I own a SL-DL1 that I bought new back in 1981. A family friend worked at a now closed Panasonic service center in our town for 20 years. He knows the Technics/Panasonic linear tracking turntables inside and out and he did a complete overhaul on mine two years ago.
I'm also a big Technics fanboy. I was able to score a Technics SL-1900 and it's an amazing turntable. Needed minor repairs, but I got it working like a charm. Direct drive, strobe, adjustable counterweight, pitch adjust, quick-change headshell. Definitely better than most stuff on the market these days.
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy and excited for you. In my opinion, I would not buy anything but Technics. I have a Direct Drive Quartz Technics Turntable, not linear tracking and it is 35 years old and working perfect, just like the rest of my Technics Audio equipment. They are very underrated and I have always felt the Technics name has never really received from people the recognition they deserve. I am sure you will have many years of joy with this beauty. Take care
My main turntable hooked up to my big living room stereo is a Technics SL-5 which is very similar to this, although it uses mechanical switches to determine the size of the album as opposed to optics. It has an even smaller footprint than yours (barely larger than a record sleeve!). It has a "twist up" integrated 45 adapter, so the platter mat's hole is as big as a 45 adapter! It performs great and sounds great. I love these Technics linear machines.
There are coil under the circuit board for the motor. (there are the four soldered pads connecting the coils) The traces on the PC board are there to help govern the speed because it isn’t a quartz lock model.
I've had the same SL-DL1 since September of 1982. I've replaced three belts for the liner tracking and that is all in 40 years of use. I initially used Audio-Technica cartridges and then switched to the Ortofon 320 cartridge. I love the turntable and have consistently recommend it throughout the years.
My community college has one of this turntables, they forgot they needed speakers. Someone donated a massive record collection all of it jazz or big band.
I owe one. Really good piece of technology. I was lucky to find it in excelent shape for a garage sale price. I sold my radial one that was a high end.
I have an SL-DL5 that I bought back in the 80's when I was in high school. I tried several cartridges, but the one I liked the best was an Ortofon OMP10. I still have this setup, but haven't used it in 20+ years. Unfortunately no one seems to make new P-mount cartridges and I'm not sure I can get a replacement stylus for the Ortofon.
Lovely turntable! These early '80s decks, and the linear-tracking, from Technics were brilliantly made and are super-reliable.....they sound pretty good as well..!! 😂 That direct-drive system used by Technics was very elegant; make the platter a part of the motor system, rather than riding on top of the motor. It made for very accurate speed stability, with very low (virtually inaudible) rumble. Great turntable; I hope it brings much pleasure to you many more years! 👍
I have an SL DL-1 I bought new in 1981. A few weeks ago the cueing stopped working. Any help finding a repair tutorial or service manual/parts source would be greatly appreciated. This unit had given me many years of trouble free service and I am reluctant to let it go. Thanks in advance and thank you Record-ology for the video.
Still have my Technics SL-210 belt drive manual! New belt and cartridge entry level but still works nice! Still mint about 1980! Love that strobe pitch!
Thanks for playing Laura's LP. It was cool to hear it on a linear turntable. BTW, it was pressed by Hand Drawn Press in Addison, Texas, which does great pressings, on 180 gram virgin vinyl. They put the "Welcome to 1979" on their records. I don't know the provenance of it. I remember when those turntables were around and being sold as the ultimate audiophile experience because they remained at a 90-degree angle to the groove all across the record. But I always wondered, if the master was cut with a pivoting tonearm, would that really be the most accurate tracking, especially when you were closer to the center?
That’s interesting! “Welcome to 1979” is actually a pressing/plating/mastering firm in Nashville. I wonder if the pressing plant outsourced the work to them? Anyway, very cool as always… And I fully agree with you about the cutting lathe, The more I’ve researched it seems that almost all records were cut in a linear fashion. More so than I thought. Thank you as always, for the wonderful record!
@@Recordology Hand Drawn Press has their own pressing plant with all-new equipment, not leftover '80s presses, which is one reason why we went with them, and it was definitely pressed in Texas. But I don't know the significance of the "Welcome to 1979." In fact, until you pointed it out on a video, I'd never even noticed it was there, and it's our album!
