The No-Nonsense Turntable - Technics SL-1500C - Beginners Guide

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[@40387500]

I own this turntable, zero complains from my side. Its perfect for me.

[@brucetowell3432]

Automatic?

[@40387500]

@@brucetowell3432 semi-automatic, the arm stops when it reaches the end of the record...but it does not go back automatically to the original position.

[@brucetowell3432]

@@40387500 all right thanks, how stupid to build a system like that. My next turntable will then be "DIRECT DRIVE FULLY AUTOMATIC" but they do not seem to make that many? I bought the AT LP120 USB thinking it was fully automatic, fool me once shame on me;-) I JUST ASSUMED it was;-)

[@toneyisaiah3556]

​@@40387500What year is the turntable?

[@raythomas4812]

I've had mine for about a year now ( A present from my redundancy pay ) and it really does sound awesome

[@handymanrico7209]

I own 3 turnatables, 2 Technics and one Pioneer ,SL-D2 ,SL-1200MK2 and PLX-500 ,all perfoming excellent!! This is a great video,keep the good work!!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Basic and easy to use, I like it 👍🏻

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you like it!

[@itsjim2875]

Another great video, Fernando - thank you! For years I've been a (entry level) VPI aficionado. I've had a couple HW-19s and a Scout, both of which I've been very fond of, but you have me seriously considering a move to one of these Technics.

[@SkyFiAudio]

When you're ready let us know. We are trying to keep enough stock to fulfill orders right away which is a challenge.

[@nicktucker4916]

Not only a great choice in turntable, but also the album you had on there. Turn of friendly card is a great listen.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Great album indeed. Was a gift from an old friend I reconnected with. We used to listen to it back in college.

[@alterrex4463]

Great video!

[@alanrogs3990]

This is a very good follow up video to the more expensive big brother table. Balance is good. 👍

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks! 👍. Any interest in a video comparing the G to the GR2?

[@alanrogs3990]

@@SkyFiAudio I am always interested in seeing comparisons. I think others would agree.

[@ptg01]

@@SkyFiAudio Would love to see comparisons between the Technics TT offerings today... I would love to know which Technics TT you believe provides the best VALUE (Bang for the Buck) ! Been on the fence with Technics vs Denon's latest Direct Drive TT DP300NE that looks superb.... Decisions decisions...

[@spda242]

Nice video!

[@RobGordon35]

Thanks man, another great review. ~peace

[@SkyFiAudio]

Much appreciated

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

A have one with,Hana ml and phono goldnote.....perfect fucionality. Saluti dall'Italia

[@williamsmith8689]

Several great turntables I would recommend under $500.00. Especially for beginners. This is a major upgrade for any beginner. Fluance, rega, project debut carbon eve, even the technica ATLP60XP equally as good. For BEGINNERS.

[@_fakeklg]

Thanks for posting this - great review. Looks like an awesome deck. Technics are such reliable turntables. The streamline look of this model is great… kinda wish they’d forgo the pitch on the higher end models in the 1200 series.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for watching. couldn't agree more but would love to retain the strobe.

[@swimmad456]

I have owned a Technics sl1500c/Ortofon M2 Red for about 18 months and can say this video is a good summary of the product. While it may not have the mass of its more expensive siblings it is still a pretty substantial piece of kit and mounted on a solid turntable stand has given me no problems with external feedback or footfall. Quibbles? The autolift function works well most of the time but is bit clunky and can lift prematurely on discs with short runouts even after adjustment but it can be turned off. The internal phono stage is OK but you can do better. Final comment. The perspex lid and hinges are really well engineered and have no discernable impact on the sound. Leaving it on keeps dust off the record when it is being played which is better for the life of an LP.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Well summarized sir, thanks for the comments. Defiantly more substantial than anything in this price range.

[@atexnik]

Entry level is SL100c now

[@temporoboto]

Very cool table, I wish it had full auto return & no built in pre. (I guess we're all looking for our own perfect table). Thanks for sharing.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Full auto return would compromise the quality of the arm. They did the most they could do without messing with the legendary design of it.

