Vintage Technics Turntables: What to Look For!

[@MichaelZweifel]

I'm still using my SL-Q3 that I got in 1981 on Okinawa, Japan when I was in the Marines.

[@jrockthecasbah]

Technics is the Toyota of turntables, solid, popular and reliable.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

That's a good description.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

And the SL1200s are the Land Cruisers.

[@kevinyoung2431]

$15.00 pandemic era Technics SL-1500 yard sale pick up here. I had it serviced and replaced the RCA cables and ground wire with new because the originals were damaged in a fire, some caps were also replaced. It works 100% today.

[@davormargetic1881]

I have my dad’s Technics sl-5300 from 1979, the year I was born, and it runs perfect!

[@mikeniftythrifty9301]

Picked up a SL-1600 for $50 at an estate sale last year primarily because it had a grado f3 cart, I was going to put it on my sl-1200 but I plugged it in and hooked it up to my marantz 2275 and it’s been there ever since the automatic start and stop still works flawlessly

[@BillyDenton-nx3oy]

He is 100% correct regarding the 1980s Technics tts. They just work. They're easy to repair and parts are abundant and most importantly the sound is on point and clean

[@SB-ie8jn]

Picked up a SL D2 for 50 bucks with lid in tact. Have had it for several years and plays great.

[@JDale56]

I paid $20 for a complete Technics SL-D3 at a garage sale a couple months ago - sounds great!

[@admiralhipowa7158]

I’ve had a few 1980s Technics, regretted selling them. I now own 2 Technics 1200s MK2 purchased brand new in 1999 & they are like brand new today, still have the original boxes with the manuals still in the envelopes, the rubber platter mats are still in the paper unused, complete with the extra weights for the back of the tonearm & the stylus hangover tools. Bulletproof turntables.

[@ocularcavity8412]

I LOVE the 1200 MKII It took me YEARS of hunting to find one, got it a a estate sale for $18 3 years ago it run performs great but 2 of the resistors get pretty hot and I am trying to track down the cause, they seem to be a common fail points because MOST of the 1200's I see online have a Bubble under the Platter on the plastic dust cover in THE SAME SPOT but NONE of the techs online EVER talk about what cause that failure gotta protect that revenue I guess

[@johnobrien5561]

First good turntable I had was a Marantz, it had the issue with the up and down buttons. Replaced with a Technics SL-D5, solid linear turntable. I now have a Technics SL-Q1, linear turntable. I had to replace the tonearm drive belt, works great! Also own a Pioneer PL-518 and a Sansui SR-232. They have all had to have some maintenance when I bought them, but all working and sounding great now! If I knew how to work on turntables when I was younger I’d have kept the Marantz, it was a nice turntable too. I regret selling it for $5. in a garage sale. But back then, I was believing the CD hype that records were dead. I love my CD’s too, but I have always loved vinyl!

[@rafacq]

Somehow I had not seen this video! I am happy to share my 1979 Technics SL-3300 still works perfectly. They were very well built. Mine has never been serviced. Love it. It was fun watching this video. Thanks. In my bucket list, come to Iowa sometime and visit your store. Big fan.

[@GenoFamYT]

I have SL3300 as well fully functional and I love it❤️❤️❤️

[@Lfunk1983]

For those of you possibly looking at a new Technics, I bought an SL-1210 GR for about $450 off due to the GR2 coming out! If you see one in stock at a reputable online dealer, it doesn’t hurt to ask. I bought the second to last one at Sweetwater.

[@francescotenti193]

Fun video. I still have the SL-D2 bought new in 1980 and it's still in excellent conditions, even the matt is in great shape. The only issue is one hinge of the dust cover that has weakened and that prevents it from staying open on its own. The speed is accurate and it's never been serviced. It is a great table and built to last and even the specs are great. Plenty on eBay although prices are creeping up.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@francescotenti193]

@@skylabsaudio You're very welcome, I just wish you were closer, I live on Long Island, and I'd be paying visits quite often to your great store.