Pretty neat turntable. And I agree I wish my Fluance had one of those slide pitch controls but so far mine has been keeping a constant speed. I also have a Technics SL Q200. I have no idea which cartridge it has. Any recommendations? BTW I'm loving my purple Recordology 45 adapter!
Audio Technica now makes a new models of a P- Mount cartridge as I bought a new one for my 80s liner tracking Sony. As the original one was replaced with an aftermarket cartridge. The cartridge that was on there required very expensive stylus of over $100.
I have seen Linear tracking turntables with a row of buttons on the front, so you can select individual tracks. But its a feature that is barely used and generally not missed!
Is there an older technics from this era that’s all metal or aluminum and even more compact. I’m looking at the Sony pS-q7 for its cool factor and I remember checking on a TT like the one I described about 5 years ago and completely forgot. Anyone know that model?
These are nice little linear turntables. Technics did not use the quartz lock, as you mention, so that pitch control is very useful. As these get older, you may need to "master adjust" the 33 and 45 speeds with the pitch adjustment "in the middle". Under the platter on the lower right side (and accessible through one of the big holes) there are 2 holes next to each other. Those holes drop down to potentiometers to adjust 33 (down left hole) and 45 (down right hole). Shine a light down to see where you can drop down a small flat head screwdriver - or plastic adjustment tool to carefully adjust the speed. You want to get the 33 rpm speed "locked" with the pitch "in the middle". You have to do this in tiny adjustments, since you have to spin up the turntable after adjusting. Once you get it "locked", then switch speed to 45 and without turning the pitch control, use the right pot to adjust 45 rpm like 33. Then when you switch speeds, you shouldn't have to adjust pitch too much.
I always had a problem with owning a turntable in which the tonearm was attached to the lid because I always felt that it cheapened the unit. Technics did make a couple of models in which that didn’t occur, but they’re rare. And thanks for 25:24! Peace.
Nice Video and nice turntable. I have one of these running at my office. It's in good shape, but I need to probably replace the belt that runs the arm back and forth and regrease the arm. Otherwise, it runs beautifully. I have a Stanton L727 (essentially a 680) cartridge running on it
I've always thought those linear tracking turntables were pretty neat but I was always afraid if I ever got one myself I'd have it torn up in no time and not have a clue of how to fix it so I've always shied away from them. I once had a boombox that all the buttons were servo controlled and I loved it while it lasted, but the servos stopped working in a couple years and then it just became frustrating as other, older cassette decks I had had normal buttons and still worked.
I may be able to get one of these! I was told that it will (or should) need "lubrication". I am a mechanical dummy so where would be he best places to lubricate this model? Great review! Makes me want to get it. I had a JVC L-600 that no longer rotates, etc. and this looks virtually identical to it!
The lubrication spoken of is the tonearm mechanism in the lid. After all this time you should clean out all the old grease and apply new grease. You will likely also need to replace the drive belt. Service manuals for most of the better brands of these tables (certainly the Technics) are available from multiple sources. And I'm willing to bet there's enough videos here that you could figure it out without difficulty.
Thanks for making this thoroughly Informative video! I still have this table, and it is still working great. However, the rubber mat has begun to shed its oils and had gotten stiff. Wish I knew where to find a fresh replacement mat.
I saw a seller on ebay from Britain selling them a while back. May be worth looking for them there. I didn't try them out, but they did have the holes for the sensors to work. Alternatively, could use a regular mat and just set the size manually on the bottom.
These turntables use a standard called T4P which was pioneered by Matsushita (Panasonic/Technics). The goal was to, well, standardize the entire cartridge system. The T4P standard specifies a cartridge weight of 6 grams and a tracking force of 1.25 grams, as well as a set distance to the stylus tip. The cartridge has four pins that plug into the end of the tonearm. A screw going through the tonearm and cartridge secures it. No alignment is necessary, truly plug-and-play. It lends itself perfectly to a linear-tracking system as the cartridge mounts on the tonearm centerline. There were some pivot-arm tables made by Matsushita that used them, the SL-MA1 being a notable example. Makes cartridge rolling actually fun - unplug one, plug in another, go. There were a number of excellent T4P carts made using the bodies/generators of standard 1/2" mount carts including the Shure V15 family, the Stanton 680 and 880-series along with Pickering counterparts, ADC, Ortofon OM series (called OMP), several Empire model lines and even high- and low-output moving coil carts (the original Sumiko Blue Point was available as a 'P-mount'). They were supplied with an adaptor that allowed them to be mounted to a 1/2" tonearm. The 'arrow' is an LED that you use with the lines to move the tonearm to a desired point on the record.
