Technics SL-5200 Available

L

LarryYaremko

Member
I own the SL-5300 and am very happy with it. You don't see these models up for sale that often, but I saw one on that infamous auction site today.

The 5200/5300s have QUARTZ speed control, just like the SL-1200s. They have the more powerful motors and the gimbal-mounted tonearms, unlike the cheaper consumer models. Wow & Flutter are spec'ed at 0.025 RPM and rumble is listed at -78 db.

If I didn't already have one of these tables I'd go for it myself. If any of you guys are looking for an inexpensive version of the SL-1200/1210, this might be it.

I have no connection with the seller or the auction--just thought I'd give a heads-up in case someone was looking for a good price.
 
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Larry, sorry to burst your bubble, but the SL-51/52/5300 were lower level consumer models. The non-quartz SL-31/32/3300 were the first to sport the gimbal pivot, followed by your series. They were a definite improvement over the previous SL-1900/2000 in terms of build quality and specs, but were the successors to them, not concurrent higher level models. They also lack the VTA adjustment of the upper models and the automation is linked to platter movement, while it is independent on the upper tier.

The 51/52/5300 were then followed by the SL-Q1/2/3, followed by the SL-Q101/202/303, and thereafter the p-mounts. The upper eschelon consisted of various incarnations of the SL-12/13/14/15/16/17/1800 depending on the year.

Nevertheless, I agree with you that the later lower tier models starting with the 3100 were very impressive.
 
hakaplan said:
Larry, sorry to burst your bubble, but the SL-51/52/5300 were lower level consumer models. The non-quartz SL-31/32/3300 were the first to sport the gimbal pivot, followed by your series. They were a definite improvement over the previous SL-1900/2000 in terms of build quality and specs, but were the successors to them, not concurrent higher level models. They also lack the VTA adjustment of the upper models and the automation is linked to platter movement, while it is independent on the upper tier.
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I should have been more precise in my description of the SL-5200. I do know that it lacks VTA adjustment (a non-issue for my particular situation), and the front-mounted controls do suggest that it is particularly suited for consumer applications. I did not know that the automation was linked to platter movement, unlike the 1200 series, but that does not seem all that important from my (consumer) standpoint.

For someone looking for the audio performance of the 1200/1300 series, at a price that will probably be 25% of the cost of a new unit, the SL-5200 seems ideal. The wow & flutter are the same as the 1200 series, as is the rumble spec. I believe that the direct drive motor is the same as the one used in the 1200s. The gimbal pivot is the same as that in the 1200, as far as I can tell.

For the person seeking maximum value and bang for the buck, this unit has the most-wanted features of the 1200 series. I happen to be one of those guys that is always looking for maximum performance at the lowest possible price, and that is why I am so intrigued by the 5200/5300 series. (You would NEVER find a $10,000 turntable in my home--I drive a Plymouth Neon. Before that I drove a Plymouth Reliant for 10 years, and before that I had a VW Super Beetle for 17 years. Yes, 17 years!)

There are better components out there, but I cannot imagine getting more turntable performance for a price that I estimate will end up at under $125.00. Much as I admire the KAB Broadcast version of the 1200/1210 turntable, I can't see myself forking over the money for it. My 5300, coupled with my Stanton 681EEE cartridge, do just fine for my needs. Others' mileage may vary . . .
 
It's very good. It's fully automatic and automatically senses record size. Bring an lp and a 45 with you and run it through a full test. If it's in good condition I'd say it's worth it.
 
I have the 5200 and it is my first turntable(only one I have ever had)-I am happy with it but have been upgrading my little home listening system and have replaced my HH Scott S3 with Focal 826-10 gauge wire, a phono preamp to bypass my Yamaha receiver phono section and a new SB-1000 sub to enhance the low end. My question is this:will a "new" Technics Sl 1200 G/GAE sound better or provide more precise listening? I only listen to vinyl on this system as I have a different system for my house system(phono,CD, DVD, TV). I am seeking a good sounding accurate system. Built my own vinyl storage rack (about 1,000 albums) and have the turntable mounted on ball bearings to further isolate it from other sound sources. Multiple layers of isolation insulation, different woods and granite as the base.
 
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