[@atexnik]

It has auto lift and even auto stop (after enabling it). No need for a clunky mechanism just to have the tonearm returned

[@user-vp4dv5hg9o]

Upd. Just got the turntable from my repair service. They confirmed that the problem was on the mechanical side and not on electric one. The latter would be a very bad thing. However, the problem was inside of the tonarm's base, in the tonarm's node responsible for lifting/going down - there is a throttle with a little stick or rod. And this rod was not in the position as it should be. The repair service told me that they set this rod on the proper straight position and lubricated a bit the whole mechanism. That's it. I was also said that a turntable like this was not easy repairable especially if a problem lies on an electric side. Without a PCB scheme it's almost impossible to do anything as distinct from any turntables of late 1970s - first half of 1980s that are mostly easy repairable. And this situation is generally related to the politics of every contemporary hi-tech company. For a ht company today it's important that a customer buys its products regularly given the high cost of repairing an old device in an authorized repair service.

[@jordan390a]

I have a Lenco and a SL-1401 that I found at a garage sale for 5.00 with a vintage Shure cartridge and stylus...! I gave him 20 bucks out of good conscience....

[@robertyoung1777]

Nice - If you play 78 rpm records, it would be a good idea to buy one of the more expensive 1200 series turntables. According to the late great 78 record collector Joe Bussard; records were not always cut at a standardized 78 rpm speed prior to about 1930. Some were cut at slower speeds so having a pitch control slider comes in handy when playing old 78s.

[@sietchtabr5120]

"2" might be too loud for this OM2 stylus🤔 Thx for this review, I like the aesthetic

[@RUfromthe40s]

those cables are the best(after several tests made by old technicians trying to find the best cables for hi-fi components and this seems to be the best ,others might break the inputs and outputs on your components) ,maybe not if your using it next to powerfull electric tools but you also couldn´t hear it so...

[@juliancrun]

Muchas gracias por el vídeo, parece muy elegante en las imágenes, para el precio que tiene.

[@SkyFiAudio]

bastante elegante y completo, gracias Julian.

[@terencefield3204]

It is nearly all on the cartridge, modern engineered turntables are so good that the overwhelming difference comes from spending less on the turntable and putting the difference lid some onto a better cartridge An Ortofon SPU is superb.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I tend to agree. The turntables job is to allow the cartridge to do its job properly.

[@user-vp4dv5hg9o]

Thanks a lot! I'm between Technics sl-1500c and Dual 618q. Both have strong and weak points. What would be your advice given every day listening using active speakers? And what device is more robust and durable in long term?

[@EddieJazzFan]

Nice concise review. Removing the speed control makes a lot of sense, as most people would never use it. But no little white plastic overhang gauge included? Does it use the same overhang measurement as the classic 1200 tables?

[@SkyFiAudio]

I believe it's the same overhang, does not come with the gauge unfortunately.

[@QoraxAudio]

The white 1500C looks way nicer IMO. 4:30 nope, it may look like the tonearms on the 1200s, but it's very different on the inside. It's a bit like the MK7 and GR/GR2 tonearm, but with an auto lift built in. The internals of the 1200G are way more similar to that of the original 1200s, the tonearm lift mechanism and VTA mechanism in particular... nothing like the other current 1200s. You should open it up and see, at least that's what I did with my MK7 and 1200G. Found pictures of the tonearm internals of the 1200GR and 1500C online that showed some similarities with the MK7. Btw, why does the 1500C not come with an overhang gauge??? The overhang gauge is one of the best things about these decks, since it makes alignment a breeze. I would definitely recommend owners of these decks to buy the gauge - it's just a few bucks and save so much time/headaches.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thanks for the info. noted.

[@franzkanns3526]

i owned two 1210 as a hobby dj in the early 90's. that one is the living room version! mine is black too and a dustlover but man it looks so great with that black tonearm! the only thing i miss is a needle light. but hey what i got my flashlight for.!?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yeah, wish I had the light on it. bummer.