What an awesome gift! I have the more up-level brother to this unit, the SL-QL1 with Quartz lock. I've never wanted any other turntable since I've gotten it about 5 years ago. I put an Ortofon OMP cartridge on it with a Shibata stylus from LP Gear. The sound is AMAZING.
I had a Mitushi table like that one, hated it, it was fully automatic , but whenit was playing a arecord, its tracking got about halfway into the it, it started sounding terrible, dont quite know what was wrong with it. its tracking of the groove was off or something. it had no pitch control, so i think it was the problem.
I have this turntable and it admits a lukewarm feeling on the turntable mat. Once played a Vinyl Record it feels slightly warm. Is this normal? I have used this player for 5+ years and replayed many of the same vinyl records and it hasn't warped them. Just something I have noticed with this turntable.
The motor is right under the platter so the small amount of heat generated ends up in the platter. Since the lid is down the heat stays inside. It wants to keep your vinyl warm and cozy. It should be only a little warm to the touch. Vinyl should be above 70° F when played anyway.
Linear tracking decks are interesting, there are more expensive ones, but these are on the decent priced end. I have a Sony PS-FL7II that found in a thrift store and use it in the living room. It's a drawer loading one, so it can be stacked too since it has no lid. Sounds great, but only drawback to these, especially if you have a sub in your sound system, is you hear the arm motor occasionally advancing the arm and then move faster in the runout before lifting. The extremely higher end ones try to avoid this by using bearings in the arm, even try to use air to make it float on the bearing. But those are way too expensive.
I like linear-tracking turntables. I have a Technics, a Hitachi, and a Luxman. The Luxman is particularly sweet---but I think that it's in fact a Technics.
No they weren't all T4P mount cartridges, some (certain Aiwa's as an example) had a fixed cartridge and i've seen others with a 1/2 inch mount (Pioneer PL-L800 as an example).
Unfortunately no, not all linear trackers are p-mount, as I found to my cost when I bought a Kenwood - this has a proprietary cartridge with a stylus that's either completely unobtanium or, when there is one for sale is $70...
I’m considering buying a Technics SL-D2 for €100. The seller says it only needs a new stylus. Worth the pickup? My father has an SL-D2 also but he hasn’t used it for years unfortunately.
Very reliable if you're father's starts up and comes to a steady speed it's good to go. The only mantainence is the platter bearing needs to be lubed periodically. I believe that can be done by lifting the platter off. As long as oil is still in the cueing mechanism the the auto return will work reliably too. I have one of these it's a good basic turntable with a nice tone arm and quite platter.
I ran across a restored one of these but have heard nothing but horror stories from the two people I know that had these back in the 80's. When they work they are amazing but they are finicky. Both people got rid of them after needing repairs over and over and went back to the standard record players of the day. They may have just had bad units though. Something like this was far out of my budget in the 80's and 90's. The one detail I remember is the horror when the record would finish and the linear stylus would not raise up properly and would put a huge scratch across the record when returning.
Funny thing is, this is useless in area where it should excel: linearity. Check video at 19:00. And observe red arrow, which is arm base. It moves every few seconds, when switch on arm trigger move. Together with short arm it basicaly change angle a lot, and it should be always the same. Angle error is worse (and it happens every 2 seconds) as on regular arm. Also, stepper motor, vibrartions, is bad idea for device which is VERY sensitive... So this technology is a bit of a crap, just selling point....