[@Silverfaces.]

Technics has always been a great value. I started with a SL-23 back in the 70’s and the reliability got me hooked on them. I love the linear trackers. My living room set-up includes a recapped SL-10 with the original moving coil EPS-310. The linear trackers aren’t for everyone, you should be prepared to do the tech work to make them functional. Overall, I have been lucky to own both ends of the Technics line and many in between.

[@skylabsaudio]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jimfarrell4635]

Agree. I have an SL-7, an SL-QL15 and an SL-L1. All great, though the SL-7 is my favourite. Built like a tank and I found someone in the UK who 3d prints the wedge stands for it, so it looks fantastic. They all needed work, but it was all basic mechanical and cartridge stuff. Happily the electronics have behaved themselves so far.

[@ocularcavity8412]

My biggest regret was getting rid of my Linear tracker back when styluses were IMPOSSIBLE to find if i had known there we would be able to buy BRAND NEW stylus for LONG DEAD Carts from GOOD manufacturers i would have SEARIOUSLY held on to it

[@LeRoySL-q5q]

I love my SL-2000! I've had many Technics turntables over the years.

[@SurnaturalM]

I still have my SL-1210 MK2 with the dust cover and everything, the box and manual. It works like new. I have an automatic SL-D2 for my room so I can fall asleep on my favourite record.

[@tomsoil9909]

Great stuff here!! I had a SL-D2!! I wish I had never let it go!! I would be interested getting another!! I'll have to call you!!

[@scrappy7571]

I recently grabbed my SL1950 from my parents house. I bought it brand new back in '78, and has not been used since the early 80's when I upgraded to a linn lp12. The cue lever was locked tight, the hinges busted, and the cartridge smashed. I removed the tone arm and cleaned the cue and applied the proper silicone grease. Recapped the control board with a kit from ebay. Lubed the main bearing with special oil. Replaced the cartridge and set it up using a printed chart off the net. Replaced the hinges, and polished the dust cover. It works just like new! Thing is, it's a real pain to play records compared to streaming. I have played maybe 15 records out of my collection of 300. Now it's sits here collecting dust. oh well

[@acrossthedial]

Technics cassette decks have stood the test of time too!

[@mikefrazier3826]

I had a record changer back in the early 70's. It was a cheapo "Electrophonic" but it had a hook shaped arm that sat on top of the record stack that kept the records from wobbling around while they hovered above the platter. I think all of the changers had that feature and, unlike the rest of the unit, it always functioned perfectly due to its simplicity.

[@mattspokane]

I have several vintage techniques turntables. The only one that doesn't have broken dust cover tabs is the one that I bought brand new in the 90s. However, I have some that still have nubbins of tabs left in them. Just enough so they would sort of stay in if you didn't move it. I was able to drill tiny holes through the clip into the cover and hold the cover in place with a tiny screw. That method has worked great and I plan to fix several others that way. You just have to make sure to remove the screws before trying to rip off the desk cover.

[@sentryfe74]

I bought a Technics SL1800 MK2 last year at an estate sale. Came with the Stanton 681EEE-S cartridge. Sounds amazing. It is similar to the 1200 MK2 but sits on a suspended chases.

[@jasoncrouzat7509]

I have Technics sl bd20 I've had it for quite a few years haven't had too many problems with it and I still enjoy it

[@paulcrowder]

I have a Technics SL-210 which is the manual version of the SL-220 that someone gave me for free years ago because the motor didn’t work. I kept it in my attic and used the headshell for another turntable. A couple years ago I decided to see what it would take to get it running again. Turns out all it needed was a bit of oil in the capstan. Once I did that it ran with a rock-solid speed. I’d try that to see if it fixes the motor on that SL-220. Just drop some oil down the capstan shaft (no need to disassemble anything) and turn it manually to work it down into the motor. Do that until it finally runs on its own. The oil I used is Super Lube 51010.

