To me it doesn't matter what you call it. Just enjoy knowing that you are very happy with what someone else calls 'entry-level'. It just saved you having to pay a whole lot more for it! 
Why is my Technics sl qd33 considered a low end starter table?
- Thread starter Stone2266
- Start date
In 1986 when that table came out it was (MSRP) $220.00.
Lets look at the other Technics direct drive tables by MSRP available in those years.
This list may not be complete and I don't know if theses tables were available everywhere.
SL-QD22 -- $150
SL-DD-22 - $180
SL-DD33 - $190
SL-QD33 -$220
SL-D500 - $250
SL-M2 -$400
SL-MA1 - $489
Sl-1200(MKII) - $750
Out of the 8 models I could find being sold new in 1986, the first year the QD33 was available, it is squarely in the middle of the pack. Keep in mind that the direct drive models were ALL more expensive than the belt drive models. So it could be argued that, at the time, Technics had two broad lines for their turntables, those being Belt Drive and Direct Drive (one could argue that the latter was further split into DD Linear tracking or that the DD Linear trackers constitute a separate line, but for the purposes of this conversation that point is moot). Judging by MSRP the Direct Drive line was the upper tier and in that line the QD33 was squarely in the middle, so I would find it difficult to say that this table is 'low -end'. On the contrary I think the above information clearly shows that Technics certainly didn't think so.
Also note that Inflation adjustment calculators show that in today's dollars that 1986 $220 is worth $505.
Lets look at the other Technics direct drive tables by MSRP available in those years.
This list may not be complete and I don't know if theses tables were available everywhere.
SL-QD22 -- $150
SL-DD-22 - $180
SL-DD33 - $190
SL-QD33 -$220
SL-D500 - $250
SL-M2 -$400
SL-MA1 - $489
Sl-1200(MKII) - $750
Out of the 8 models I could find being sold new in 1986, the first year the QD33 was available, it is squarely in the middle of the pack. Keep in mind that the direct drive models were ALL more expensive than the belt drive models. So it could be argued that, at the time, Technics had two broad lines for their turntables, those being Belt Drive and Direct Drive (one could argue that the latter was further split into DD Linear tracking or that the DD Linear trackers constitute a separate line, but for the purposes of this conversation that point is moot). Judging by MSRP the Direct Drive line was the upper tier and in that line the QD33 was squarely in the middle, so I would find it difficult to say that this table is 'low -end'. On the contrary I think the above information clearly shows that Technics certainly didn't think so.
Also note that Inflation adjustment calculators show that in today's dollars that 1986 $220 is worth $505.
Thanks for the information.I agree,though not a top of the line turntable it is a very nice quality piece of equipment.
mprince
Super Member
Low cost does not always correlate to low quality, I'd bet that Technics runs circles around many current tables that go for a lot more money.
As long as the table makes you happy, don't get too concerned with the opinions of random people on internet forums who have never used or heard your equipment. After all, the table is for you, not them. "Keeping up with the Joneses" is sadly a reality in this hobby and can be destructive to your wallet (among other things).
As long as the table makes you happy, don't get too concerned with the opinions of random people on internet forums who have never used or heard your equipment. After all, the table is for you, not them. "Keeping up with the Joneses" is sadly a reality in this hobby and can be destructive to your wallet (among other things).
Thing is this wasn't a low cost turntable when new. My concern is perhaps someone wanting a very nice quality record player and is looking to buy vintage(used) will be misled into thinking this is sub-par table by how I've seen this and other p-mount tables described in forums. Can I install an Ortofon Blue on it? No,can I put a stylus and cart of equal quality on it? Yes. Can I get a new table that's better? Yes,but it'll cost me five times as much as I have in this one.
Balifly
Listening
There is quite a difference between consumer electronics line up and industrial or special purpose models.
The hierarchy of models in Japanese consumer turn tables were and still are marketed in the same manner.
Dude, let it go. You are happy with it, and that's great. If you think it's the equal of, say, a Technics SL1600 or even an Sl D2/3, or a table higher up the food chain, that's great too. Just don't try to convince me that you are correct.
It's a very adequate low budget table, and probably the equal to or better than many new sub-$300/400 tables. Enjoy it.
It's a very adequate low budget table, and probably the equal to or better than many new sub-$300/400 tables. Enjoy it.
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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 have several old issues of the Audio Magazine Annual Equipment Directory that indicate that this is untrue for Technics. The top 6 are all fully manual..
