Technics SL-D30

[Jane Watkins]

Hey guys,
I'm looking to possibly purchase a Technics SL-D30 on Ebay for $135. Of course I'm working from a single Mom budget. This would be for my son's stereo project. I love the look of this turntable, My questions would be if anyone has info on this model. Also, it comes with a new Ortofon 14 cartridge. Would this be an acceptable cartridge to use?

Thanks in advance for all replies!

 

[shelly_d]

The SL-D30 is a fine performer. It is fully automatic so that your son can put an album on and press button. The turntable will move the arm to the start of the record, pay it all the way through and then lift and return at the end, all by itself.

This all assumes that it is working to factory specs. Find out if the turntable has been fully tested. Also check the seller's feedback to see if he/she has sold and shipped turntables in the past. They are easily broken in shipment. The phrase "professionally packed" is a waring sign. Most shippers who do that take it to a package store and the clerks working in UPS or FexEx stores don't have a clue how to pack and ship a turntable. If you do decide to go forward with the purchase, do a google search on "how to pack a turntable for shipment". Look over the various websites to learn the best techniques. Then contact the seller, referring him to the websites and asking him to agree to packing in that manner. If he does not agree, specifically, or reply that he has successfully shipped a number of turntables in the past, keep looking elsewhere.

As for the cartridge, this turntable uses what is called a P-Mount cartridge. This means that both the arm and cartridge are designed to work together without any adjustment at all, just mount and go. Any P-Mount cartridge will fit and work. There are differences between what they will sound like but none of them will cause problems with playback unless it is damaged in some way. I have not used an Ortofan cartridges so I cannot comment on what it will sound like but the brand enjoys a fine reputation on this forum.

Any finally; Welcome to Audiokarma.

Shelly_D

 

[Balifly]

Hey guys,
I'm looking to possibly purchase a Technics SL-D30 on Ebay for $135. Of course I'm working from a single Mom budget. This would be for my son's stereo project. I love the look of this turntable, My questions would be if anyone has info on this model. Also, it comes with a new Ortofon 14 cartridge. Would this be an acceptable cartridge to use?

Thanks in advance for all replies!

Welcome to the AK turn table forum.

The owner's manual for the Technics SL-D20 ( semi- automatic ) is available, use that as a guide for the time being - similar turn table in the same line up.

It is a free download after registration.
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-d20.shtml

The replacement stylus/needle for Ortofon 14 cartridge is still available.

Some examples:

Original - https://www.ortofon.com/stylus-14-p-371

Aftermarket - https://www.lpgear.com/product/ORTSTM14.html

 

[shelly_d]

You might also want to look into the Pioneer PL-7. There are a number of them on the bay for a lot less. Their performance is every bit the equal of the Technics you are looking at and fine units can be had for a lot less. I paid less then fifty bucks plus shipping for mine. They are not as simple as the Technics as it uses cartridges that use a standard 1/2 inch mount, which means that any new cartridge will need to be set up and aligned, but with a small screwdriver, a ruler and some free printouts available on the web we can talk you through that as well.

Good Luck

Shelly_D

 

[Speakerious]

I just bought a SL-D30 for $30 in mint cosmetic condition - but haven't been able to play it yet, to test it, to see if it works, because the power cord is missing. I ordered a new one online (hope it's the right one) and can't wait to try it out. Here are a couple of pics:

I know it's an entry level 1982 TT, and it's plastic, but it's decently feature rich and fully automatic. Press the button, the tonearm automatically moves to the start of the album, and when it's done, the tonearm returns to its holder, and the TT stops, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on the needle and the belt.