[@AudioGuyBrian]

I love Technics. My primary deck is my near mint SL-1600 MK2, then I have a SL-D2 in another room. Yes, the D2 is a workhorse. I have owned that one for 34 years. I also have a SL-J3 linear tracking deck but it has a problem where it started suddenly running at like 100 rpm!. Not sure what the heck caused that. And I also have a belt drive Technics that I keep trying to sell in yard sales for super cheap, but nobody wants a belt drive deck.

[@michaeldickson9876]

I just cleaned up my SL-D30 table which I bought in 1982, very similar P mount. Exact issue with hinges. Loctite makes Cyanoacrylate Plastic Bonder and I had success fixing the hinges. 8 months so far and they have not cracked. I gave it to my 13 year old son who is getting into vinly.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for the info!

[@SuperCoryjames]

I have that exact Turnable, I bought it a few years ago at a thrift store for 30 bucks!

[@seanjones618]

I love my technics SL 1600 fully automatic it’s a beast

[@TomcatSTL]

I adore my SL-1600 Mk2, too. The weight, the look & the sound. It performs flawlessly.

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

I just purchased an excellent condition Technics SL-D2 Can't wait for delivery

[@madcrabber1113]

Still have my old SL BD20 P Mount that still works as it did when I bought it several decades ago.

[@karaDee2363]

I've only owned 2 turntables in my life, both were Technics, my first was a SL 220 in 1978.. never had an issue with either of them, except for replacing the rubber belt which ages out.. I think the only issue with the stackable turntable you demonstrated was it probably wasn't used for a long time, so like lots of these Technics turntables, the best thing you can do is use them often

[@skylabsaudio]

As always, I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@corneliusantonius3108]

I have a 1977 Technich SL-1710 as with a new elips Tonar Element/Cardrige/Needle but my daily driver is my 1974 Aristona 1312(Philips 312) with a new elips Tonar Element/Cardrige/Needle. The Technish has an after market light atached to the dust cover on the left side, probably for when the lights are down when people are in a romantic mood back in the day.

[@BarryKing0404]

I have a Technics SL-D2 direct drive that I bought new back when it was new. Works fine, and I've played a lot of records over the years. One issue: it doesn't know when to stop. At the end of an album, or any other time, after it lifts up and returns to the cradle, it trips into repeating the record. I press the Start button again. Same thing. Lifts up, returns, then goes back to the record. I often have to repeat pressing the button several times before it will lift up, go back, rest on the cradle so the table stops spinning. I could just lift it up manually with the lever and return it, but I want to be able to walk away and have it end the playing automatically when it's done. Do you think this is a simple counterbalance weight issue that I can try adjusting on my own? Should I ask in Discord? My analog audio repair guy, Frank, at Audio-Tronics in Cherry Hill, NJ, is great, and a 90 minute drive from home. What are your thoughts? Love your videos! Very informative, real and honest presentation. Thank you for each and every video you do!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks Barry. Definitely ask in our Discord. You can do eet!

[@BarryKing0404]

I have read the reviews about Discord, and now I'm not eager to go there. Most say that recent changes have made it "buggy" and hard to use the UI. Others say they use it to talk to their friends. Still more info tells me it's not targeted to audio equipment, but is more general, like talking about gaming. So, no, I'm not going to deal with Discord. However, if you, or anyone reading this who happens to be knowledgeable, you're welcome to tell me YOUR thoughts on what is causing the issue I'm having of my Technics SL D-2 tonearm continually lifting up to replay an album again and again instead of just staying resting in the cradle once it returns and stopping. While we're at it, my Marantz receiver keeps abruptly losing the right channel if the volume knob is turned up about half way. That is a volume I like. But at the repair shop, my guy can't turn it up more than a quarter of the way because it is way too loud. It doesn't cut out. He says I need more efficient speakers. Maybe so, but actually my KLH 900Bs should be fine. I need to get this repaired too, if the reason why this is happening can be found. Meanwhile, I'm using a Kenwood KVR-A70R receiver that I found at a Goodwill and works fine. I can turn it up super loud and it doesn't cut out. I hope that no one is annoyed with this long reply. Again, love the videos from Skylabs! Happy listening experiences, everyone!

