WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO TECHNICS

At one time considered the Best Receiver manufacturer during the Stereo Wars. Does Technics Still Exist? Is Technics a good brand or not? Who is the owner of Technics? I investigate one of the biggest disappearances in the history of HiFi! Find out what happened and if they were able to survive!
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00:00 The RISE of Technics
01:05 The First Technics Products
02:58 Technics in 1970's
03:40 Technics SP-10
04:38 Technics 10000 Series
04:59 Technics SL-1200
06:00 Invention of Class A Amp
06:42 Technics SA-1000
07:07 Stereo Wars
08:04 Technics Reel to Reels
09:56 Technics 1980's
10:20 Technics SL-10
10:35 Technics SL-1200 MKII
10:57 Technics SL-P10 CD Player
11:14 Technics SU-V Amps
11:38 Technics SST-1 Speakers
12:32 Technics 1990's
12:52 Technics SL-PG CD Players
13:33 Technics SU-V Series
14:03Technics SL-1200 MKIII MKIV
14:19 THE FALL of Technics
17:00 Technics Discontinued
18:32 What Happened?
19:27 The Return

[@JustAudioHiFi]

For more of my content subscribe to KZbin.com/@ThatGuyWithTheBeard

[@AudioAl5195]

I literally sold millions of dollars worth of Technics and traveled to Osaka twice because of that. It was truly a legendary brand. We often struggled to meet the demand. The brand wars were real. Pioneer, Onkyo, Yamaha, Harman/Kardon, Hitachi, Kenwood, Sherwood, Marantz plus many lesser brands as well as more esoteric brands (McIntosh, Luxman, SAE, Phase Linear, Carver) all fought to win marketshare. It was fun when people wanted the best not the smallest.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Better Days.

[@loboptlu]

Well also the best and smallest with the sl7 an co 😉

[@robertg7789]

Nothing will ever beat the best . The best is LARGE pro P.A. without a doubt. You just can't move air with mini system speakers. Sure they are loud but that's about it.

[@bxf99999]

These days, the talk is about the quality of the stereo effect from speakers that are 1.5 inches apart, on your phone.

[@mcbmcb5163]

....i remember that during the 90ies there were also parallel brands as an example JVC components were Technics components under a different chassis, also AIWA components were Sony components in a different chassis as well as Sansui and Akai, and there were also tight collaborations like the one between Philps and Marantz on CDs mechanics and electronics.

[@twisted2291]

My uncle had a SL1200 MK1.He got it brand new when they came out. 25 years ago. He passed that turntable over to me. To this day it is the center piece of my audio system. I have been offered a lot of money for that turntable. I have many listening hours with my uncle and I on this table, and with my daughter and I. I will never sell it. I will pass it along to my daughter before I pass. Just as my uncle did for me. It is now a family heirloom to me.

[@williamcampbell3868]

I just love reading and hearing stories like this.The thought of music through a cherished high end component being passed on to a different generation family members is a great story. Proof that good music on a nice high end system brings people together.👍

[@douglasjames4307]

I'm very fortunate to still have my first SL120 and 1200 turntable both in very good condition, have to service them 😊

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

they came out longer than 25 years ago but were still producing them 25 years ago. I got my first pair of 1200MKII 31 years ago in 1991. I bought them with my own money I made working as a teen.

[@MacPhantom]

The MK1 came out in 1971, the MK2 in 1978…

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

​@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 😂😂😂 Leave him be Man... He's talking about his Uncle. RIP "Unc"

[@eduvinyl]

As a former DJ and record collector, I proudly keep my pair of SL-1210MK2 turntables, purchased brand new in 1994, and still spinning in near mint condition 29 years on.

[@RUfromthe40s]

i´m sure of working with SL-1200MKII in late 80´s ,this because a person who i worked for bought in 87, 6 turntables SL-1200MKII for it´s night giant club with 3 diferent dance floors or 2 and a bar opened till 2.00 in the morning, restaurant with live music , and the most giant dance floor with a lake (it´s excused to say that the fishes died and the people dived many times till he covered the lake) having professional JBL speakers in all his rooms or stretching 1990 but i´m sure they were released in early 80´s or were they the SL-1300 or 1500 with digital strobe and velocity % with the litle light to see the grooves in darker places

[@mcjdubpower]

Me too.