@@Recordology Main problem with these compact devices is size. Arm is short, so even small movement result in bigger angle. Better classic arm are quite long novadays, a cure for angle problem. And also, using servo motors, etc, is not wise with device designed to react on smallest movements and vibrations (cartridge). High end tangential arms use kinda "bridge" geometry, and they use air bearings, etc, to ensure basicaly no friction, so no servos needed for moving... Now, how bad this angle affect the music is another question. I had the exactly same Technics when young, and i must say, i was happy with it. Im just trying to make a point, that some implementation of tangential or linear arms are wrong. If it use pivoting arm, like this technics, its basicaly just short arm on moving hinge... So a selling trick. Bridge like mechanisms are true tangential/linearm devices. Here is example how Kuzma arm tracks bad record: th-cam.com/video/vfZEQJAesxI/w-d-xo.html
I own a SL-DL1 that I bought new back in 1981. A family friend worked at a now closed Panasonic service center in our town for 20 years. He knows the Technics/Panasonic linear tracking turntables inside and out and he did a complete overhaul on mine two years ago.
That would probably be one of the best turntables you'll ever own. The tonearm is basically servo controlled as well. I'm so happy for you!!!
I have the SL-QL1.
It's easy to fall in love with a Technics turntable.
I'm also a big Technics fanboy. I was able to score a Technics SL-1900 and it's an amazing turntable. Needed minor repairs, but I got it working like a charm. Direct drive, strobe, adjustable counterweight, pitch adjust, quick-change headshell. Definitely better than most stuff on the market these days.
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy and excited for you. In my opinion, I would not buy anything but Technics. I have a Direct Drive Quartz Technics Turntable, not linear tracking and it is 35 years old and working perfect, just like the rest of my Technics Audio equipment. They are very underrated and I have always felt the Technics name has never really received from people the recognition they deserve. I am sure you will have many years of joy with this beauty. Take care
My main turntable hooked up to my big living room stereo is a Technics SL-5 which is very similar to this, although it uses mechanical switches to determine the size of the album as opposed to optics. It has an even smaller footprint than yours (barely larger than a record sleeve!). It has a "twist up" integrated 45 adapter, so the platter mat's hole is as big as a 45 adapter! It performs great and sounds great. I love these Technics linear machines.
These linear tracking turntables are so cool. I've got the Technics SL-3 belt drive TT and it sound awesome. I really love it.
I love this turntable. Great review with lots of interesting information.
There are coil under the circuit board for the motor. (there are the four soldered pads connecting the coils) The traces on the PC board are there to help govern the speed because it isn’t a quartz lock model.
I love everything about this fine tt. Enjoy!!
I totally understand why you love this tt,it's just Beautiful
I've had the same SL-DL1 since September of 1982. I've replaced three belts for the liner tracking and that is all in 40 years of use. I initially used Audio-Technica cartridges and then switched to the Ortofon 320 cartridge. I love the turntable and have consistently recommend it throughout the years.
I like it a lot! Very nice spinner. A fabulous gesture indeed. Thanks for sharing it with us.Enjoy.
I own a bunch. Traditional and linear. This gets the most play time. Simply perfect!
FYI that is the original Technics ground cable!
My community college has one of this turntables, they forgot they needed speakers. Someone donated a massive record collection all of it jazz or big band.
I owe one. Really good piece of technology. I was lucky to find it in excelent shape for a garage sale price. I sold my radial one that was a high end.
Have FUN 🤘 with your new turntable!!! Happy Spinning from IOWA!!😁
Thanks! Will do!
Great Video!
Glad you enjoyed it
I have an SL-DL5 that I bought back in the 80's when I was in high school. I tried several cartridges, but the one I liked the best was an Ortofon OMP10. I still have this setup, but haven't used it in 20+ years. Unfortunately no one seems to make new P-mount cartridges and I'm not sure I can get a replacement stylus for the Ortofon.
Lovely turntable! These early '80s decks, and the linear-tracking, from Technics were brilliantly made and are super-reliable.....they sound pretty good as well..!! 😂 That direct-drive system used by Technics was very elegant; make the platter a part of the motor system, rather than riding on top of the motor. It made for very accurate speed stability, with very low (virtually inaudible) rumble.
Great turntable; I hope it brings much pleasure to you many more years! 👍
The quality of that turntable is perfect.
