Technics SL-D2

[Drone46]

Is a Technics SL-D2 with no cart and broken dust cover worth $70 in this market?

 

[swechsler]

Assuming you're in the US, eBay sold listings says probably not (really, you should have checked this first).

 

[Drone46]

I did check Ebay sold listings. The price swing on this model is pretty dramatic, so I was not sure.

Also, I am in Seattle and demand has driven up prices on vintage audio gear here pretty dramatically.

 

[swechsler]

If you're talking about a local (e.g. Craigslist) sale then I'm going to stay with my original response. If you care about the dust cover then I'd keep looking, since purchasing the dust cover on its own will likely eat up any savings vs. purchasing a better condition model. Also, you didn't say if it includes a headshell, but if it doesn't that's another $20 or so.

Assuming you're not stuck on this one particular model, there are loads of Technics turntables made from the mid 70s to early 80s that are very similar in terms of performance. Stick with one that has an S-shaped tonearm (almost all of the straight ones use P-mount cartridges) and you'll be fine.

 

[Drone46]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Balifly]

Vintage Technics SL-1700 Turntable $175 obo
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/ele/5913872027.html

 

[ggregg]

I'm not disagreeing with anything already said, but I did come upon a really nice SL-D2 (for much less than that one). It is surprising hefty and well made. I picked it up to flip, now can't bring myself to do so. I really like it.

 

[swechsler]

Vintage Technics SL-1700 Turntable $175 obo
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/ele/5913872027.html

That ones a bit older than the SL-D2, I think they use particle board decks.

 

[Drone46]

That ones a bit older than the SL-D2, I think they use particle board decks.

Isn't the SL-1700 considered one of the better Technics tables tho?

I have a line on a SL-1300MK2 for a decent price that I am going to look at today.

 

[hi*ball]

SL-1700 is a great turntable. In ad: "Might need a new head" New stylus probably.

But that SL-D2 is no slouch either. (Might be able to pick it up for $50)

I would pursue the SL-1700 though!

 

[Balifly]

That ones a bit older than the SL-D2, I think they use particle board decks.

 

[hi*ball]

Here is a good reference chart:

http://www.vintagetechnics.audio/turntables.php

 

[tom3]

That's an awesome list, thanks for posting link.

 

[MacNoob]

That ones a bit older than the SL-D2, I think they use particle board decks.

No way, big solid piece of cast Japanesium.

 

[esprits4s]

No. I had one for a while. I ended up giving it to a friend who wanted to get into records. Fine choice for a starter turntable.

 

[swechsler]

Isn't the SL-1700 considered one of the better Technics tables tho?

I have a line on a SL-1300MK2 for a decent price that I am going to look at today.

I think the Mk2 is, not sure about the older ones.

 

[audiojones]

Are you kidding? That SL-1700 is an excellent deck worth considerably more than the price listed there unless it's totally trashed...that is a no-brainer if there ever was one! Definitely no particle board there, solid heavy cast base with a floating arm and platter suspension. It's a top notch turntable and in some people's view even a little more desirable than the MKII because it uses a simpler and much less trouble prone arm mechanism. I wouldn't be discussing it here, I'd be on my way to the sellers house. Probably long gone by now though...

 

[MacNoob]

The 1700 was my 'ambition' table when I first got back into vinyl. Very nice table. Would be even nicer with quartz lock.

 

[Balifly]

The 1700 was my 'ambition' table when I first got back into vinyl. Very nice table. Would be even nicer with quartz lock.

Try the Technics SL-1700 MKII.

 

[MacNoob]

Try the Technics SL-1700 MKII.

Yeah - values are pretty inflated and availability is low on those. I worked with the 1700 (original) for a year or two. Now I have an SL-Q3 and trying to decide which will get more use.