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Which would you keep: Technics SL-MA1 or JVC QL-Y5F?

myu701

myu701

Vintage futurist
I'm in a situation where I need to reduce my audio gear. I've already sold off a bunch of stuff, to include a near mint set of HBR Klipsch Heresy II's (longest owned speakers for me, sad to let 'em go).

So I'm down to turntables now. I have a Technics SL-MA1 that I bought brand new in the late 1980's. I also have a JVC QL-Y5F that I picked up at a decent price locally. The Technics has that T4P (P-Mount) cartridge, which narrows the choice on cartridges. But, there are still plenty of good ones available. Both perform admirably. The SL-MA1 is more advanced and is fully automatic (disc size sensor to auto-adjust speed), but heck--it's so easy to set the size with the QL-Y5F that I don't really need it.

My thought is to sell the Technics SL-MA1 because the JVC has a better reliability reputation. Also, to me, the JVC is a more attractive looking TT.

What are your thoughts? Which one would you keep and why?
 
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Hmmm both are great tables, but I think the electro-damping on the JVC makes it more versatile than the Technics...

The Technics is however less prone to electronic failure long term as its arm is less electronic.

I find that I can lighten the JVC arm through the use of low mass headshells and even lower mass counterweights (technics SL1200mkII CW's fit fine), which in combination with the damping function allows me to run even very high compliance cartridges (Shure/SAS, ADC SuperXLM, Audio Technica AT25, etc...).
With adapters I run p-mounts on there as well.
And with heavy headshells the JVC can easily handle a Denon DL103, and does currently handle mid compliance Empire/Benz MC1

For sheer versatility my vote goes to the JVC. (but I do really like that Technics!)
 
My SL-MA1 is mounted with a Grado Silver. See no reason to change. Never owned a QL-Y5F but do have a JVC QL-Y55F also with a Grado mounted and would have a hard time deciding on which one to part with. Don't envy you and bet after one is chosen will wish you had found a place for it.

Or better yet, just box it up for a spare.




Barney
 
I was very lucky to find basically a new-in-box SL-MA1 recently. It has a Technics P540 cartridge and it sounds wonderful. These Japanese flagship tables are so rare and so advanced for their time, it seems a shame to even consider selling one. Keep them both, especially the one you've owned since new.
 
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