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Which Technics to get?

M

mltl

Member
I'm looking at three turntables on craigslist. I currently have a Philips 212 that works but needs RCA cables replaced as they occasionally short out. I'm in the market for something a bit heavier duty and reliable and have narrowed in on three technics tables on CL:

1. Technics SL-23 - $100 - Looks to be in very clean condition and has been serviced.

2. Technics SL-1500 - $200 - Has been serviced and is superficially less clean than the 23, missing two feet. I know i can easily acquire replacement feet so that is not an issue.

3. Technics SL-1600 mk2 - $375 - This is potentially too expensive for me at the moment, but if its a great deal, then I might be able to make the stretch, as its likely the last turntable I'll buy for a long time.

I do like the thought of direct drive, but am not so clear on the potential sonic differences between my Philips and these tables (Although I did see a thread comparing the SL 23 and Philips 212, and the philips was recommended).

Any thoughts and recommendations will be much appreciated.
 
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The SL-23 is one of the better belt-drive tables Technics made. However, it's still a belt-drive table from the company that made a name from producing arguably the best direct-drive tables of the era. For me, I'd take a serious look at the other two.
 
Another thing to note- Besides the RCA cable issue, my philips is almost guaranteed to skip if anyone is walking around on the wooden floors in my apartment. Due to roommates and constraints of living in the rental, I cannot move my turntable to any other location.. I definitely don't like this feeling of anxiety every time I'm playing a record and there is movement. I have read that tables with a different suspension system might improve upon this.
 
I had an SL-23 I purchased new and it's a decent table and one of Technics better belt drive units. However, the SL-1600 mk2 is in a different category concerning wow & flutter and rumble. If you can swing it, go for the SL-1600 mk2 as long as it is in good condition and fully functional. Also, the tonearm height is adjustable. The KAB fluid damper will also fit the tonearm.
 
Decibel_116 said:
I had an SL-23 I purchased new and it's a decent table and one of Technics better belt drive units. However, the SL-1600 mk2 is in a different category concerning wow & flutter and rumble. If you can swing it, go for the SL-1600 mk2 as long as it is in good condition and fully functional. Also, the tonearm height is adjustable. The KAB fluid damper will also fit the tonearm.
Click to expand...

Do you think the 1600 mk2 is worth the extra $175 over the 1500?
 
yes the technics will be better at preventing the skips. Too bad you can't mount the table on the wall folks don't walk on the walls very much.

The 1600 II is my full automatic table complimenting the two tables with separate arms. A keeper when properly maintained (arm belt and gears glued to prevent breakage).
 
I would pass over the SL-23 and focus the budget over the 1500 and 1600. Both are heavy and reliable.
The 1600 is the full automatic of the top series, where the 1700 is the semiautomatic and the 1800 the manual. The mk II has the same tonearm as the SL-1200 with adjustable VTA, but the arm/platter assembly is suspended over coils. An excellent TT but - alas - I don't like much the complexity of the full automatics. I'd try to find a 1800, to tell it short.
The 1500 is just a step below the top series. A simplified tonearm with no VTA adjustment, but a reliable motor and a well damped plinth. The 1500 mk II is even heavier than the mk I. Let's say the strenght of the 1500 is the solid compact simple design.
 
I think that all three tables will provide excellent performance and sound quality if set-up correctly. The thing for the OP to decide is whether he wants manual (SL 1500), semi automatic (SL 23) or fully automatic (SL 1600).
 
Thanks for all of your replies. I may try to swing the 1600mk2, maybe offer a bit less. The good things is both tables are within a few miles of each other, so I can check out both of them in a week or so.

I forgot to mention, the 1600 ad makes mention of a new IC logic chip. Also they leveled the platter to the base.

I like the idea of automated features, mainly autostop, but its not something I'm set on.

How truly important is VTA adjustment? This is part of the equation I never really thought about.
 
mltl said:
How truly important is VTA adjustment? This is part of the equation I never really thought about.
Click to expand...

It's nice to have but not that important. It simply allows you to level the tonearm without adding spacers between the cartridge and head-shell.
 
mltl said:
How truly important is VTA adjustment? This is part of the equation I never really thought about.
Click to expand...
It is important to properly set the angle at which the cart traces the groove, or to increase/decrease it in order to obtain a subtle change in the character of the cartridge. With a VTA adjustment system in the tonearm that operation is easy and practical especially when you own more than a cartridge. Nothing that can't be made, like said above, by placing spacers between the cartridge and the headshell or simply adding one or more mats to the platter (cork made recommended).
 
DustyOldPile said:
Better build quality vs. better specs. The MK2 had better specs, but had entered the plastic era as the relationship of the Yen vs. the Dollar was changing.
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I have the SL 1800 MK2 and SL 1600.

The early 1600 has a metal sub-base but the later 1800 MK2 is made of a thick plastic. I wonder if the better specs were due in part to the use of a less resonant plastic material?
 
mltl said:
Another thing to note- Besides the RCA cable issue, my philips is almost guaranteed to skip if anyone is walking around on the wooden floors in my apartment. Due to roommates and constraints of living in the rental, I cannot move my turntable to any other location.. I definitely don't like this feeling of anxiety every time I'm playing a record and there is movement. I have read that tables with a different suspension system might improve upon this.
Click to expand...
Maybe consider wall mount? get a small shelf and tie the supports directly into the studs. The Technics might be a little better than the Phlips with footfall but if the spot is prone to vibration you may still have issues...
 
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