Why is my Technics sl qd33 considered a low end starter table?
- Thread starter Stone2266
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It is a decent basic turntable. I don't think it's fair to call it low end. The specs and performance are above a good many newer tables out there. P-Mount cartridge isn't it?
Mike
Mike
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P-mount yes,but high quality stylus and carts not difficult to find.P-mounts seem to get a bad rap most of the time but I can install the highest quality stylus if I choose to pay the money.Why only "decent"? Sure I know tables costing thousands should be of higher quality but for average folks and compared to modern "affordable "tables the qd33 is a bit more than decent in my opinion. Thanks for your response.
Well it was a budget priced table from Technics, they made it inexpensive by using less costly materials, which lowers it ability to perform at levels equal to that of Technics more costly units.
If your happy what do you care that your table was put together with less expensive parts? Did you pay more for it than what its worth?
If your happy what do you care that your table was put together with less expensive parts? Did you pay more for it than what its worth?
Balifly
Listening
Because that person had mistaken it for something else.
The full automatic model is always the top of the line model.
The entry level model is the the manual model.
The middle level model is the semi auto/auto return model.
The top model is the automatic.
I certainly did not mean to offend, that was not my intention. Over the years I've had tables similar to yours. I would prefer it to most of the sub 500.00 tables available today.
Mike
Mike
No I paid a fair price and it is in very good condition. I've recapped it and upgraded stylus and cart. I understand what "high end "means in terms materials and cost, but as I asked, DD and quartz locked w/a quality stylus and cart should be described as something a bit more than decent. I'm happy w/it paired w/ the Sansui 551,thanks for your reply.
No problem, no offense taken. I just think tables like mine being described as only "decent "might persuade potential buyers to steer away from what I feel is quality table.
lini
just me...
S2266: You'll probably need to accept, that such categorisations often enough are a matter of the perspective. Personally I also wouldn't call an SL-QD33 a low-end, starter turntable - but from a high-ender's point of view there indeed might not be all too much of a difference between an SL-BD20 (which on my personal scale would be entry-level (hifi) class (*)) and an SL-QD33 (which I'd call upper entry-level (hifi) or lower (hifi) middle class).
And what of course can also make a difference in terms of categorisation, is, whether one merely takes the table (usually including the tonearm) into consideration,
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
*) Whereas for example the SL-J90/100R/110R for me would rather be consumer stereo class - or respectively "toy class" from a hifi fan's point of view.
And what of course can also make a difference in terms of categorisation, is, whether one merely takes the table (usually including the tonearm) into consideration,
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
*) Whereas for example the SL-J90/100R/110R for me would rather be consumer stereo class - or respectively "toy class" from a hifi fan's point of view.
Because that person had mistaken it for something else.
The full automatic model is always the top of the line model.
The entry level model is the the manual model.
The middle level model is the semi auto/auto return model.
The top model is the automatic.
I don't think automatic features qualify tables level rating. Many of my upper level tables are mostly manual, or simply shut off at end of play. My Technics SP10 MkII was technics TOLT, it has no automatic features, it didn't even include a tone arm. .A good tonearm, cart, phono amp, mated to the SP 10 is going to sound better to most trained ears than the lower level Technics tables. For some the extra cost is worth it, for others they might not care to pay the extra money for that level of performance, that is why manufactures made so many tables at different price points.
The OP's table was a lower budget table, and many of the manufactures made lower cost tables in their line ups. They all compromised many areas to get the price down to help keep within a specific budget. Those compromises effect performance one way or another, it is simply a fact of physics. You can't expect an inexpensive table to perform at the same levels as those much further up the line in most instances. You have to face the facts quality is directly effected by increased cost, in most cases.
The OP can look at it as his table most likely won't sound as good as a much more expensive table, but on the good side, he has more money in his pocket, because he didn't have to spend as much.
SaSi
Seriously Illogical
Quartz lock and DD are good features for a table to hold speed accurately (although current tables are all belt drive and DC motors and brag about it).
Apart from the platter speed, the other aspects of a TT that define it's performance level are the plinth construction (isolation, ringing) and the tonearm. These have a strong influence in performance.
Apart from the platter speed, the other aspects of a TT that define it's performance level are the plinth construction (isolation, ringing) and the tonearm. These have a strong influence in performance.
Greenie
Active Member
Low end can be a rather misleading term. I prefer 'entry hi-fi' myself, which is where many would put the sl-qd33 when it was being produced during the vinyl age.
Lower quality build (but not always), more plasticky, and less options for upgrades and tweaking are the usual downsides of cheap decks from the 80s.
Many can sound very good. Often benefiting from the scale of production in those days, where technology and often parts could be shared from the more expensive models.
Lower quality build (but not always), more plasticky, and less options for upgrades and tweaking are the usual downsides of cheap decks from the 80s.
Many can sound very good. Often benefiting from the scale of production in those days, where technology and often parts could be shared from the more expensive models.
I think the ttable in question is a pretty darn decent choice for someone starting out. One could do a lot worse with today's selection of new "low end, entry level" models.
Balifly's suggestion that "fully automatic is top of the line" I think was only meant to compare concurrent models that, other than the manual, semi-automatic or full-automatic functionality, were otherwise identical. Full auto costs more because it has more parts and/or features.
Balifly's suggestion that "fully automatic is top of the line" I think was only meant to compare concurrent models that, other than the manual, semi-automatic or full-automatic functionality, were otherwise identical. Full auto costs more because it has more parts and/or features.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
The Technics SL-QD33 has a great little Quartz PLL DD motor, driven a refined and compact pancake coil drive, a very nicely made arm and a respectable overall construction. The auto functions add nothing to the performance and are arguably just more to go wrong.
The platter is lightweight, but perfectly matched to the motor and drive electronics to offer W&F numbers better than just about any modern belt drive you may mention.
Just enjoy it for what it is.
The platter is lightweight, but perfectly matched to the motor and drive electronics to offer W&F numbers better than just about any modern belt drive you may mention.
Just enjoy it for what it is.
savatage1973
Addicted Member
Shuss--be quiet--consider yourself lucky and be happy with your table. Let them believe what they want--it keeps the prices "affordable". Look at what has happened to the prices of Realistic and MCS gear in the last few years, since people have "discovered" them for what they really are?
Just got in from work and would like to thank everyone for their replies. A lot of great points to consider. I grew up in the 70's and 80's and playing records has always been a part of my life.With the vinyl resurgence I decided to get a turntable and listen to music the way I had most of my life.When shopping for a"new" record player nothing on the market impressed me at all.Granted I'm not financially able to spend to get what is considered high end. My point is these vintage tables are quality built and are easily upgraded stylus and cart wise and should be recommended to anyone,they do sound very good. Well again,thanks for your opinions.
Yea I just gave that a try w/the volume turned up to7,didn't hear a thing.
