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Technics SL-Q2 or Realistic LAB-440?

DTiberius

DTiberius

Member
Hello everyone!
I have a choice between 2 turntables. A Technics SL-Q2 or a Realistic LAB 440.
I like that the Technics is quartz controlled, so I don't have to fiddle around with the speed. It has an Audio- Technica AT 71E cart with a new stylus and sounds great! I really like the looks of the Realistic and the fact that it's fully automatic is nice. It has a brand new Shure M97xe cart on it. I can only afford one, any insights or suggestions?!
 
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I like both of them myself. I don't think you can go wrong either way. However, the Technics does have a few things going for it. First of all, it has an excellent tonearm that uses an easily removable headshell that makes swapping cartridges a snap. All you need is some extra universal type headshells (one for each cartridge) and you can swap for different sounds for different music. You can also swap cartridges on the Realistic, but the headshells are not universal and much more difficult to find. The primary consideration for me would be the specifications, which favor the Technics. You can check them out here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-q2.shtml

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/realistic/lab-440.shtml

Another consideration is the overall condition of each. Any chance of posting any photos? Can you listen to them?

I personally do not like the bright sound of the Audio Technica cartridge but you might - this is a very personal and subjective thing. I would lean towards the Technics and put a different cartridge on it. But that is just me. The Realistic is a very fine table made by CEC. The Shure M97xe cartridge is a nice bonus.
 
In the past four weeks I dusted off my Technics SL-Q3. It had been in storage for 15 years. I have had this turntable since 1988 and used it heavily for years. It has never let me down. I would recommend the Technics.
 
I've had a chance to listen to both tables and I thought it was me, but I found the AT71e on the Technics to be a bit too bright as well. I love how the LAB-440 sounds, but that could be because of the cart. I also like the auto features.
What to do, what to do... Lol!
 
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