Technics SL-7 Linear Tracking Turntable - Sharp!

[@hwccheng]

I was deciding on SL-7 or SL-10 and ruled against SL-10 because of the cost of replacing the MC Cartridge and there were more T4P coming online in the market. It costed me at least half, although I think it maybe more like 2/3 of my summer vacation job. It was the most expensive toy I have ever purchased. Even though the tonearm no longer works I still have it in my basement and it still worth every dime I spend. I am running a SL-5 and SL-J11D and they are solid performing decks but I won’t put them on top of the spkrs and still expect falseness operation like the SL-7 did!

[@Round2Audio]

The SL-7 is an excellent deck and with some attention can give excellent performance to this day. Yes, you have noticed they are more solid that the later versions with excellent isolation. Thanks for watching.

[@chriswills9437]

They sound really excellent but the tonearm moving mechanism is problematic without regular greasing. SL7s are 40 years old now.

[@Round2Audio]

The key is to very thoroughly clean out all the old grease. Isopropyl alcohol is your friend for this. When you think it is clean go back over it a few more times, and take the tonearm off the rail if you feel OK to do that for a more thorough job. Then very lightly lubricate with synthetic grease. For the main rail, lubricate with synthetic grease, work the tonearm carriage back and forth a few times, then wipe of the grease. These units ran decades before they became sticky and with this service will do so again. I also often hear this comment about the Duals and other mechanical changer decks. In all cases it means old grease is still inside. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@JeffN-A]

Nice video, you've got a real nice example of this iconic TT. I did learn a lot! Still not sure if I want to spring for one on EBay. I sure would rather know the person or shop, when it comes to vintage. However, these are not all that common when searching the market. I know this is sort of an old video so if you don't answer my questions that's ok, but my internet search brought me here... Q. How hard is it to change out the cart? My current Technics is a lower end (SL-3300) but has served me faithfully and is only a year or so newer than yours. A new cart just threads right on, and it is fun and interesting to hear the differences when it only takes about 15 seconds to swap one out I was headed for the more expensive new TT by technics, but this linear tracking just seems more intuitive, if that makes sense? I've always wondered about the torque difference at the end of an LP with the smaller, faster grooves in regards to a conventional TT. Q. How hard is to set this up for VTA, tracking, anti-skate? I've heard stories. Q. Why do you think these systems never gained traction and became more mainstream? Vinyl probably was declining about 1985 , so this table had a few years Thank you

[@Round2Audio]

Hi Jeff and thanks for your comments and questions. The SL-7 uses a "P mount" cartridge which is easy to change, the most fiddly part is getting a little screw out that secures the cartridge from the side. It is not as easy as changing a head shell (with cartridge already mounted and aligned) on a table like the SL-3300, but much easier than mounting and aligning a cartridge on that head shell! Because the P-mount cartridges had standardized geometry, the VTA is already set. The SL-7 has an adjustment for tracking force between 1 and 1.5 grams. I usually set it towards the high side at about 1.4 grams. Linear trackers do not need anti-skate. Skating is an inward force due to the geometry (overhang and offset) of standard pivot arms. There is no skating force on a linear tracker and therefore no need for anti-skate to compensate! This is an often overlooked benefit of linear trackers in general. About these systems not gaining traction in the marketplace, I think it has been forgotten how popular they actually were. The SL-7, SL-10 and other tables like the Pioneer PL-L1000 were very popular. Linear tracking started out on more expensive tables, and just as it was trickling down the CD came along and the turntable market went in two directions - very cheap on one end, and on the high end very expensive, more boutique. The engineering, scale and manufacturing expertise that had gone into creating amazing pieces of technology for vinyl reproduction were reallocated. At the moment I have a restored SL-7, and also the SL-15, which is the programmable version of the SL-10. Shoot me a note at [e-mail] is you have an interest.

[@JeffN-A]

@@Round2Audio Thank you for that very detailed and thoughtful answer. I appreciate your taking the time for me. I'll be sending you an e-mail!

[@stevengagnon4777]

​@@Round2Audio I'm considering going with a Stanton 680 EL p-mount. And using the brush. The particular cartridge has an extra weight added to the body to compensate for the higher tracking force. Is it possible that could actually work? Audio Teknica isn't going to do it for me. I've listened to many different cartridge with moving magnets and always go back to the 680/681of coarse the Steriohedron is the best and not very unattainable. The EL comes close. Not there is any thing bad with the Ortofon tm14. It just doesn't have the depth in the sound stage...it's wide and precise though. But more like it is coming from the wall where as the Stanton sounds like a big deep stage just on the other side of the wall.I think all of the Stanton 700 p-mount are moving magnet. From what I see only the 680/681 are moving iron. Grato are moving iron and they make them in p-mount but don't know how they sound.

[@alejandroarguello165]

Does the sl 8 needs a preamp ?

[@Round2Audio]

Yes, almost all vintage turntables, and good modern ones require a preamp.

[@litoboy5]

GREAT

[@Round2Audio]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!