Technics SL-QL1 Problems

A

AdlerW

Active Member
Very disappointed! Just picked up a Technics SL-QL1 in amazing condition. I've tested it for 2 minutes and I already don't like it!

Here's what happens:

When I press "start", the needle drops and for a few seconds there is no sound, then there is a very loud pop and the sound comes out of both channels. This same "pop" occurs when you raise and lower the cueing and when you press "stop". There is some silence after the needle drops then it "pops", then the sound starts. Also, I can hear some kind of physical clicking going on in the turntable itself when the "pop" happens.

Wft?! Is this normal? Is this how this turntable is supposed to work?
 
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I think you have a noisy muting switch. Get the service manual from Vinylengine.com (you’ll have to register, but it’s free) and some Deoxit and clean that switch.
 
Preamp is a Schiit Mani. I have an old receiver I can test it with but I don’t have any other preamp at the moment.
 
Thought so. As far as I remember, there was an old thread either here or on VE about Schiit Mani not playing nice with turntables that have muting relays or muting switches. Something about some miniscule DC voltage across its inputs...
 
Had exactly this problem with an SL-DL1 and an Arcam A80!
Didn't do it with a Sansui 1000X.
Try cleaning the contacts in the relay and check the soldering of it on the pcb.
My current S-L7 had a noisy and slow to operate relay that failed to mute and unmute correctly and this had tarnished contacts with high resistance and also a dry joint in one ground connection.
Desoldering from the pcb, removing the lid from the relay and flushing the contacts with deoxit and refitting cured everything.
 
So, isn’t a relay a “type”of switch? Maybe can’t be cleaned, but can be replaced.
 
Yes, a relay is an electrically activated switch. If the cover cones off, its easier to clean than replace as the contacts carry little to no current.
 
I've owned my SL-QL1 since I bought it new in 1983.
It does make an audible sound when the signal comes through, not sure I'd call it a "POP".
One channel always produces sound first the other channel comes in VERY soon after.
I NEVER "drop the needle" with the volume turned up, and I also lower the volume before "raising the needle".
 
One of my SL-7 is slow to unmute, dunno if there is a sluggish relay driver or what. Otherwise, it sounds as good as the cartridge in it.
 
Definitely sounds like the muting relay to me. Also, I have a Schitt Mani, and it does NOT play well with muting circuits, at least not the shorting type. When the table is muted, I get lots of noise out of the Mani. This is true of 2 different tables I have that have a muting circuit.
 
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