[@jimfarrell4635]

I now have three early 80s Technics tables, all linear trackers. The iconic SL7, the SL- Q15 and the SL-L1. They all needed work to get fully operational but I absolutely love them. They are just so convenient and sound great. I have a Clearaudio Performance SE and a MoFi Studio deck, but increasingly find myself going to the Technics for my vinyl fix. My son has the SL-L1 in his flat and uses it all the time.

[@mewzishun1]

I’ve been running a 1978 Kenwood KD-500 for years and love it. Threw a Sumiko Moonstone on a Grace G-840 tonearms. The setup has been solid and sounds great. Funny thing how much they pulled from Technics.

[@radiorexandy]

I've had Technics turntables in the past and I've been pleased with them. However, I'm not letting go of my Empire troubadour turntable. It has both eye and ear appeal and is built like the Rock of Gibraltar. (I might have wished that Empire's cartridges were a worthy match to their turntable, though.)

[@paulhooper3357]

D2 my favourite nice weight look and function even someone as inept as me can refurbish to great playing form

[@dooleyfan]

I bought an SLD202 around 1981 for $200 Canadian. I sold it to a friend when I went to CDs in the late 80s. About 10 years ago my friend generously gave it back to me. When I went to use it, oddly the hinge broke, not the dust cover tab! I tried repairing it with CA glue, which didn’t work. I then used epoxy glue, which is still holding up fine. I replaced the cartridge about a year ago and did a full setup on the tonearm. It works perfectly.

[@Jimmy429-ss7jz]

I kept my SL D2 from 1980. That table with a Shure V-15 type 4 was an absolute sonic bang for buck combo.

[@BillyDenton-nx3oy]

SL-D2 is a great tt

[@jedpony]

I am an owner of a Technics SL-D202 that I bought new back in 1982 from Pacific Stereo. How do you rate this turntable? It's in perfect condition as I have taken very good care for it over the years.

[@AudiophileStooge]

What about the MCS “technics” turntables

[@tomday7309]

Just a note regarding the sweaty rubber mat....that sounds gross, but working for a company that manufactured vinyl outdoor decks there was a similar thing that happened when you put a rubber backed outdoor mat on the deck material. The reaction between the vinyl and rubber caused some of the plasticizer in the rubber to coat and stain the decking and left that gooey mess you described. Since decks are exposed to lots of heat and sun, that creates a nice oven under the rubber mat for the gunk to form. I never thought a turntable mat could suffer the same fate.

[@VirtualGuth]

Plenty of old turntables that have been stored in non-cooled garages are coming out of hiding these days and have been for some time now.

[@jalander8817]

I’ve got a Technics SL-1360 that has been a real pain to find parts for. My technician did a good job with it but has also been unsuccessful in sourcing parts.

[@brianyee5504]

Original owner of a SL 1100a/Shure V15 lll combo purchased in 1975 new for $350. Played extensively from date of purchase until mid 80’s when cassette/CD pushed it into the closet. Resurrected February this year as nostalgia kicked in and I rebuilt my two channel system…fired it up after close to four decades; ( after a couple of drops of long overdue oil that was stored under the platter from the factory) Runs as well and sounds as good as the day I pulled it from the box in 1975. When upgrade time comes, 1200 g for me. It’ll be worth every penny I blow on it. Technics TTs for life.

[@kg4wrq]

I'm the original owner of an SL-D202 that I bought in the mid to late 70s. Still works great, though I rarely use it. I have an in-line pre-amp so that I can feed it into my computer and "digitize" my LPs. The dust cover's hinges are fine, but, it has a crack in the middle-top; back in the early 80's, my wife had placed a vase on my stereo furniture. One time, when I had the volume cranked up high, the vibrations caused the vase to fall on it. That broke my heart, but I go over it.

