Keep in mind that the electrolytic capacitors in the SL-QD33 models are around 40 years old and nearing the end of their life. Most failures on these units are capacitor related. Unit will power up but the repeat light stays on and start button does not engage the motor. Otherwise mechanically they are built like a tank and worth repairing. Any tech can re cap one of these units for a reasonable price. Or look for one that has been refurbished and re capped on the major auction site. Even a refurbished/recapped unit will be about the same price as the starter Audio Technica unit, but with all the features of a fully automatic turntable.
For all the same reasons you outlined, i would go with one of the Technjcs linear tracking turntables like the SL5, SL7, or SL10. Add to the pros a small footprint, simple cue-ing, and auto speed / size selection. I have a much more expensive manual turntable, but use the Technjcs SL-10 90% of the time. They’re amazing!!
This is my turntable :) bought it on marketplace for 80 bucks…. Already had an AT 8008 which was a fairly high end T4P cartridge back in the day…. I love it :)
Several years ago, I was lucky enough to find a free Technics direct-drive turntable just sitting on a curb, probably thrown out after a garage sale had ended. The body and lid were in great shape, the cord was included as were the cartridge, stylus, and the original 45 rpm adapter. The only thing I had to buy on eBay was its unique ground wire and I found one for $15 or so which was vital to prevent any non-grounded buzzing or humming, of course. The turntable worked perfectly and reliably right out of the gate. So, that was a lucky score indeed among many other lucky free electronics scores over the years. :)
I scored a Technics SL-1500 MK II in mint/pristine condition on CL for $300. The thing is almost 30 lbs and it looks like it was never used. So I am selling my VPI Scout which I haven’t used for 13 years. It’s not fully automatic but I am ok with that. Used get LPs for $1-5 from a local used bookstore back in the early 2000s. Now the same store is selling the same used LPs for $10-15. Ouch!
Great topic! I feel like this kind of 80s turntables is a bit slept on, a lot of "audiophiles" ignore them and beginners will often end up being recommended the LP60 models instead. They are relatively cheap for the most part, they offer great features and the build quality is solid. The downside is the p-mount, but there's still some decent options out there for that.
Does this model in your video automatically adjust the counterweight if you're using a different stylus? That would make too much sense haha. I had been wanting to get back into vinyl for about 20 years and finally did about 3 years ago. I bought an AT-120LPUSB (I know that model number is off a little but I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about) to get me started back and it's been working great and sounding great. But being legally blind, it's a royal pain in the butt trying to do all the adjustments such as the counterweight/tonearm balancing and alignment of the needle every time I change the cartridge. I'd love to find something that was accurate and easier to use to help me along. I enjoy your videos and thanks for this one! Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
I have that same AT 120 table and it’s great but yeah, needs constant tweaks. I understand this technics table to not necessarily auto adjust, but rather all p mount carts fit within the weight it can handle. If that makes sense? Thanks for watching!
Hi, very timely for me! I have a Fluance RT-85 and it is as you described. Stops and leaves it there. Nice table but I’m 70 and want an arm to lift and return. That all said, I’m looking at a Sl-D2 and semi. It’s a bit earlier than yours with a removable head shell. I like that one because of the head shell so I can use my Ortofon 2M blue, which is quite nice. Do you experience with that one?
I just bought a busted up SL-D1 off Facebook market about a month ago and am hoping to restore it with a video to show the process. That's the closest experience I've had but I bet the D2 would work great for you as well.
I've an early Technics stereo system and am interested in adding a turn table. The vintage turn table recently described + without a belt( looks interesting. I'm hoping to get advice as to what I should consider. I've a Technics Synthesizer ST-Z760 and a Stereo Amplifier SU-Z760. I'm hoping you can help.
I got this turntable at a garage sale near my house on Christmas before Covid. Fell in love with it and gave up on my vintage Akai. 😊
Great find!!! Congrats
Keep in mind that the electrolytic capacitors in the SL-QD33 models are around 40 years old and nearing the end of their life. Most failures on these units are capacitor related. Unit will power up but the repeat light stays on and start button does not engage the motor. Otherwise mechanically they are built like a tank and worth repairing. Any tech can re cap one of these units for a reasonable price. Or look for one that has been refurbished and re capped on the major auction site. Even a refurbished/recapped unit will be about the same price as the starter Audio Technica unit, but with all the features of a fully automatic turntable.
Excellent point, thank you! They are definitely tanks!