I have The Linear Technics SL - QL1 which I love
Have 3
Great show I have been interested those type of turntables for a while just haven't the right one yet. 😎👍
I have an SL DL-1 I bought new in 1981. A few weeks ago the cueing stopped working. Any help finding a repair tutorial or service manual/parts source would be greatly appreciated. This unit had given me many years of trouble free service and I am reluctant to let it go. Thanks in advance and thank you Record-ology for the video.
Still have my Technics SL-210 belt drive manual! New belt and cartridge entry level but still works nice! Still mint about 1980! Love that strobe pitch!
Thanks for playing Laura's LP. It was cool to hear it on a linear turntable. BTW, it was pressed by Hand Drawn Press in Addison, Texas, which does great pressings, on 180 gram virgin vinyl. They put the "Welcome to 1979" on their records. I don't know the provenance of it.
I remember when those turntables were around and being sold as the ultimate audiophile experience because they remained at a 90-degree angle to the groove all across the record. But I always wondered, if the master was cut with a pivoting tonearm, would that really be the most accurate tracking, especially when you were closer to the center?
That’s interesting! “Welcome to 1979” is actually a pressing/plating/mastering firm in Nashville. I wonder if the pressing plant outsourced the work to them? Anyway, very cool as always… And I fully agree with you about the cutting lathe, The more I’ve researched it seems that almost all records were cut in a linear fashion. More so than I thought. Thank you as always, for the wonderful record!
@@Recordology Hand Drawn Press has their own pressing plant with all-new equipment, not leftover '80s presses, which is one reason why we went with them, and it was definitely pressed in Texas. But I don't know the significance of the "Welcome to 1979." In fact, until you pointed it out on a video, I'd never even noticed it was there, and it's our album!
@@Recordology The lathes that cut the acetate from which they make the metal stampers that press the LP do indeed travel linearly.
You have to have the lid down in order to play a record as the tonearm is part of the lid.
Have the Technics liner tracking Quarts SL-QL5 RCA cable's can come out great set
Pretty neat turntable. And I agree I wish my Fluance had one of those slide pitch controls but so far mine has been keeping a constant speed. I also have a Technics SL Q200. I have no idea which cartridge it has. Any recommendations? BTW I'm loving my purple Recordology 45 adapter!
Audio Technica now makes a new models of a P- Mount cartridge as I bought a new one for my 80s liner tracking Sony. As the original one was replaced with an aftermarket cartridge. The cartridge that was on there required very expensive stylus of over $100.
I had a Technics SL-7 linear tracking turntable but had to sell it 12 years ago when I lost my job. 😭
Great Channel!
Thanks!
I have seen Linear tracking turntables with a row of buttons on the front, so you can select individual tracks. But its a feature that is barely used and generally not missed!
Is there an older technics from this era that’s all metal or aluminum and even more compact. I’m looking at the Sony pS-q7 for its cool factor and I remember checking on a TT like the one I described about 5 years ago and completely forgot. Anyone know that model?
You are thinking of either the SL-7 or SL-10. There was a track-programmable version of the SL-10, the SL-15.
These are nice little linear turntables. Technics did not use the quartz lock, as you mention, so that pitch control is very useful. As these get older, you may need to "master adjust" the 33 and 45 speeds with the pitch adjustment "in the middle". Under the platter on the lower right side (and accessible through one of the big holes) there are 2 holes next to each other. Those holes drop down to potentiometers to adjust 33 (down left hole) and 45 (down right hole). Shine a light down to see where you can drop down a small flat head screwdriver - or plastic adjustment tool to carefully adjust the speed. You want to get the 33 rpm speed "locked" with the pitch "in the middle". You have to do this in tiny adjustments, since you have to spin up the turntable after adjusting. Once you get it "locked", then switch speed to 45 and without turning the pitch control, use the right pot to adjust 45 rpm like 33. Then when you switch speeds, you shouldn't have to adjust pitch too much.
I always had a problem with owning a turntable in which the tonearm was attached to the lid because I always felt that it cheapened the unit. Technics did make a couple of models in which that didn’t occur, but they’re rare. And thanks for 25:24! Peace.
I have an SLQL5. Unfortunately it no longer tracks correctly. Do you know of a source to fix these turntables?
I have a Revox B 795 which doesn't use a p-mount cartridge - this offers greater variety but cartridge replacement is very finicky.