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

The first audio component I bought, was a SL1600MK2. I was 14 and it was 1989. Paid 175$. Bought it out of The Oregonian classifieds. The owner came and picked me up in his El Camino to come to his house and check it out. THAT wouldn't happen these days 😅😅

[@skylabsaudio]

Wow. Now that's a motivated seller!

[@kellyswoodyard]

My Technics SL-D303, came out of a dumpster. Works just fine.

[@edwardbagu1252]

You can never go wrong with most Technics SL-D's (1, 2, and 3), except for the issues you mentioned. The good with the Technics, is that there are so many available on the market. If your purchase has issues, you can use it as a parts unit for your next one or vice versa. Some good semi auto/ auto finds at a decent price for me have been Kenwood KD4100, JVC QL-A2, JVC QL-A4, Sony PS-T2, and Sony PS-T3... The Kenwood tends to have feet issues, a belt for the auto return, and some dry grease... The JVC's and Sony T2/T3, just needed dusting, cleaning, a little grease and they were good to go. Only issue with the latter brands is the dustcover replacements are not easy to find. The JVC's dustcovers look terrible with age and are hard to clean...

[@ripjones5294]

The JVC QL-A4 is the one I bought new, right after I got fired from Franklin Music in Atlanta -- FROM the Manager that fired me -- we were still friends... I truly do like that table.

[@ripjones5294]

The JVC QL-A4 is the one I bought new, right after I got fired from Franklin Music in Atlanta -- FROM the Manager that fired me -- we were still friends... I truly do like that table.

[@captaincrankysdock9730]

You really had to mix not match brands when putting together a system. Technics specialty was turntables. Their receivers were mediocre at best, and never met published specs. (At least according to Consumer reports). Kenwood's integrated amps were fabulous, but I never sold one of their turntables, nor were they noted for them. Those were the good old days (not), when customers walked in with a copy of the latest Comsumer Reports tucked under their arm. You actually had to know more than they imagined they did, if you were going get get anything out the door.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I've had an SL-B5 since the eighties and apart from it being on it's third belt, second cartridge and one service, it's been flawless. It's currently my record store table. I've never owned the stacking spindle, no do I care to.

[@msdxyz]

Interesting tutorial. Last month my SL-B200 that I've owned since the '80's lost it's mind - not able to set the speed at all. Cracked it open and saw a control IC (BA6301) in there and ordered a replacement (cheap as chips, the postage was more than the 2 min order) happy to report a fix!

[@axlsavage]

I have a SL1650 changer, works great sounds great!

[@terrencechitty9205]

I have three technics changers. When playing lps , you have to be aware of the weight of the record, if it is to heavy it won’t drop it. I have a SL-d5, SL-3350 and SL-1950 ,

[@albanana683]

Great advice for transporting a turntable. I would also add that you should use a stylus guard if you have it and a wire wrap tie on the arm to fully secure it to the post - those plastic clips don't always hold it tight. And if you have a suspended deck like a Linn or Thorens, you absolutely must use the correct transport retaining screws to secure it in place. My Roksan has a very heavy platter which should be removed to prevent accidents. Fortunately I have all the original packaging but I don't imagine that is available for vintage purchases.

[@JonPaul]

100% credit for the video.

[@glennwagner1095]

Hi Kevin, gave my sl-d2 to my daughter with a Pioneer sx-680 so she can start her vintage audio trip like her old man has. Not sure I did her a favor if she gets hooked like I am lol. Nice video!

[@skylabsaudio]

Best addiction I've ever had :)

[@VirtualGuth]

I must admit to tossing my SL-D2 in the dumpster back in the late 80s. Rather than giving up on my vinyl like nearly all of my friends had, I doubled down by purchasing a Linn table. Sadly, I literally couldn’t give my Technics away (others looked at me as if I was offering them a scratched copy of Tall Cool One). I consoled myself by purchasing plenty of cheap vinyl over the next few decades.

[@midmodaudio6576]

Very informative video, your best by far.

