About Midnight", I didn't hear any difference. On "Exile In Main Street", the bass seemed roomier and the instruments better separated on the LP60. The new Robert Johnson remaster, I could hear way more low frequencies on the LP60.

Does anyone know what's going on? This is so contrary to what Everyone Says that I'm wondering if I've set something wrong. Or has anyone had a similar experience?

 

[revox-b77]

You need to give the AT92 about 20 hours of play time to get the best sound. Break in... it will warm up a bit.

 

[ThatFuzzyB]

That's interesting– I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

 

[illini]

You need to give the AT92 about 20 hours of play

None of my at92ecd carts needed a break-in period.

 

[Angry Possum]

I'm running an older Shure/Rat Shack RXT5 body with 97ex stylist and it sounds awesome. The QD3 is. Nice little table.

The RXT5 is an awesome cart. I just purchased one on ebay a week ago. And new EV needle. Im running a Technics SL QD-33 TT. Its a sick setup now with that RXT5. I Love my shure Cartridges. I also have an old Audio Technica AT231 LP and an AT92ecd. Shures are the best in my opinion for a P Mount bar none.

 

[Angry Possum]

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.

Get The RXT5 Cart it works f..g awesome with my SL QD 33. And a cheap EV stylus I got on eBay.