I bought mine in 1989 and I still love it!
Awesome!
For all the same reasons you outlined, i would go with one of the Technjcs linear tracking turntables like the SL5, SL7, or SL10. Add to the pros a small footprint, simple cue-ing, and auto speed / size selection. I have a much more expensive manual turntable, but use the Technjcs SL-10 90% of the time. They’re amazing!!
I haven’t found a linear one yet, but my eyes are always peeled! Thanks for watching!
This is my turntable :) bought it on marketplace for 80 bucks…. Already had an AT 8008 which was a fairly high end T4P cartridge back in the day…. I love it :)
Awesome! Thanks for watching and for sharing!
Turntables are works of art. I don't use one but I enjoy turntable videos.
My favoritte is Technics SL-Q33. I have one and i will keep it. Purchased in New York 1981. It still work and make me happy.😊
Very nice!
It arrived this week...pretty cool. eBay special but working well so far. Plug and play.
Very cool, enjoy!
Several years ago, I was lucky enough to find a free Technics direct-drive turntable just sitting on a curb, probably thrown out after a garage sale had ended. The body and lid were in great shape, the cord was included as were the cartridge, stylus, and the original 45 rpm adapter. The only thing I had to buy on eBay was its unique ground wire and I found one for $15 or so which was vital to prevent any non-grounded buzzing or humming, of course. The turntable worked perfectly and reliably right out of the gate.
So, that was a lucky score indeed among many other lucky free electronics scores over the years. :)
I’m also working on a video on how to replace that missing ground wire!
@@ForeverAnalog Excellent! I'll stay tuned. :)
I scored a Technics SL-1500 MK II in mint/pristine condition on CL for $300. The thing is almost 30 lbs and it looks like it was never used. So I am selling my VPI Scout which I haven’t used for 13 years. It’s not fully automatic but I am ok with that. Used get LPs for $1-5 from a local used bookstore back in the early 2000s. Now the same store is selling the same used LPs for $10-15. Ouch!
Those 1500s are awesome. Congrats!!!
Love those Tecknicks. I have a linear tracker programable.
Those are awesome decks! Thanks for watching!!
Great topic! I feel like this kind of 80s turntables is a bit slept on, a lot of "audiophiles" ignore them and beginners will often end up being recommended the LP60 models instead. They are relatively cheap for the most part, they offer great features and the build quality is solid. The downside is the p-mount, but there's still some decent options out there for that.
Agreed! Thank you for watching!
Does this model in your video automatically adjust the counterweight if you're using a different stylus? That would make too much sense haha.
I had been wanting to get back into vinyl for about 20 years and finally did about 3 years ago. I bought an AT-120LPUSB (I know that model number is off a little but I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about) to get me started back and it's been working great and sounding great. But being legally blind, it's a royal pain in the butt trying to do all the adjustments such as the counterweight/tonearm balancing and alignment of the needle every time I change the cartridge. I'd love to find something that was accurate and easier to use to help me along.
I enjoy your videos and thanks for this one!
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
I have that same AT 120 table and it’s great but yeah, needs constant tweaks. I understand this technics table to not necessarily auto adjust, but rather all p mount carts fit within the weight it can handle. If that makes sense? Thanks for watching!
@@ForeverAnalog gotcha, and thanks for the reply!
Hi, very timely for me! I have a Fluance RT-85 and it is as you described. Stops and leaves it there. Nice table but I’m 70 and want an arm to lift and return. That all said, I’m looking at a Sl-D2 and semi. It’s a bit earlier than yours with a removable head shell. I like that one because of the head shell so I can use my Ortofon 2M blue, which is quite nice. Do you experience with that one?
I just bought a busted up SL-D1 off Facebook market about a month ago and am hoping to restore it with a video to show the process. That's the closest experience I've had but I bet the D2 would work great for you as well.
The AT-LPs allow you to do new cartridges, not sure what is meant by the presenter saying you can’t. I cartridge roll mine.
Don't be afraid of p-mount cartriges (T4P). There are still very good options out there.
Agreed!
I've an early Technics stereo system and am interested in adding a turn table. The vintage turn table recently described + without a belt( looks interesting. I'm hoping to get advice as to what I should consider. I've a Technics Synthesizer ST-Z760 and a Stereo Amplifier SU-Z760. I'm hoping you can help.
Any of these Technics turntables would work great with your amp.
'PromoSM'