[@classicallpvault8251]

They were made to last and if properly serviced stay in good condition. However, DJ turntables which are technically superior as well as a lot cheaper have been introduced since, by various brands who all release their own versions of the same Taiwanese Hanpin Electronics DJ-5500 from 2003. In the Netherlands, the world's capital of electronic music and DJ culture, the SL1200s were outsold by a large margin by these OEM designs back when I got into DJ-ing around 2005. Also, the now-defunct Vestax brand sold technically superior turntables of their own design, but they were as expensive as SL1200s.

[@matt0xx76]

Pricey these days :-)

[@djpierre4613]

Same here

[@mikecampbell5856]

I just love these audio history lessons. I bought my first stereo in 1975 so I have seen the glory of vintage audio when it was new. My wife surprised me with a Technics CD player in 1985. It was the cheapest she could find at 300 bucks.

[@frankiefingerz8047]

As a dj for 36 yrs i was devastated wen technics stopped production of the 1200s in 2010 & then was ecstatic about their return in 2019 I love my 1200s since i got em in 1991 wen i was 16 now im 48. Turntables forever!!!!!

[@jackedkerouac4414]

I'm a dj too and always wanted Technics. I went from Omnitronics to digital and now want the classic setup. Might even get a Condesa mixer for the full analog vibe

[@darthtrucker489]

But they do last forever. I have an SL-D2 that's been reliably spinning since day one. :)

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

I wasn't devestated because I had a pair. :) it's dumb what Technics has done in the last 20 years with all the so called 'audiophile' upgrade versions that still just don't have the charm and the prices are ridiculous. Why they just didn't keep making the same thing is beyond logic.

[@deltahomicide9300]

@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 A lot of Asian companies are still family owned and operated no matter how huge. Chalk it up to each successive generation becoming greedier and putting money over quality, craftsmanship and subsequently alienating their loyal customers.

[@Signal_Glow]

We were worried too, until their prices fell when many switched to CDs and then laptops for DJ-ing. Other companies took over turntable market for hi-fi systems, probably because a lot of people never accepted direct drive or wanted something looking less industrial. It is great to see LP's come back.

[@markchristopher420]

In 1987 my '77 Camaro Type LT boasted a Technics bi-amped tape deck & matching coax speakers for basically a concert hall on wheels, before the subwoofer era really kicked in. Friends used to laugh as they heard me coming from quite a ways away. My Technics home system had dbx noise reduction to match the car head, and once I'd taped "Diary Of A Madman" and timed the 5-second Maxell leader to blow my buddy's mind as he sat in the passenger seat & Lee Kerslake's thunderous drum fill exploded out on "Over The Mountain!" Good times...

[@33point3rpm]

As a Technician in a club, 1210 MKII's are essential. Such a brilliant piece of machinery. So when we got hold of 2 newly rereleased 1210 MK7, I was super excited to plug them in and try them out. First impressions were..not good. About 4 kilo's lighter than the MKII, which is death sentence in a club becuase they need the weight, so we knew we had to fiddle a bit with the bass frequency's to eliminate the feedback. OK, no problem, but through out the weekend, all DJ's complained there was high frequency feedback. Total disaster. It took us a few weeks to work out the frequencies that had to be taken out, so the were playable. We had a closer look why there is this problem, and we realised technics had gone down the path of the pioneer record players, and used cheap aluminium tone arms. I really have to ask myself why, it makes such an unpleasent experience to play records at this level, and they cost minimum 750€. give me the MKII any day.

[@kevinatkab5219]

Tonearms have always been cast aluminum. The problem is the mk7's body is hollow inside, the mk2 is solid. GR is closer, but only the G model rivals the older MK2's in terms of build quality. Not surprising since it was the first new model out of the gate.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

My Technics SA-1010 from 1983. I have the military commissary version with switchable voltage that has the big power supply and is 600 watts at the plug and is conservatively rated at 125 WPC at 8 ohms, but is actually north of 150 WPC. It cost $850-$1000 brand new in 1983 and it still functions perfectly.

[@jpaleas]

I’m proud to still have my Technics turntable I purchased in high school in 1985 ! And I love the audio History journeys that you’ve been taking us lately! “Just Awesome “ !

[@rapidcityentertainment5104]

I owned countless Technics products over the years. For whatever reason I’ll never forget the model number of my first Technics CD player - SLP230. I currently have and still use a 20 year old SA-DX930 receiver with the built in 5.1. It still works as well as the day I bought it. I miss Technics as much as I miss the 90’s.

[@lokman1686]

Technics should start 80 sound system again. I am now 57. And i really miss 80s equipments. Bid woofer mid tweeter and specially great integrated amplifier and graphic equalizer with spectrum analyzer. I really miss them.