Nice Video and nice turntable. I have one of these running at my office. It's in good shape, but I need to probably replace the belt that runs the arm back and forth and regrease the arm. Otherwise, it runs beautifully. I have a Stanton L727 (essentially a 680) cartridge running on it
A great cart, I've got a couple, one with a new hyperelliptical and one with an NOS Stereohedron. Wonderful sound!
I've always thought those linear tracking turntables were pretty neat but I was always afraid if I ever got one myself I'd have it torn up in no time and not have a clue of how to fix it so I've always shied away from them. I once had a boombox that all the buttons were servo controlled and I loved it while it lasted, but the servos stopped working in a couple years and then it just became frustrating as other, older cassette decks I had had normal buttons and still worked.
Sidenote: if there's any Recordolgy stickers floating around, I wouldn't mind grabbing a couple for my Randy Travis Memorial
sticker area.
I may be able to get one of these! I was told that it will (or should) need "lubrication". I am a mechanical dummy so where would be he best places to lubricate this model? Great review! Makes me want to get it. I had a JVC L-600 that no longer rotates, etc. and this looks virtually identical to it!
The lubrication spoken of is the tonearm mechanism in the lid. After all this time you should clean out all the old grease and apply new grease. You will likely also need to replace the drive belt. Service manuals for most of the better brands of these tables (certainly the Technics) are available from multiple sources. And I'm willing to bet there's enough videos here that you could figure it out without difficulty.
That record sounds great even on my cellphone!
It is strange that there is no multi-way ribbon cable to allow control of the cassette deck.
Thanks for making this thoroughly Informative video! I still have this table, and it is still working great. However, the rubber mat has begun to shed its oils and had gotten stiff. Wish I knew where to find a fresh replacement mat.
I saw a seller on ebay from Britain selling them a while back. May be worth looking for them there. I didn't try them out, but they did have the holes for the sensors to work. Alternatively, could use a regular mat and just set the size manually on the bottom.
Or you can buy some rubber restorer. Several applications can work wonders if you're patient.
Wow...RIP purple adaptor!!! Glad I was able to snag both of them!!!
How do you adjust the stylus weight? I see the markings are an arrow and then some straight white lines.
These turntables use a standard called T4P which was pioneered by Matsushita (Panasonic/Technics). The goal was to, well, standardize the entire cartridge system. The T4P standard specifies a cartridge weight of 6 grams and a tracking force of 1.25 grams, as well as a set distance to the stylus tip. The cartridge has four pins that plug into the end of the tonearm. A screw going through the tonearm and cartridge secures it. No alignment is necessary, truly plug-and-play. It lends itself perfectly to a linear-tracking system as the cartridge mounts on the tonearm centerline. There were some pivot-arm tables made by Matsushita that used them, the SL-MA1 being a notable example. Makes cartridge rolling actually fun - unplug one, plug in another, go. There were a number of excellent T4P carts made using the bodies/generators of standard 1/2" mount carts including the Shure V15 family, the Stanton 680 and 880-series along with Pickering counterparts, ADC, Ortofon OM series (called OMP), several Empire model lines and even high- and low-output moving coil carts (the original Sumiko Blue Point was available as a 'P-mount'). They were supplied with an adaptor that allowed them to be mounted to a 1/2" tonearm. The 'arrow' is an LED that you use with the lines to move the tonearm to a desired point on the record.
What an amazing community
Indeed!
What an awesome gift! I have the more up-level brother to this unit, the SL-QL1 with Quartz lock. I've never wanted any other turntable since I've gotten it about 5 years ago. I put an Ortofon OMP cartridge on it with a Shibata stylus from LP Gear. The sound is AMAZING.
Very cool
23:17 GREAT choice of music. More Laura Ainsworth, please!
I had a Mitushi table like that one, hated it, it was fully automatic , but whenit was playing a arecord, its tracking got about halfway into the it, it started sounding terrible, dont quite know what was wrong with it. its tracking of the groove was off or something. it had no pitch control, so i think it was the problem.
I have this turntable and it admits a lukewarm feeling on the turntable mat. Once played a Vinyl Record it feels slightly warm. Is this normal? I have used this player for 5+ years and replayed many of the same vinyl records and it hasn't warped them. Just something I have noticed with this turntable.