[@RUfromthe40s]

the tiny light is not for "locate the arm" but having worked for 35 years as a dj first using thorens professional series from late 60´sn than around mid 70´s the SL-1310 that had the tiny light and only in 79 the SL-1200MKII ,bullet proof ,let´s not get carried away but built very strong ,the tiny light is for in darker places one could see the grooves and where to put the needle ,in diferent parts of songs the grooves look diferent as in from track to track and the light is trhere to see the diference in the grooves ,as a simple example ,one´s hearing a rock album and wants to skip a bit to the guitar solo ,it´s there in the grooves it looks diferent so you can put the needle in the right spot where you want it, about non-sense turntable i´ve been seeing it with a AT cartridge several times better than the ridiculous sounding 2Mred from Ortofon ,a brand that in them past one couldn´t go wrong with it but today how wrong can we go with ortofon?and if this is non-sense in Project only around 3.000€ turntable and a 3.000€ or more it sounds like an average old turntable with it´s original cartridge ,and i used to crisize 80´s all made of plastic turntables ,today they are all very good in comparation to this new bad wave of expensive turntables and cartridges with stylus that look super wasted when bought new with 1/3 of the listening hours. Rega, it surprised me it´s P8 and P10 sound aceptable in todays garbage, the 1000 g´sssssss are a sub-product of my more than 40 years of heavy use home turntable SL-1000MKII or the personalized at the time when components were good and lot´s to choose from SP-10 or other 5 technics i bought in the 70´s along with other brands turntables such as thorens ,garrard ,Dual ,pioneer ,toshiba and elac, this last two amazing good ,also have a sony but maybe not worse refering to, non-sense are you calling to the only aceptable turntable in the world if installed a cartridge that sounds better than that ,it makes me remenber the turntables from CHICO for children between 5 and 10 years old ,they used to like to hear the music from their favorite cartoons, that´s how the 2MRED sounds like, not the only turntable that i would buy if forced into it, by the side of your 1500c there is a gadjet for the SP-10 that i have, so you might heard of those turntables i refer or not. Dust it seems today no one uses covers ,how to get dust away?static produced it atracts dust like honey to bees or the reverse, is there a secret that avoids dust to fall on coverless turntables. SL-200 evolution ,funny guy. In reality the SL-1200 wasn´t a home turntable but made first for the radio stations and because of that 72 technology you refer the magnetic platter or "the turntable itself"was the reason for dj´s starting to use technics turntables, and before they had a Quartz engine but today it seems a lot of people is using the SL-1200 at home, before it was a crime now even audiophiles that used to spit on them say it´s for them retarted persons and i like to fall asleep while listening to music so auto-return always was there, not in places that might cause problems like radio stations nor when working as a dj, in a broadcast you can listen ,"well let´s wait another few seconds before listening to the song i was going to play" that happens when you´re going to play a track next to the center and because it´s close to the center and above the record it might activate the auto-return ,it´s the reason why they have not it, since before technics released a working turntable in 72 in Europe.

[@MattyHogue_73]

Hi my name is Matt. I love vintage Pioneer and have a spec 1 and spec 2 in my system. I have always wondered about the hierarchy of Pioneer. Were The exclusive and elite and the spec stand. Is the exclusive better then the spec?

[@psyclobe]

I owned this one, but I ended up returning it due to line noise on this one. I think it was the included preamp that was noisy. I really really liked it though, wish I could've gotten the version that didn't come with the preamp.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Must have been some compatibility with your preamp. The ones Ive setup were dead quiet. Thanks for writing.

[@jko560]

How does this compare to the 100c? Thanks!

[@ecyfoto]

What’s the difference between the 1500c and the 1500c K? Nice vid as usual, Fernando.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Just the color. Each letter designates color like silver, white or black. Cheers.

[@tonyciriello6872]

I have a SL-1360. Don't see much about it. What is it based on? Fully automatic 1200? When were they made? Sounds and works well. How does it compare to other Technics? Thanks for your info.

[@biketech60]

Why can't Technics offer this clean top plinth on their 1200 line of turntables ? I hate the DJ furniture on top .