[@kentbergstrom3020]

The 70's was the Golden age of HI-FI, I remember all the exclusive HiFi stores and the well-made catalogs you could browse for hours at the time, a great decade to be alive for sure, and the music was incredible good as well.

[@johnboyle1425]

A friend recently gave me a SU 7300 integrated amp that he found at a recycling center. A few shots of contact cleaner had the unit working well. The sound from this 1976 amp was amazing. I added the ST 7600 tuner from the same era. Remarkable equipment.

[@devonmoors]

Don’t know so much about the music but the gear was fantastic,Luxman,HH Scott etc

[@spartannl8227]

My favorite brand in the 80's and 90's. I still have and cherish their brochures of that era. Recently purchased the SL-1500C turntable. Lovely machine.

[@AstonsVintageTechnologyWorkshp]

When I was working at Panasonic in the 1990s a Japanese engineer came down from head office and we got talking about this and that. We were chatting about the new amplifiers from technics, and he suddenly scolded me for mispronouncing Technics. No, he said, it is pronounced "tech-niks" not techniques. I smiled, apologised, and we moved on to other subjects. It's always stuck in my mind. The Japanese are fiercely loyal to their brands as are there engineers, like when I was working for Sony, I had to be known as a "senior Sony audio technician" or " senior Sony audio engineer" when being referenced to in any paperwork or interviews. At the time I probably would've answered to anything 😛 but there you go. They particularly hate it when someone pronounces their products as "Sunny" or "Sonny" to a point that they will never speak to you again. 😁

[@danielknepper6884]

It's funny that the technics commercial from the mid-80s pronounces it Tek-neeks. It's on KZbin for you

[@AudioAl5195]

I can verify that. I was in Japan and In the offices in NJ frequently.

[@cengeb]

Panasonic matsushita electronics was started by joint venture with PHILIPS.,in thec1950s. Philips owned 35% of matsushita for decades sold it off in thec80s. Now they sold everything,including biggest lighting div in the world..Panasonic became biggest consumer electronics company after philips..now neither one does consumer electronics..Panasonic make the best bathroom vent fans silent and powerful

[@cengeb]

CD was brought to matsushita by philips a full working cd system,philips invented it...matsushita didn't want in,so they went to sony...weird even though philips owned 35% at the time..now Samsung and LG took over consumer electronics..philips and Panasonic bailed on the business..since patents are off cd technology philips no longer needed it..they used to make almost $1",billion in royalty in everything cd...poof now all gone..philips is now just Healthcare razors hospital,medical sonicare...they even owned Marantz Grundig bo,akg,selmar instruments pokygram...and on and on,all gone now

[@legshakermaker1968]

The weird 'techniques' mispronunciation of the name was confined to the US (maybe North American) market. The rest of the world pronounces it as the brand owners intended and the spelling clearly indicates.

[@JxT1957]

Great video, i used to own the Technics SA 1000 receiver, noted as the most powerful receiver made. i found it in a thrift store in Tampa Florida back in the 90s for only $75. very heavy took two of us to carry the monster out the store. awesome sounding receiver.

[@LBCAndrew]

I saw one on Ebay the other day for $9000 fully restored.

[@chrislj2890]

I remember being in my local Sears store back in the early '90s and seeing a cool Technics receiver. I was amazed at the large tuning knob that felt like it was riding on an air bearing. I've never owned any Technics, but that turntable is enticing me.

[@lpsalsaman]

I still own my SL1200 MK3 turntable in black, bought over 30 years ago and still works and puts out some serious sound. Another great vid, it really makes me think back to all of the awesome stuff I was able to hear and see not only from Technics but from Pioneer, Sansui, Kenwood, Marantz, and many others that are now either gone or no longer putting out any of the great stuff they used to.

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

No one can match the precision electrical and mechanical Wizardry of the Japanese! When they put their $$$, heart and soul into their work, nothing compares to their engineering masterpieces!👍

[@schorse1000]

Well, when it comes to reel to reel tapes, the guys from Revox/Studer might have something to say.

[@emmareporter4324]

yeah i really like my jvc rx-950v and kd-v6 cassette deck. they're reliable and sound pretty nice.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

I bought the following in Technics gear high school 1980 ish. ST-8077 Tuner SH-8020 Graphic Equalizer M33 Tape Deck SU-8077 Integrated Amplifier SL-D3 DD Turntable SL-10 Turntable Get this, I still have all this gear! I even have a photo from that time wearing a Frostline vest, long hair standing in front of my system. Thanks for the video, needless to say, I loved it!

