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Technics sl-b5 vs. Phillips Electronic 312

Fotheringham

Fotheringham

New Member
I am currently using a Technics sl-b5 turntable with a Shure m447-5 cartridge. I have an option to buy a Phillips Electronic 312 (I do not currently know anything about the cartridge or needle) for a reasonable price. Would this be a worthwhile upgrade?
 
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I have not owned an SL-B5 but have owned a 312. It truly is a poor mans Thorens in my eyes, as it was similar to my TD-160. I say get it.
 
Thanks to both of you for your advice and the manuals. I picked up the Turntable yesterday, and will start playing around with it tonight.
 
The Phillips was a top performing TT. However, they had a reputation for the solenoid controls failing back in the 1970s. Skin oils were the likely demise of the solenoids.
 
So I bought the Phillips 312.

It looks good, seems to work well. The sound currently leaves a little to be desired. Currently I am not getting the clarity I have in my other turntable. I thought replacing the needle or cartridge would be a good start.

Currently the cartridge is a Shure R47XT with a Shure 5X needle. Would I be better served replacing the needle or the cartridge and needle, I was considering an Ortofon 2M Red.

Or is there something else I am overlooking entirely? I am very new to all of this.

Thanks in advance.
 
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