technics SL-B200 vs technics SL-B303

[KillerX]

So I have been using my technics SL-B200 for years now and it has been good to me. I have a cheap cartridge on it and wanted to get a higher quality one.

So my mother just picked up a technics SL-B303 from the thrift shop for $15 bux. It has the S arm, has a European plug with a NA converter on the end and has NO cartridge. It looks a bit nicer then my B200 (I like the black and the S arm) and when I checked out the belt it felt fairly tight.

Anyhoo Whats the pros and cons of each and what would you match for heads from lets say $50 to $75. ..heck best bang for your buck hehe

I have a Merantz 2285 powering it and some old school speakers that doesn't have a name :S I listen to Jazz all the way to Smashing Pumpkins...

Thank you

 

[guest102]

I had a B303 from new (1981). It actually held up and performed dependably with minimum care: a new belt on rare occasions, and an occasional drop of oil for the motor and spindle shafts. It does use detachable headshells and 1/2-inch mount cartridges which opens you up to many more choices than a P-mount turntable. It doesn't have provision for easy VTA adjustment like some more expensive Technics models. I'd probably still be using it (it's out on permanent loan...) if I hadn't gotten that darned upgrade bug a few years back.

 

[Decibel_116]

The SL-B200 and SL-B303 are very similar. The B200 is a semi-automatic design, has a straight tonearm and uses a P-mount cartridge. The B300 is a full-automatic design and had an S-shaped tonearm that uses an SME standard 1/2" mount headshell cartridge mount.

What cartridge are you currently running on the B200?

 

[KillerX]

Thank you so much for the reply guys!

So I took a pick of the cartridges I have...If they are junk tell me because I called 2 stores and they both recommended a cartridge called ortofon 2m red? Is this thing any better then the ones I currently have?\

Heres the pics