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

Technics isn't a dead brand, as long as Matsushita is still around making under the Panasonic name there isn't much stopping them rebooting their Technics brand.

[@timpullen4941]

I worked for Technics Musical instruments from 1980 until end of production in 2004 as national service manager / engineer. Technics was very strong in the marketplace and ran neck and neck with Yamaha and Roland.

[@petermartin5030]

I just bought a KN7000 keyboard and it still works perfectly.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you so much for your time and effort to bring this history of the iconic Technics marque. It will always hold a special place in the audio community.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks for watching Simon!

[@leegriffin1584]

I watched this looking across at my 1987 Technics SU amp, still working. 36 years of service is a testament to every component and the engineering right down to the capacitors.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thats great!

[@darendee5682]

Your history lessons are always welcome. As a former DJ technics turntables were always reliable and affordable, and their amp were very powerful and warm.

[@tuffytoys9707]

IF Nakamichi could release a new "Dragon" then Technics could definitely make a big come back providing they have the Management and Technology to do so. Remember that most of the great sound engineers and Heads of management are now long gone and New managers don't seem to have the passion and drive to create great products again, they are mostly concerned with short term profits. But it would be great if Technics could bring back some competition and raise the bar for product quality again.

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Thanks for the audio history lesson! My 1st serious amp was a Technics back in 80. Unfortunately it didn’t last but it was fun while it lasted. A blast from the past. Keep up the good work!

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks for watching and contributing!

[@MichaelFischetti]

I have the Technics SL-3300 turntable that I bought around 1981. It still works just fine (the pitch controls are a little more sensitive than they were). Amazing that this turntable which was not as robust as the 1200 series is still running fine after 42 years. If you'll excuse the cliche, "they don't make them like they used to!"

[@lcee6592]

Bought a SA505 receiver back in 1980-81 and still have it today. Always loved the clean sound.

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

Imagine my excitement when Technics planned to make a comeback nearly a decade ago. Although I am happy about their return, some of the prices of their turntables and amplifiers are rather steep.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Yeah, I remember the first time I saw them back

[@LBCAndrew]

Cheapest turntable they sell is the SL-1200MK7 @ 1,099.95. There are models of the SL12xx series that are as high as $4,299.95. crazy.

[@TheBebe666]

@@LBCAndrew If you consider inflation rate from '80s ...not a big difference now and then. Money lost the value..not the items.

[@wd3574]

​@@TheBebe666Partially true. I paid about $350 for my SL1200MK2 back in 1985, which is about $1000 today. An "equivalent" SL1200GR is about $1800 currently.

[@michaelcoyote]

They also lost so many experienced workers when they discontinued those lines. That has to be very hard and *expensive* to rebuild...

[@joeyodendaal]

Technics is back with audiophile gear that costs an arm and a leg but still legendary groundbreaking technology. Almost 10 years now. Try and keep up.

[@ripjones5294]

Excellent history lesson about a truly iconic brand. I sold audio at Franklin Music in Atlanta @ Lenox Square. Had a older friend who worked for Panasonic in Atlanta, and I purchased my Technics M45 cassette deck, at his recommendation. Sold it in the 2000's to a guy that was working to assemble a Technics all-format system. I have now retired, and am building a little vintage audio business. I have picked up a couple of "vintage" Technics receivers. Thanks again for assembling this episode, and allowing some us to cherish that iconic brand's evolution. On the hunt now for some Technics speakers....Rip

[@robertb3409]

I just discovered this great channel days ago! Growing up, my dad was an electronics repair guy. My dad always had a Technics turn table with any amp we had over the years.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Very cool! Thabks for sharing and welcome to the channel!

[@mcgjohn22]

Nice review. At their peak, the production numbers of the SL1200 MK2 had to be something. Perhaps you could have included a mention of the new SL-1000R turntable. I talked to the Technics rep shortly after it was released. He mentioned the guys in Japan thought they would do a run of 5000 pieces and it would take 5-6 years to sell them all. Said they were shocked when the Japan market alone sucked up all 5000 pieces. Right now there is a 6 month waiting list for a SL-1000R table. So huge demand.

[@danwoodward1527]

My dad bought a Technics hi fi system in 1992. We weren’t into record players and this set didn’t come with one as the CD market was really taking off. It came with a 5 disc changer; separate tuner, equalizer, and a dual tape deck. That CD player was a beast. I’ve never seen a player that could find tracks on a disc as fast as it could. He still has the set to this day and it still sounds great.