[@skylabsaudio]

Wow, thanks!

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

Can't go wrong with a q lock technics. Holy grail is the sp10. Dual 1219 is and always be favorite vintage table.

[@raymiehershey1430]

I have a 1989 Technics 1200mkll that sat in a garage in Phoenix for 10 years, mat ok as long as I've had it. I think the mat rot is a late 70's early 80's thing. Also have a 1950 that I serviced myself. I'll trust it with 3 records but not 6. Keep that 1950, really fun.

[@michaelmorris7552]

Great video guys!!

[@quiksr20]

Great Sunday watch, it really is hard to beat the older Technics. Ill always buy a cheap Technics when I have the opportunity. Lets chip in and get Eric a soldering iron jk!

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, agree!

[@JeHaVe]

Still very happy with my SL-7, but recently I've purchased an Akai AP-306. Of course it's not a Technics but I think these Akai 's are quite underrated.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Great video I'm not in the stackers but when I was a kid in this mid-60s my sister's boyfriend had an admiral Council it was a tube Council stereo and the turntable when the side one ended his arm came out Half Moon shaped arm with rubber on it picked up the record and flipped it over and played the other side I've never seen another one in my life this was in 1966 it was super cool the console sounded fantastic head two monoblock two amplifiers I did research I can't find anything about such a thing but it was cool have a great day thanks

[@mattspokane]

That SL220: If you get it super cheap or already have one, Cleaning the pots (something you can easily do yourself) fix it. If it is a motor issue, dioxite in the motor and then a tiny bit of oil might do the trick. I have had a couple squeaky, erratic Motors that just needed a tiny bit of cleaning and lube. This is at least a decent strategy if you were at the point where you were going to not use the turntable or think of replacing the motor. At that point you can't make the motor any worse.

[@mcgjohn22]

nice video. the oil coming out of the mat and leaving a residue on the platter is likely plasticizer oil mixed with the polymers before they are molded to improve flexibility. The other one to watch out for is some of the higher end tables of the era used silicon oil in between the inner and outer surface of the mat to improve damping. If these sit for a long period, the silicon oil can run to one side giving the mat a lumpy surface. The Sony PS-X7 is one of the models that used the damping oil.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for the info!

[@stevengagnon4777]

SL-D2 is reliable I have one that I'm keeping in stand by....because it always works ,still can't remember how i got it.

[@Dave__f]

The sl-1950 is a great sounding table even if they only play one record at a time they are still worth it. I could never line up the mechanisms to have the Changer work and felt stoked that the auto return function worked. Maybe I'd have better luck now this was years ago

[@chrisgoyette1846]

Great Content! Think I said before= I was patient and willing to travel a little, about 3yrs ago I found Circa 1979 Technics SL-3300 Direct Drive, Fully Automatic in box unassembled, Pristine Dust Cover, Owners Manual, Setup jig, O.E. Headshell with used elliptical cartridge For $350 and a 3 Hour Pleasant Drive in my Camaro. Got it home, Opened up and Quick Service and it's Awesome, Like Brand New Hardly Used!! I Love it and thought that it was a Good Buy!! Keep Doing U. Content is GREAT!!

[@VirtualGuth]

Yes, but did your Camaro have a cassette deck and if so what tapes did you listen to on the way?

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@TONKATOY]

​@VirtualGuth , LOL, it's a 2020 2SS Camaro, unfortunately No Tape Deck. But XM Ozzy Channel and a Great Ride!

[@VirtualGuth]

@@TONKATOY I’m an old fart, so when I think about Camaros my mind goes straight to the 1st gen and early 2nd gen examples. Back in the 80s I owned a ‘67 convertible. Until I didn’t - it was stolen about 4 years into my ownership. Sadly it never had a tape deck.

[@angelabell5087]

First, thanks so much for the videos!!! I am learning a lot!!! I have a question. What's your take on the Technics SLB2? Thanks!!