[@cuttinchops]

Isn’t the 1200 a DJ turntable? AFAIK that’s by design.

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

To be fair the sl1200 MK1 was basically this 1500 back in the late 70s

[@cuttinchops]

@@bearded_wolverine3503 good point!

[@RadioKilla07]

It wouldn't be a 1200 if you want that clean look. The 1500 would be sort of the 1200 mk1 of the 70s which was a Hifi turntable. The 1200mk2 was designed for Professional Applications. This was explained in their brochures of 1981 and 1982

[@jlyt18]

Cause you can just buy the 1500 lol that's what it is for, 1200 without the dressing, aka a 1200 for non DJs

[@Moondog9322]

I have an older SL 1950 , hasn't been used in a few years, in very good shape, but when I fired it up recently, the tone arm wouldn't lower to the vinyl. Any suggestions?

[@basspig]

I'm wondering if the rumble specification is as good as the sl 1200 Mark 2. They don't State the rumble specification on techniques website for this turntable. One might make the assumption that it will be similar given it's a similar direct drive motor system but it really depends on the quality of the bearings.

[@jhschmidMD4]

I really wish Technics would build a high quality, fully automatic table that used the Quartz DD motor from this series. I would buy in a heartbeat.

[@12lb.toothbrush11]

Vintage Denon tt is a beauty and full auto .

[@brucetowell3432]

Aren't most Technics advertised as "Direct Drive Fully Automatic"??

[@jhschmidMD4]

@@brucetowell3432 direct drive, yes, but not automatic.

[@jimmclaughlin2728]

why no strobe?

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

I like your approach u guys in nj? How far from Westchester? I’m in white plains

[@SkyFiAudio]

about 30-40 min, do come visit, call ahead.

[@user-vp4dv5hg9o]

Hi, does the autolift function work when playing 78 rpm shellac records?

[@hornsby5533]

Is this really 1:1 of the SL-1210GR without DJ bells and whistles?

[@Kukkema]

What’s the difference between this and the sl 100c ?

[@paulv22]

I have a Kenwood KP-990 and Pioneer PL-50L II. Both have a solenoid actuated queuing mechanism and auto lift. The auto lift works with an optical sensor so there's no effect on the tone arm. If I need to buy a new turntable, I'd likely get this Technics for that reason. There's no downside to auto lift if it's designed correctly and it's a shame that more TTs don't have it.

[@pebey]

Whoa there buckaroo! Did you just shrug off the fact that when engaging the 78 rpm option it only runs at 77? I tried to search for something to corroborate this but came up with nothing. How did you decide this was the case? I'd think that anyone considering this who plays old records would want to know.

[@Love_Street]

I liked this turntable because it had the auto return. But it kept returning before the record ended . That’s the only complaint I had so I took it back and got a1210 gr manual.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I heard a few folks complain about that. Mostly happens with classical recording the are so long.

[@Love_Street]

@@SkyFiAudioand some 45s too

[@dmnddog7417]

Hmm, I thought the SL-100C is their entry level turntable. Did they nix it?

[@user-vp4dv5hg9o]

Don't know where is the issue but after one month of use I cannot use my technics sl-1500c anymore. After finishing one record I move the tonarm to the base, lower the lever as usual till the end but suddenly tonarm returned back to the up position and since then I cannot lower it. I mean I can lower it by pushing the lever down but when I take off my finger the tonarm returns to the up position.

[@vincentc.2192]

If i spend the price difference between 1500C and 1200GR on a better cartridge, would 1500C outperform 1200GR, sound quality-wise?

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

How does SL-100C compare to SL-1500C?