It is best not to be delusional in regards as to the facts. As I stated their is no problem with not owning the upper end of audio gear. Most of us can't afford the upper end gear, we settle happily with lesser gear. We should be able to differentiate the levels of gear with a little bit of research, and when the facts are presented, not try and dismiss the facts with because it sounds good to me. Their is a difference even though we like to feel happy with what we have.
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Thanks for the opinion, Dude.
Stone, be happy you have a table that you truly love.This means your search is over. Trust me when I tell you, that is awesome. No one ever said it was a bad table, but your not going to convince folks that it's a great table either. Keep in mind that the table came out in the early years of the CD era. By 1986 folks were jumping on the CD bandwagon, so Technics was trying to keep the series up to speed. Yes, the SL-QD33 has nice features, but in the end, it was marketed at a more affordable level, which in turn places it on the lower end. No worries man, just enjoy
mprince
Super Member
If the concern is with resale, this discussion belongs in Dollars and Sense. But if you insist on arguing with every viewpoint offered, it will be locked long before that. Not sure what your intent is, so I'm out...
If it is possible, you could try placing the stylus on a stationary record (you may have to disconnect the turntable from the mains to do this if the auto functions prevent it) and tapping the surface the turntable is sitting on. Does any sound come through? Next, try tapping the turntable itself? Does any sound come though? Anything that does come through demonstrates how microphonic the lightweight plastic turntable is.
Another possible test is to hold the headshell and check for any slackness in the bearings. The headshell shouldn't be able to twist or move backwards or forwards towards the pivot. Any movement apart from pivoting around a single point shows poor bearings.
Deficiencies in these areas are what more audiophile turntables address.
Lest we not forget that in 1986 turntable and vinyl sales were tanking in favor of CD. Technics was certainly aware of that. Just reading the introductory blurb in the owner’s manual is telling enough - it’s all about all the great stuff they make and very little about turntables. This table was made well after the peak. It would have sucked to be an engineer in any by-the-numbers Japanese megacorp’s tt division. Innovation time was over. It would have been all value engineering, aka getting beat up all day, everyday to make the new one cheaper than the last one. All to squeeze the last few bucks out of a dying market.
I bought a new tt about 2 years later from Federated, a big time retailer. By then they had maybe 4 tables to choose from 3 were entry level below $200 w/ cartridges. The only up market table was the $500 Dual CS-5000 which was their swan song offering and I still have it today. And at that Federated had to sweeten the deal with an upgraded HOMC Ortofon to move them.
As much as the OP wants it to be more, with market forces being what they were, it just isn’t. Like others have stated just enjoy it. I have a plastic fantastic SL-1950 that sounds pretty decent for what it is especially for the $26 price I paid.
I bought a new tt about 2 years later from Federated, a big time retailer. By then they had maybe 4 tables to choose from 3 were entry level below $200 w/ cartridges. The only up market table was the $500 Dual CS-5000 which was their swan song offering and I still have it today. And at that Federated had to sweeten the deal with an upgraded HOMC Ortofon to move them.
As much as the OP wants it to be more, with market forces being what they were, it just isn’t. Like others have stated just enjoy it. I have a plastic fantastic SL-1950 that sounds pretty decent for what it is especially for the $26 price I paid.
Balifly
Listening
I love my 95 Subaru Legacy Outback too.
My Subaru Forester from a different line is the entry level model, manual transmission.
Who gives a **** what others classify your gear as, if you like it, like it!
To answer your question, its not considered a low end table, it is considered to be a budget friendly unit. As others have stated, the material used is lesser quality over other models. This will equate to SQ.
I ran a Pioneer PL12D for years and loved it. It was also known to be a "starter" table. Let it be known, I didn't care as I loved that table. It was stolen from my storage unit in January.
My point, don't focus on what others classify your system as, its a good table, and the point is to listen to music, not spend money on a table.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/CF95SE.html
On the P-Mount, I don't know that cart, I only have 2 P mounts and they are AT's, I don't think they are anything special, not bad but P-Mount carts don't get much love. They are not all bad.
Id suggest one of the LP Gear CF95SE carts, google the reviews. The cart won the award for the best sounding cart under 100 bucks. The are under $60 bucks now. I run them along side with more expensive carts all day and can say they sound pretty good.
Good luck on the table projects, sooner or later you will want to upgrade. I think when you do, you will understand why its considered to be a starter table.
perspective,
As you can say its a "very nice quality piece of equipment", others will agree or disagree. And Yes, some of the technics tables had some good numbers. I ran the D2 or 200 years back, similar in build quality, plastic body, light platter and non adjustable counterweight, but the thing sounded good.
I ran a CS-5000 for a while, it was a nice table.
That would have been the D-200.