[@patcola7335]

My late elder brother bought a Hi-Fi Technics rack system about 1989 or 90. I remember going with him to buy it. It had the five disk CD changer and though the CD changer seemed lightly built it was quality. The CD player was exceptionally fast. Wish I would have held on to it.

[@OxBlitzkriegxO]

Our family had two rack systems from them in the early 90s. They were very clean sounding compared to the other offerings of the time. I think they were both 135W class g or h amps and the towers were loaded with twin 10s and the latter model had a 10 and a 12. The 5 disk CD player was really fast to seek, as mentioned above. Both systems served us well.

[@quagmyer7230]

I own the mid 70’s rack mounted Technics 9600 series with the RS-9900US tape transport system, only thing I’m missing is the outrageously expensive reel to reel, took me a few years and lots of patience to acquire all the pieces and put it together, love the sound, also told my wife she can do as she pleases with the whole thing, after I die. Love your videos sir, keep them coming.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Great job, man!! Only thing I noticed missing was the introduction of Technics "new class A" line. I still have one of those receivers...and it sounds great to this day!

[@HB92647]

Dude. This was awesome. You’re quite a storyteller. I have an Sl 1200 r and it’s the star of what I believe to be a great system. She holds her own with DCS digital with external clocks and 15ips 1/4 inch tapes. Your video made me fall even deeper in love with my turntable. Thanks.

[@user-bx6be2xw9d]

The RS-1500 2 track was used by many studios as a mix-down deck when they were just starting out. When they became successful and moved up to the Ampex, Scully, Studer, MCI, and other great machines, many kept their 1500's as a back-up. GREAT MACHINE! I am very fortunate to own one.

[@randolphpmiller]

When I was in high school back in 1977, I saved enough money to buy my first stereo system; a Technics SA500 receiver, a Marantz manual turntable and a pair of Technics SB4500A speakers. I eventually bought a Technics SL10 "close and play" linear tracking turntable with a Shure V15 cartridge. This started me on a long road of seeking audio excellence. I now own Proceed, Theil, Classe and others but Technics was my first system.

[@jb.2986]

Really enjoyed the walk down memory lane. Panasonic was my first stereo back in the 1970's. So many similarities I see in Technics face plates. Nice summary!

[@SWright1978]

Panasonic RE-7860 with “bass reflex” speakers was the sh*t (at least for me back in the day)😊

[@ChessIsJustAGame]

Early 1990's Technics turntable. Used until early 2000's, stored 20 years. Brought out of storage in 2015 and replaced P-mount cartridge and it worked flawlessly. Gotta love direct drive technology, no rubber belts. Put back into storage around 2019.

[@factthatdude4059]

I remember buying my first pair of 1200 turntables! I worked my butt off to purchase them on my own. Scratching and beat juggling was seamless. Thanks for another great video!

[@MidAtlanticRadioRepair]

My 1st stereo in the 70's was a Technics SA-5570 and I still have it today. I also bought an SLD2 turntable but that was damaged in a move. I purchased both from Stansbury Stereo in Dundalk MD. To complete my setup my final purchase from them was an Onkyo cassette deck. I really had a wonderful system for a 16 year old.

[@andrewforsythe7240]

IT appears Technics is alive and kicking. New AMPS, New Turntables. With very good reviews too.

[@scruffy8861]

My father worked for the company long ago, employees pronounced it Tech-Neeks. Helpful that i got below dealer cost on whatever i wanted. A few times got to play with a product before it came to market. Only model i still have and use regularly is the Technics Audio Timer SH-4020, turns on a fully restored Nakamichi RX-505.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Haha yes!! I win! Teckneeks lol

[@traceonline]

@@JustAudioHiFi Maybe another video about what happened to Nakamichi?

[@chickenfizz]

hmm, well I knew people who worked for them too, albeit in a different division and they definitely pronounced it "technicks"

[@legshakermaker1968]

Employees in North America maybe. Meanwhile in the rest of the world, everyone pronounces it as its written.

[@forwardsdrawkcab]

It makes no sense to pronounce it as 'tekneeks' though. Someone must have started that and it somehow stuck. But they don't say 'tekneekal' but 'technical'. Silly.

[@adsph]

Really enjoy this content. Well done. Owner of two Technics SL - 1200 MK2 from 1986. Both working. A lot of dj use then. Now use one in my 2 channel rig.

[@atomant830]

Nice video, learned a lot. I put together a component system of Technics equipment in the late 80's. I'm still using most of it today, the cassette deck and turntable are in storage. Most people are amazed at the touch face adjustment of my Technics SH-8046 stereo graphics equaliizer. My Technics SU-Z980 Amp powers the setup which includes a Technics ST-S98A tuner, a Technics SL-PD5 CD changer, and a pair of SB-L76 speakers.