The motor is right under the platter so the small amount of heat generated ends up in the platter. Since the lid is down the heat stays inside. It wants to keep your vinyl warm and cozy. It should be only a little warm to the touch. Vinyl should be above 70° F when played anyway.
Linear tracking decks are interesting, there are more expensive ones, but these are on the decent priced end. I have a Sony PS-FL7II that found in a thrift store and use it in the living room. It's a drawer loading one, so it can be stacked too since it has no lid.
Sounds great, but only drawback to these, especially if you have a sub in your sound system, is you hear the arm motor occasionally advancing the arm and then move faster in the runout before lifting. The extremely higher end ones try to avoid this by using bearings in the arm, even try to use air to make it float on the bearing. But those are way too expensive.
Does it play colored vinyl records?
If they are translucent it cannot play them unless you engage the bypass switch.
I like linear-tracking turntables. I have a Technics, a Hitachi, and a Luxman. The Luxman is particularly sweet---but I think that it's in fact a Technics.
If you are referring the the Luxman PX-101 it was made by NEC. There was another Luxman linear that I believe was made by CEC.
My vote for new colors are black and silver. They're classic Star Trek tricorder colors.
No they weren't all T4P mount cartridges, some (certain Aiwa's as an example) had a fixed cartridge and i've seen others with a 1/2 inch mount (Pioneer PL-L800 as an example).
Unfortunately no, not all linear trackers are p-mount, as I found to my cost when I bought a Kenwood - this has a proprietary cartridge with a stylus that's either completely unobtanium or, when there is one for sale is $70...
ORTAPHON T4P cartridges will work with that unit.
Cooler Player! :-)
I’m considering buying a Technics SL-D2 for €100. The seller says it only needs a new stylus. Worth the pickup?
My father has an SL-D2 also but he hasn’t used it for years unfortunately.
Very reliable if you're father's starts up and comes to a steady speed it's good to go. The only mantainence is the platter bearing needs to be lubed periodically. I believe that can be done by lifting the platter off. As long as oil is still in the cueing mechanism the the auto return will work reliably too. I have one of these it's a good basic turntable with a nice tone arm and quite platter.
All I can say is " National Lampoon's vacation "
Cartridge on it a&p mount
I ran across a restored one of these but have heard nothing but horror stories from the two people I know that had these back in the 80's. When they work they are amazing but they are finicky. Both people got rid of them after needing repairs over and over and went back to the standard record players of the day. They may have just had bad units though. Something like this was far out of my budget in the 80's and 90's. The one detail I remember is the horror when the record would finish and the linear stylus would not raise up properly and would put a huge scratch across the record when returning.
Mine still works great.
That is like the MARANTZ TT143 Turntable.
Funny thing is, this is useless in area where it should excel: linearity. Check video at 19:00. And observe red arrow, which is arm base. It moves every few seconds, when switch on arm trigger move. Together with short arm it basicaly change angle a lot, and it should be always the same. Angle error is worse (and it happens every 2 seconds) as on regular arm. Also, stepper motor, vibrartions, is bad idea for device which is VERY sensitive... So this technology is a bit of a crap, just selling point....
It does pivot somewhat - but arguably even with the pivot - its better aligned than a standard type?
@@Recordology Main problem with these compact devices is size. Arm is short, so even small movement result in bigger angle. Better classic arm are quite long novadays, a cure for angle problem. And also, using servo motors, etc, is not wise with device designed to react on smallest movements and vibrations (cartridge). High end tangential arms use kinda "bridge" geometry, and they use air bearings, etc, to ensure basicaly no friction, so no servos needed for moving... Now, how bad this angle affect the music is another question. I had the exactly same Technics when young, and i must say, i was happy with it. Im just trying to make a point, that some implementation of tangential or linear arms are wrong. If it use pivoting arm, like this technics, its basicaly just short arm on moving hinge... So a selling trick. Bridge like mechanisms are true tangential/linearm devices.
Here is example how Kuzma arm tracks bad record:
th-cam.com/video/vfZEQJAesxI/w-d-xo.html
I purchased one from ebay, it's a piece of crap!
What's wrong with it? With older turntables its completely hit or miss.