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What are your opinions on the following: Technics SL-D2 and Technics SL-B2

mflores32

mflores32

Active Member
I have a chance to pick both of these up for a decent price. Curious as to what your thoughts on them are. Both are in good condition and working properly. I might pick both of them up if he can do a little better on them if I pick both of them up..Just curious if I can get some opinions.

Thanks,

Mark
 
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My non-AK brother had a SL-D2 and I bought a SL-D202 a couple of years later. I believe the SL-D202 is very similar to the D2. My TT is still being used today, and it functions like it did back in 1982.

For the price, I don't think you can do much better than these Technics TTs. I have even read about some mods AKers have used on these TTs. Being just above BOTL TTs...that tells you something.
 
Decent entry level (semiautomatic) turntables (direct vs. belt drive, respectively, of course) if in good condition. Rather more plastic-y than earlier and/or better Technics turntables, but perfectly serviceable.

The internal speed adjustment pots often need cleaning at this late date, or the decks will not hold speed.
 
Both from the same series. B2 is belt semi-auto. D2 is DD semi-auto. D2 was a very popular model--still is among AKers. B2 lower in the lineup because belt drive was less expensive and specs were lower, but still quite competent. If the price is right I'd go for both.

ADDENDUM: Regarding what mhardy said above, yes, these are consumer level models which were lighter than the upper level models (SL-1200-1800 + MK2), but still decent. The pots might need cleaning--opening it up and spraying the pitch pot and 33/45 switch internals with Deoxit does the trick.
 
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The D2 was a hugely popular table, and great seller, for a reason, and at a very affordable price.

My thoughts are go for the D2.
 
I've had an SL-D1 (fully manual version of the D2) since I bought it new in 1979. The table is rock solid. Never had a problem with it. Only maintenance I've ever done is dusting it to keep it clean and re-lubing the spindle periodically. Those old Technics DD tables go forever. I'd grab a D2 if I stumbled across one for sure.

SteveH
 
I had an SL-D2 in college. It was a great place to begin the journey into vinyl, but the SL-1210 I have is in another league, in my opinion, as far as overall quality/sound. Very solid for what they fetch, though. You cold do a lot worse.
 
I've had an SL-D3 and have an SL-B3 (also had the SL-D303). These are the full auto versions of the tables you're considering. Quite good tables. As Howard mentioned, the specs are a little lower for the belt drive but still respectable. If both are in good condition, and I had to choose only one, I'd go with the D2 but I wouldn't be opposed to getting both.

Do plan on DeoxIting the speed controls. Seems they always need that and little if anything else.

John
 
I have had my SL-D3, the fully auto version of the D2, since 1980 with no problems. I imagine the D2 is also a rock solid performer that's easy to maintain. You would not go wrong getting it.
 
I have a D2, and its a great turntable. Very simple, and therefore reliable. Weighs about 14 lbs. too so its not super light. I wouldn't buy a Technics belt-drive turntable.
 
I picked up an SL-Q3(a quartz-lock automatic relative of the SL-D2) a while back and it is running in my living room system at right now. It is a decent table. What are you using now? Do you know what carts are on the tables?
 
Everyone seems in agreement here. I currently have a D2 and D3, and think they are very likeable tables. I may be wrong, but I think they have the same or similar tonearms as higher end Technics TT's. I really like the removable headshell, especially since I have two, so its is easy to swap out and compare carts.
 
Just finished working on an SL-B1; manual version of the B2 & B3. Was doing it as a favor for a guy who works in my building. This unit has been horribly mistreated, was filthy, belt residue all over the underside of the platter.

Cleaned it up, deox the speed pots, new belt, replaced an RCA, lubed the spindle. Unit is running like a champ and holding speed beautifully. Point is these units appear to be the Technics equivalent of a Timex.

Depending on the price, the B2 may not be a bad choice. I defer to everyone else on the D2.
 
Judging from my one/two year newer "B" and "D" 303s, with everything working, they should be pretty nice turntables. Don't let the mention of a higher (0.045%) wow & flutter spec on the B2 scare you away. What was paid for both those turntables new translates into around $400 "now" money, maybe more, and the old Technics' specs are better than most anything new in that price range. With new entry level turntables you are talking about tenths of a percent of wow and flutter. With the old Technics under consideration you're talking about percentages of a tenth of a percent.
 
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B2 is competent, D2 is much better. D2 is the best bargain Technics you can buy and is semi automatic, has a low side of medium mass tonearm, and is well made and reliable as a $200 new in 1980 turntable got. Get the D2, speed is better and they hold value better.
 
I have an MCS 6303 which in a rebadged SL-D2 sold by JC Penny. Is is a lot nicer and hevier than either belt drive Technics turntable that I owned. Definitely a keeper.

Look familiar?
MCS66033.jpg
 
Water said:
... I wouldn't buy a Technics belt-drive turntable.
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I would, and I did (namely the SL-230 that's currently seeing duty in my big system). I've also worked on several of them for friends. Usually the only repairs they need are a new belt and cleaning of the four speed adjust pots. They're solidly built; the arm is quite good; the speed is accurate and stable; the FG servo DC motor doesn't induce hum in Grado cartridges; and the environmental isolation you get from the rubber feet is better than what many new "entry-level audiophile" turntables provide. I see no reason to pick a Technics direct-drive in preference to the belt-drive models, as both types can provide a great deal of musical satisfaction for not much money.
 
Dr Tinear said:
I see no reason to pick a Technics direct-drive in preference to the belt-drive models, as both types can provide a great deal of musical satisfaction for not much money.
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As a general proposition I would agree but Technics did put most of their eggs in the DD basket. As a consequence, their best DDs are better than their best BDs.

That being said, their better BDs are better than some of their DDs. As an example, the SL-B2..... or just to eliminate the variable of P-mount vs. standard mount..... the SL-B20 vs. the SL-DD22.

John
 
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