[@brucetowell3432]

Heck If I'm spending over a grand for a table, it better be Direct Drive Fully Automatic or at least 50% Automatic returning the tone arm to it's resting place after playing. Love listening to records while resting, if I doze off for a bit (I'm a senior, when you get there you'll understand) doing house hold activities/chores, and need that tone arm to go back to its home after playing!;-)

[@yambo59]

I agree, ive said this for a long time, but I imagine like everything else its all about cost vs. profit margin

[@brucetowell3432]

@@yambo59 Well if you are a technical engineer/audio/electronics/..can you explain too me, why was it that back in the 1950's and 60's when record players were being sold for children, they all had this automatic arm return feature? The cost sure didn't prevent them from making a profit. These turntables were very inexpensive, so the technology to put this into the turntable is very minimal. It must be akin to a car manufacturer who doesn't want to put an automatic electric windows in the car, so instead says, oh that's too expensive I'll just put a manual window crank. Since EVERYTHING is always passed on to the consumer anyway, just charge more for the auto? I even had an old Wurlitzer jukebox from 1950 !!!! It was old when I got it in around 1961, lasted till I believe the mid 80's or so, and NEVER ONCE did it fail to return after playing the 45. Not ONCE. Thanks sorry to vent, but when i am up against bizarro events I tend to want to know WHY. thanks

[@SilentServiceCode]

It's hard to keep clean when you're constantly grabbing at the plinth yes

[@sidvicious3129]

Is the Technics 1200GR\1210GR being discontinued for the GR2, or has it been discontinued already? From a dealer, a prospective is the technics 1200gr and 1210gr considered a stop gap by Technics before hitting that $2000 range.

[@SkyFiAudio]

The GR has already discontinued. We have one each color we are offering with a free Sumiko cartridge if anyone is looking for a bargain. The GR2 is now well over $2k.

[@RUfromthe40s]

sumiko oyster, well it´s not as bad as the 2Mred

[@lwieserce1988]

Mam ten gramofon od roku i jestem zafascynowany ❤Myske wymienić igłę na lepszą może blue

[@glpilpi6209]

Like it , but other other designers have moved on. Speed accuracy with a higher tech. arm would be what people would be interested in. And there are some fine designers there now. I dont want a 1979 designed deck.

[@yambo59]

Wow those inputs and power plug couldnt be any less convenient or accessible..?! Beautiful table but why???

[@vsevolodsemenov6786]

I had Technics turntable, it didn’t last long as well as Technics music centre.

[@nattyco]

For that price they should have put the blue stylus on. The red is barely audiophile.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I think they expect you to upgrade to something nicer as the table is capable of much more. I think the Blue Point No. 3 would be stellar.

[@chrislj2890]

The SL-100C would be the entry level model at $1,100.

[@dmunz7015]

I won't be entering, not at that level anyway.

[@chrislj2890]

@@dmunz7015 There's always the Audio-Technica look alike turntables for a lot less.

[@rene_magritte]

Basically it’s an SL-Q2

[@christophermaley6822]

TechNICKS mate ???

[@SkyFiAudio]

You should hear how they say it down south :-).

[@mornecoetzee735]

I still can't believe we're stuck with 1800's technology as the only physical media in 2024.😢

[@_fakeklg]

Plenty of options for your listening pleasure. If vinyl is not for you, then do something else. CD/sacd is still there. Tape too.

[@sbwlearning1372]

​@@_fakeklg MiniDisc

[@brainache555]

77 😂

[@SkyFiAudio]

cant imagine why I said that. I laughed so hard when I was editing the video. Thanks for writing.

[@brainache555]

@@SkyFiAudio just a good old brainfart lol

[@thomaslytle5519]

I can’t see paying 1200-1300 bucks for This! There are so many better options at lower price points.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Do share!

[@_fakeklg]

Then don’t. No one’s forcing you too. I saw a “great” crosely spinner at the mall that is only $50. That might suit your budget.

[@mcgjohn22]

For all the performance the Technics offers at each of their price points, pretty tough to beat them on performance alone. If a person does not like the appearance that is a different story.

[@_fakeklg]

@@mcgjohn22 bravo!🍾

[@carravagio16]

I dont disagree that Technics makes great decks and has a great pedigree of doing great thing in the turntable space, however there is some truth in the statement of lower price point options at great value, Fluance RT series and Uturn are making excellent value at under $600 and some would say even that is expensive. Its all subjective in the end anyway

[@4vinylsound]

The black is so ugly. Silver looks so much better and vintage.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Not exactly ugly but the silver and white are better