Technics SL-M3

[lini]

(...) As near as I can tell, it is the only Technics linear tracker without the tonearm attached to the lid. (...)

Forgot to comment on this: No, it isn't. There was at least one of Technics' cheap belt-driven linear trackers that also didn't have the arm mounted in the lid. I'm pretty sure it was the SL-L20, but some vague memory makes me think there were more...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[SaSi]

The reason for the difference between the figures is the way they are measured - 0.008% is measured using the electronics that compensate for changes in speed, so it's not taken while playing a record, whereas the 0.022% is. Virtually all of the Japanese manufacturers used several different methods to measure wow and flutter, and the lowest figures, which are below 0.01% on the very best turntables that were made (eg Technics, Sansui, Denon, JVC), are by using just the electronic signal to measure it. For instance, my Sansui XR-Q7 has it as 0.009% when read straight from the FG (Frequency Generator) - they don't even mention any other figures! A Technics manual I have says of the 0.01% wow and flutter for their SL-1610Mk2, "This rating refers to turntable assembly alone, excluding effects of record, cartridge or tonearm, but including platter. Measured by obtaining signal from built-in frequency generator of motor assembly." Using a record, tonearm and cartridge to measure it, the figure rises to 0.025% WRMS. Using a different measuring standard, the figure is 0.035% peak! So the figures depend on how the measurement is done as to how good they are. And of course, they're much better if you're not actually playing a record!

-Don

I suppose they wanted to show off the absolute minimum possible. And playing back an LP would also introduce the w&f of the original cutting table. Which could mean that any figures below 0.02~0.03 are pointless, but we already knew that, didn't we?

Absolutely awsome TT. I watched that item. Never intended to purchase. Would not like to think what the customs would be for that import outside EU.

 

[SA-708]

I missed meeting the FedEx man today, didn't get away from work on time. It was sent with signature required. Now it is scheduled for a second attempt on the 27th, so I know where I'll be on Friday. Hopefully The Turntable Factory packed it well enough that it survived the extra trip around town today. I did get a nice email with photos yesterday, about how to reassemble the turntable once I unpack it.

 

[SA-708]

Well, I got the SL-M3 unpacked and assembled; the turntable and the original packaging all survived the trip. It is larger in all dimensions than my SL-1700Mk2, and it won't fit on the shelf in my bedroom where the 1700 has been living. Next step is finding a place to put it. I'd like to put it in my living room system, if I could find a spot for a turntable there. Didn't quite realize how bloody big it was until I put it all together.

I'll snap some photos tomorrow when the light is better.

 

[hakaplan]

Glad it survived unscathed. :thmbsp:

 

[SA-708]

SL-M3 Photos

The Turntable Factory did a great job of packing it in the original packaging, with the original "locks" to hold the arm, and then doubleboxing it in a heavy U-Haul carton.

Some of these photos I took this morning while giving the SL-M3 a test run on my kitchen table, and some are from an email from The Turntable Factory where they gave me some set-up instructions.

The arm with the shipping locks, with the cover off of the arm base. The white plastic part with the two green screws holds the counterweight in place, and the other white plastic tab holds the base of the arm in place.

Another view of the arm base with the cover off. The white Phillips-head screw adjusts the tracking force.

I decided to bump up the tracking force to 1.5 grams, which is the recommended setting for the Grado Silver, partly because I like to tinker. I had to hold the platter still with the table on to take the measurements.

The arm in use with the Grado Silver, and kitchen table junk in the background. Technics sure wanted everyone to know what material they used to make the arm. Definitely a few steps above the arm on my SL-Q5.

 

[SA-708]

More SL-M3 photos

The controls on the left side, on the front of the arm base. Focus isn't great; from top to bottom the buttons are auto/manual, speed, size, repeat, and quartz lock/pitch adjust.

The controls on the right side, with the power button on the front.

It still has the sticker about the genuine simulated wood finish on the front.

Playing a purple Cocteau Twins EP, with the dust cover up and then down. The dust cover is very thick and has a nice gold colour (notice how it changes the hue of the record). The hinges are heavier than my other Techincs turntables, to deal with the heaver cover I suppose.

Once I get a good place to set this beauty up, I think the next step is a good turntable clamp, probably a J. A. Michell.