[@shaneybrainy13]

How does the Technics SL-D3 compare with the SL-D2? I just recently picked up a D3, interested to know your thoughts!

[@edogle8163]

Thxs Kevin good info....

[@DMUSA536]

😂😂 laughing when you stacked. That was fun

[@harryhoesch3793]

Great info.. How about Technics linier tracking recommendations, and pitfalls. So cool with discman capabilities. I carefully packed to move a few+ turntables, but under thought the great conditioned cover hinges. The gamble of storing/keeping classics.

[@imfrcd]

Craigslist: Technics SL B2 and 2 Bose 201 speakers, $45.00. Now have seven Technic tables.... (stop me)

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I repair and fab new dust cover hinges from epoxy, then after the repair, I glue both tabs into the hinges. I've yet to have one fail.

[@stevenmilewski]

A couple months ago I answered a a "neighborhood market place " ad on Facebook... for an sl B500 and 25 decent lp's for 180.00 he said it hums but the platter won't turn.... it came with all the extra spindles and changers " in the original bag sealed " and looked fresh out of the box...... one new belt later and she was good to go!!!! Only after did I find out how scarce the 45 changer was... I had only been concerned about the lp's at the time ended up with a " bonus ".... lol

[@Chasing_records]

Love the videos. Could you do one on the linear tracking tables out there. Pro and cons.

[@DethFromAbove1985]

Hey Kevin. Sorry about those Oilers. We need a cup north of the border REAL bad. Last one being 1993.

[@skylabsaudio]

Ohhh man. What a bummer! I was worried about Skinner, but I was wrong. Bottom 6 looked incredible too. Hopefully we get some good trades this summer!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Rob is the "Tall Cool One".

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, yes he is!

[@gregpeirce6121]

Great video, I have been looking for a decent SL-D3 or D5 for a while now. Currently trying to fix my Optonica RP-5100 but cannot find a service manual or schematic - if you can help that would be fantastic.

[@ICenobyte1962]

I have over 7000 45s and, I would love a changer like that, but, I would never stack my LPs. Cool vid, thanks

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@30DirtyThirty30]

Holy smokes !!! A mega members only video ❤❤

[@skylabsaudio]

Sorry for the confusion. We made this one available to members an hour early ;)

[@jeffbryan3224]

I once had a Sony TT with that erratic speed problem. I just threw it away. Victim of the CD revolution!

[@spacemissing]

Important thing about P-mounts: The screw that locks the cart into the arm MUST be present for the stylus pressure to be correct. Your Beach Boys LP is off-balance. Tripod spindles don't deal with those too well. A serious concern with Technics SL-1350 and SL-1360: They use a changer spindle that is UNIQUE TO THOSE TWO MODELS. All other Technics changers use one that is easier to find.

[@ocularcavity8412]

I currently have 3 Technics and 1 pioneer in my setup and the Technics NEVER disappoint, My SLQ2 ($60) with a Ortofon 2M Black and it is MY BEST sounding setup for records from the mid 70's to modern records and MAN does it sound GOOD, have an SL1200 MKII ($18) and though it does sound good it DOESN'T match the 2M black as well so it still loses to the SLQ2, hoping to find a cart the matches it as well, if Ii don't find one I might get a Bracket to mount a Rega tone arm and upgrade it to something SPECIAL, first though I have a couple resistors in the 1200 that are getting warmer than they should so I would LIKE to find the cause but so far I have had NO LUCK I have change most of the Capacitors and resistors in line with the hot boys but NO DICE still runs great but I don't want to ruin it so I don't use it much

[@Mr-Neven]

I love my SL-M2

[@thomaspancoast275]

It looked sweet . I don't get busy bodies. I guess they dont have a HOA?