[@rajapiro30]

YES! YES! YES! Keep this amazing series going.

[@KHzSineWave]

Fantastic video! My only gripe is that the SU-V7 was an early 80s amp, not 90s, I'm also surprised you never went into depth about their New Class A bias system, or the very interesting Computer Drive feature which was a 4-bit micro processor built into the SU-V*0* line and the SE-A3MK2 this micro processor would monitor the signal coming into the amplifier stage and monitor the temperature of the output transistors and adjust the bias on the fly to not only ensure the output transistors were always in conduction, but also ensuring that the bias was at the correct value to ensure minimum distortion at all times. I only know all this because I own a Technics Brown SU-V707 made in August of 1983 which I love and adore very much! So much so that I recently recapped it, so it can last me a lifetime. Something else worth going into detail about might be Panasonics Terrible capacitors which have not aged very well and seem to all be leaking electrolyte by now.

[@DavidLeBlanc]

Years ago I did sell a lot of Technics equipment, but I never particularly liked their sound. Their receivers to me had a hard edge to them, but lots of people liked it and that was fine by me. Technics built a durable product and that was why I had no problem recommending it.

[@Ian-wh8ut]

really diggin these historical videos!not looking foeward to Remember When Just Audio made those great videos!thanks as always.

[@clauskohler7560]

Great story. I have the SA-GX530, double cassette deck RS-TR333, CD changer SL-PD8 and a SL-1800 manual turn table, gret sound and performance. Looking to upgrade to a SL-1200 MK series turn table, just to keep with the nostalgia.

[@Oklawolf]

They went every bit as hard into cassettes as vinyl - all of their high end cassette decks are quartz lock direct drive. In fact, I think they might have been among the first if not THE first to do that with a cassette deck.

[@moochincrawdad]

In 2011 - the heart of the vinyl resurgence I bought a used Technics SL-10 linear tracker from eBay. It was in perfect working order, I remember taking it out of the box and studying it for at least half an hour before I even plugged it in . I loved that turntable so much! 😀👍🏿

[@EllaBoadu]

Thank you for giving background into the history of these turntables. As someone looking to get into DJing this has been helpful.

[@mr.deenamiq]

Thank you Just Audio for diving this deep into the history of Technics. My father and I have always been fans of Technics equipment. We've had amplifiers, record players, reel-to-reel, cassette decks and cd players. My father at one time in his life owning 3 different amplifiers between 1970 and 2022 including the SU-V4A and SU-A700. Both of which he gave to me when he got to a newer model. My father died in 2022 and the SU-A700 is now standing proud in my living room still playing his favorite records on his SL-5210 record player.

[@theshadowman1398]

SL1200 is a legendary turn table still used by DJ’s all over the place.

[@kenkramer6761]

Awesome content , keep up the great work.

[@m0t3ki]

funnily, i entered the vinyl collecting/listening late 2022, going straight into first turntable, a used SL1200 mk2. And it has been the best audio purchase that i have ever made till date lol. Its a freaking tank , even when its switch had issues (i repaired it effortlessly, checking youtube vids). Technics is a legend. looking forward to buy their newer / more advanced turntables in the future

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Great series... Kudos! My first system was Technics SU-Z11 amp, SL-D202 turntable and SB-4 linear-phase speakers. A great entry system back in 1981, have been using it until the end of nineties. Turntable is still with me, 40 years on :)

[@ericjensen9091]

Didn't most Japanese electronics brands dip in quality during the mid eighties through the 90's? It seems Technics managed to escape that trend for the most part.

[@sdHansy]

I can't believe the power some of these amps had. I have always been under the impression of that back in the day, amps barely had 20-30W

[@rickmartin6817]

I have a Technics receiver I had my mom buy me in 1976 and it still works. Thanks for the interesting video.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

What Technics products have you owned? What Technics stories do you have? Let me know in the comments

[@infoinfo8433]

My setup that I'm still using today is SA-GX100 Receiver, M240X Cassette Deck, SL-PS900 CD Player & SL-P370 CD Player.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

My first deck was a Technics SL-QD33. I think it's the perfect turntable for someone just getting into vinyl. Those P-mount carts are so sweet and easy. Now I run a 1210gr (before they stopped making them in Japan, luckily). Will never own a belt drive again.

