Technics TTs -- Your opinions needed...

[xy_rn]

Hi

Just browsing the local listings and have come across a smattering of TT by Technics. Although I did a search on each specific TT, I found little info on some of the decks that are available locally.

Could someone fill me on on the desirability of each of these decks?

Technics SL-D1 - Grace F-9 cart (no lid)
Technics SL-D2 - Audio Technica cart unspecified
Technics SL-D2 - Audio Technica EPC-270C cart
Technics SL-1200 MK2 - Shure M44-7 cart (I know this deck is wildly popular), in black. Very nice looking.
Technics SL-1400 MK2 - Stanton 681EEE cart, (apparently the auto feature is not working, but works as a manual deck)

Thanks, as always for your sage wisdom!

--Jeff.

 

[Balifly]

Here is a link to Technics turntable.
http://www.vintagetechnics.info/turntables.htm

Hope it would help your search, good luck!

 

[ron-c]

SL1200 MKII since it is the most popular and easiest to service. Parts are plentiful and cheap plus it works and sounds very good.

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[HypnoToad]

SL1200 MKII since it is the most popular and easiest to service. Parts are plentiful and cheap plus it works and sounds very good.

Thanks,
Ron-C

You can upgrade it to yours and your bank managers delight.:thmbsp:

 

[SaSi]

While the 1200MkII is the best of the bunch - no questions asked - the Shure M44-7 cart is pretty basic for DJ use.

The SL-D1 ~ D3 decks are manual, auto return and full auto versions of the same design. Not a bad design or mediocre performers by any rate but not very desirable as per your question. Although a recent ebay auction proves this statement wrong.

The SL-1400MkII is a very interesting TT. A great performer with a flaw in the tonearm section. And it comes with a good cart. If you can spend the effort to fix the tonearm it can be a very nice unit and great performer for you. However it all depends on price as well.

 

[cactuscowboy]

Agree with previous comments, the SL-1200MKII is the pick of the litter.

I find vintage used Technics (I've got five of them) to be very well made to tight specs and capable performers.

 

[slate1]

The one thing that would concern me with this particular SL-1200MK2 is that it is fitted with, as SaSi pointed out, what is essentially a DJ'ing cartridge - the Shure M44-7.

I would be sure to check the tonearm very well and make sure there is no play or binding in the bearings whatsoever. The problem, in my estimation, with buying used SL-1200's is that there is a great potential that you'll end up with something that has had the arm bearings beat to utter crap by misuse.

 

[Balifly]

If you want a work horse turntable, don't over look the JVC L A-55 with the Shure cartridge.