[@Vercus100]

Another thing I'd caution a potential buyer about is any of the Frequency Generator Servo line of turntables. These use a special 8-pin IC to set the motor speed, and they're getting pretty old now, and have become failure prone. When the IC fails, the motor can't set it's speed, so it doesn't run. I made the mistake of buying one on Facebook and doing a public meetup where I couldn't test it. Sure enough, I got it home and it didn't work. Unfortunately, no replacements are available, so these tables are becoming orphaned. This includes the SL-220 mentioned in this video. I think that's why the prices on this line of Technics turntables are dropping so quickly. Fortunately, it's easy to tell if a particular table has this tech as it will say Frequency Generator Servo right on the front, so it's easy to avoid them.

[@peterspinz3]

I have the Kenwood KD 5066 it has been unbelievable a little finicky now and then but a great turntable

[@peterspinz3]

1 hell of a turntable it has a big huge brick in it lots of electronic components fixed 2 sold 1 they basically are all the same turntable that is Needle on the record it's all about the function they all do the same thing

[@johnnybgoode1950]

Personally, I favor vintage turntables to be manual. Easier to work on, fewer parts to go wrong, fewer complex mechanical actions that could be adversely affected by the passage of decades. Examples might be the Dual 502, 504, 506 and 510, also Pioneer PL 12D and 112D, Sansui SR 222 and Kenwood KD 1033. Do you think these examples are good performers and reliable?

[@eharmicar]

you can make your own ground cord.

[@stevenmilewski]

Also a p.s. the straight spindle changer..... works on 98% of the albums.... the other 2% I don't think it's the changer but the lp itself..... maybe the mold?...maybe the seating of the label?.... the lp hole?.... haven't figured it out yet...... but I will....lol

[@brianbumgardner8704]

Vinyl rocks!

[@michaelrogers8126]

I have an old Technics DC Servo SL BD20D and was wondering would it be worth getting serviced and use it instead of mine Sony PSLX 320 BT turntable. Would it consider an upgrade ?

[@gorillasinthewrist]

Love the channel, wondered if you ever come across Dual turntables ?

[@markgamba4495]

What turn tables and receiver do you have to sell? Please advise

[@MyLittleBitOfEverything]

It's Hot Out There Reminder. Your records want to stay cool too! They warp and melt!

[@lloydfriend1060]

Have you ever done any work or comments on a CARRERA T-120 linear turntable, fully automatic?

[@brunohebert1351]

If you end up working on those Technics changers, it would be nice to have a follow-up on those or even like a vlog format I have never seen those in the wild. I've seen a bunch of other changers but not Technics I do think nowadays that Technics products (not just the TTs) come with a bit of a tax just like the Marantz tax My first Technics was a linear tracking one (SL-QL5), literally new in the box, people bought but then never get to use it. Now, I have a SL-Q303 and a SL-Q2 that needs a little bit of love (mostly cosmetics) Speaking of the dust covers hinges, one issue to add: something the part on the turntable that holds the hinge gets stuck and it will break the tab right away. It happened to my Q303. So, take the cover off, and try to work those parts to before opening the cover normally. It might save the hinge tabs. Also, not uncommon, sometimes the tonearm lock tab is broken. luckily, it's easy to replace and inexpensive Also, quick question regarding grease and oil 1. if the grease has dried up in the mechanism, what grease to you recommend? or it's not important any would do? 2. oil for DD motor, they say you need to put some special oil in the spindle every year or so to maintain the motor. they say you need a special oil for this, and KAD (who is specialized in SL-1200) sells one but it's a bit pricey. Can you use a fine oil just like a sewing machine oil? Thank you.

[@skylabsaudio]

We use sewing machine oil 90% of the time

[@brunohebert1351]

@@skylabsaudio thank you, that's what I was thinking but I'd rather make sure. Sewing machine oil works well with R2R decks too

[@N0rthT]

Trivia: Does the sl-3300 have those screws on the board to correct pitch that’s drifted over time. I’m a newb. I did solder in some new rca connectors on the turntable. Thats big for a guy like me. The discord. That’s probably where I should ask this type of question, but if anyone knows if I can get the thing spinning right without a lot of trouble. Thanks in advance

[@genehammond7239]

Great show !!!👍👍👍

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it