[@mitch19636]

SL-1210MK 2

[@edwardteach2211]

Sb 7000a speakers

[@thecarman3693]

I have the SP-10R on an Artisan Fidelity plinth using a Graham 12" Phantom III tonearm and SoundSmith Sussurro. I couldn't be happier with the performance. It replaced a VPI after 25 years of service.

[@Daniel-79]

To me, I think Technics was best known for their turntables. I’m not saying their receivers, tape decks and speakers were garbage, they just weren’t as dialed in as their turntables were. It’s kinda like Nakamichi and their tape decks, they made other decent gear but they were most renowned for their cassette deck build quality and innovation.

[@nishalp1747]

Thank you First time on your channel. Excellent video, love the presentation. I can imagine it took alot of research to complete this. Subscribed to your channel. Keep up good work. I owned the Technics SBLX70 stereo speakers with a 12 inch woofer. Sounded good at that time, low frequency went down to 33 Hertz!

[@kristencarter9538]

Wow!! Thank you for this history on a fantastic brand!! It was really something special to have Technics equipment back in the 80s/90s. Personally I had the “stereo stacks”…top box was the turntable, followed by the AM/FM tuner/amp combo, next was connect the dots equalizer, the dual cassette player/recorder decks and the ultimate finisher: TALL TOWER Speakers!!! With the glass door to protect the stack!! Hell yeah!

[@EnochLight]

Love this video! The one on Akai history was great as well! That said, fun fact: it’s pronounced “TECH-NIX”, not “TECH-NEEKS”. 😉

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks! So its pronunciation depends on your country. Or at least that's what the guys at Technics told me when I asked. Haha

[@gittube417]

I was about to say the same thing!

[@stevefenech630]

Lenny...it's Technics...not Techniques!!!!!! Pronounce it properly !!!!!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Oh please we all what he says this isn't an English class

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Exactly!! Americans are so annoying with their pronunciations 🙄👎

[@CosticaKristianDiVogli]

Excellent work, thanks for the video!

[@joeschmitz11]

That was a story that needed to be told. Great Job.

[@tambarskelfir]

It's Technics, not Techniques

[@shaoranmidencey2595]

Wow great knowledge!!! You really dropped a lot of info in a shot video

[@bencurti7693]

I still have a SL PD-987 5 disk CD changer in my system from the 90's...cant remember the exact year. I don't use it as much as I used to...mainly at Christmas...all in the wonderful "spiral" mode. Also owned several Technics receivers, turntables and the dual recording cassette decks. A superb product.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Nice! Thanks for contributing!

[@chrisclose7793]

My first amp I had when I got into hifi separates when I was 13 in 2001 was my dad's old technics suv3 and it was fantastic sounding, I could never see the point in streaming as found it a totally inconvenient format ,I've also got a technics minidisc deck in my system and typically technics it's working faultlessly.

[@uncleremus64]

I still use a 1978 Technics SA-500 receiver. I see these now going for around $500-600. It's glorious. I also love my 1980 Technics SL-D2 turntable.

[@neilforbes416]

3:01 This turntable is familiar to me though it's not quite the same as what I used at the community radio station I worked at. The model I knew did not have individual pitch control for 33 & 45 speeds, though did have a 78 speed. It was direct-drive however, and with a separate tonearm(the knob was not present and the rectangular button was labelled "Start/Stop" rather than "Power"). It was, as a fully manual turntable, perfect for broadcast use.

[@silhouettoofaman2935]

I was very fortunate to have found a vintage SL-B100 belt drive turntable at a Goodwill late last year. I've been made aware that it's a more entry level device than Technic's other products, and it needs a new belt and possibly a new stylus after decades of use, but once I obtain them, I'm confident that it'll live up to their high standards even after all these years.

[@NickManCuso59]

I owned a lot of their products. Lost most of it because I couldnt settle down and constantly moved around. I regret it today. Watching your video brings back fond memories.

[@elmofeneken4364]

Being a Technics owner, and to those who never owned a Technics product, this is one interesting and informative video that was well researched and written and enjoyed very much.

[@Wildernessoutside]

when I first left school in the early 90s and started my first proper job and saved up my first few weeks wages' I went into my local hi fi store and bought myself technics hi fi separates ,I still have that same system today ,although not used as much as ive move on to higher end audio equipment , that hifi still holds a special place in my heart and once in a while it gets powered up and played

[@davidbartochowski7832]

Love the channel, love the histories. Possibly do one on Advent and Henry Kloss. Keep the best videos coming

[@jahnbon]

I LOVE your videos. Your detailed research and enthusiastic delivery make them interesting, and engaging; I tune in regularly, and have now subscribed to your channel. As a fellow audio devotee, I offer this as a supportive suggestion: the high mids YT pushes in your voice are pretty prominent, especially through quality headphones or speakers. I usually favor a healthy mid-scoop, so I seldom adjust EQ on KZbin videos, but the vocal quality is sometimes a bit harsh here. I make the adjustment on your videos, because I enjoy your knowledge and professionalism. Please take my unsolicited advice in the kind spirit with which it is intended, and discard it if it doesn't fit. Ears and opinions are all variable, and I've pushed out a few less-than-ideal mixes in my day - I'm hardly an expert, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@JustAudioHiFi]

I always like criticism! Appreciate you making the adjustment for my voice!

[@jahnbon]

@@JustAudioHiFi - hey, it's a pleasure. I dig what you do. Keep 'em coming!

[@hyrulemazta2296]

I never really used them for listening to high end audio... I just remember back in the day when DJs still used actual turntables, you weren't taken seriously in the DJ scene unless you had a pair of 1200s. They were guaranteed to always work correctly and their durability was unmatched.

[@adam872]

Love Technics gear. I still have the SL-D2 turntable that my Dad bought in the late 70's. He also still has the CD player and amp bought in 1986. Fantastic kit.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dlorde]

I used to have a hifi with Technics amp, tuner, CD player, cassette deck, turntable, and graphic equaliser (SH8055). I don't remember the other model numbers, but I still have the Technics SL L1 direct drive computer-controlled turntable, and I still use it (having the service manual helps!). It was all decent well made mid-range kit. Then I started making more money and moved on to a Linn system (keeping the old turntable!).

[@davidlynch433]

I've had a Technics CD player since the 90's and I have only very recently replaced it in my stereo setup and I have not put it in the scrap bin, The reason I replaced it was I was bored with looking at it after so long, It still plays with no blipping or skipping and plays CD'S as beautifully as it did when I first got it, But I'm blowed if I can remember when I got it.

[@maverickbna]

My parents had the SL-V5 vertical direct drive turntable. It was so cool ! I have very fond memories on how well it played vinyl.

[@arcadesunday4592]

Very enjoyable and well out together video ! Technics was a part of my audio journey "back in the day". Sad to see the end of the company and their innovative products, but that's the way the world works.

[@JustAudioHiFi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottyV1000]

I bought a lot of Technics equipment in the 80s and 90s. They were my favorite brand. I still have my SL-D2 turntable that my mother bought me for my birthday in 1980 from Silos. I also have a Technics cassette deck. I’ve been pretty much been buying Denon receivers lately.

[@Kelvin130552]

I have recently acquired the SL-7 turntable with the linear pickup arm (as seen in the Deckard’s apartment in Blade Runner) and also the SU-7700 amplifier. Haven’t powered them up or connected them yet but really looking forward to hearing how they sound.

[@AlphaBiker54]

I have an SL-DD22 turntable. I've owned it for many years, and it still works great. I used to have a 5 disk CD changer, the SL-PD9. I also years ago had one of their budget receivers, the SA-EX140, used as a second system in my garage.

[@NickP333]

Fantastic video. Loved it. I’ve got numerous turntables, some being pretty high end, but my main deck has somehow always been my SL1200 M3D. which I did a bunch of upgrades and modifications to over the years via Kevin at KAB. The table was fortunately never DJ’d, so it’s in excellent condition. It is just extremely easy to use, bulletproof, built like a tank, and easy to work on should anything go wrong, which is unlikely. Thanks again. Appreciated this vid. 🔊😊🎶

[@QoraxAudio]

I've owned several 1200s in the past when I was into DJing and I'm still running modern 1200s now in a HiFi system; a 1200M7L and 1200G. The 1200s are probably the most archetypal audio devices I grew up with.

[@bm6563]

This is a great watch. Well done and thanks

[@damirhlobik6488]

Nice video, thank you My first turntable was Technics SL 2000, DD at very reasonable price in 1978,

[@c-v-n3322]

Great video on a great product my entire family from my oldest brothers to me we all owned Technics stereo systems. I still have mine sitting in there original boxes. I keep meaning to set it up but never get around to doing so.

[@mrmunyang2476]

Technics pioneered the world of the DJ.Paved the way for Brands like PIONEER of today.Still Dj on my 1200 mk2's 20 years later. You will never beat the Vinyl sound.

[@jeffleigh3747]

Absolutely fantastic video, sir. Thank you for a trip back in time 👏👏