I decided on the middle-of-the-road Technics SL-1500C.
I’m nearly done setting it up, feels great to get back into vinyl. 😎👍🏻
I’ve got a Mk1 SL-1500 from 1975. It’s been my main table for years and I can’t really imagine changing.
These new 1500Cs are different – clearly based more on the SL-1200, but still looks like a sweet table. Hope you enjoy it!
Oh man, that’s a sexy turntable! I have the Audio-Technica that is an homage to your turn table. I’d love to get the original.
I agree it got its looks from the 1200 series. Thats why i’m happy it was available in white. It looks less ”DJ-y” - and fits nicely on my white Kallax shelf. Its very nice to be able to play vinyl again!
If you have an original you should think about modernizing the power supply. Those caps are well past their use by date and voltage regulation has come a long way.
I used to do this as a side gig/hobby when I was off from my main job.
I built my dream TT from 45 pounds of concrete, a destroyed 1200, carbon fiber tonearm, and a custom power supply. The motor and gimbal were still good.
Yep, I long ago recapped it.
That’s a nice turntable! Do I see an Ortofon Red
MCMM cartridge on it?The red Ortofon is included, its a 2M RED, and MM. I will probably only change it once its worn out. The built-in phono stage doesn’t support MC so I would need external RIAA amp for that which seems like a hassle. 😂
I actually meant to ask if it was an MM, not MC. IDK why I typed MC. LOL.
MC is expensive and sounds worse than MM if it’s not set up correctly. MM gets you most of the way there for a lot less money and hassle. I have the same cartridge and it sounds good. It’s very clear and analytical. It does seem a little bright, and the rest of my system is bright too, so listening at louder volumes can be fatiguing. But the details that the Ortofon Red pick up are great. I’m thinking about adding a tube pre-amp in-between my turntable and my digital amp to add some warmth. But one thing I like about my system is how simple it is, so I’m on the fence about that.
I love that your player is an actual Technics. I have the Audio-Technica turntable that looks about the same and is an homage to the original Technics turntable from the 70’s.
I noticed a lot of brightness with my Meze 99 Classics but the Hifiman HE-400 sound amazing. I agree it is bright.
Oh, you listen with headphones! I’m using a pair of Elac bookshelf speakers right now, with a Technics SA-C600 amp which is brand new. I also have a pair of Klipsch Forte speakers, but those are on my main home theater system. I’m considering swapping the speakers and using the Klipsch for music and the Elacs for home theater.
My wife has migraines so yeah, headphones it is! 😂 I don’t know how Klipsch speakers are but their headphones are really, really bright. I actually use bass boost when I listen to them to avoid fatigue.
Ouch! Migraines suck, and living with someone who has migraines definitely requires some compromises. The newer Klipsch stuff is very bright, but the vintage stuff can be more neutral. These speakers are 30 years old. I got them off Craigslist for $600. The guy wanted $800, but I talked him down. I plan on swapping out the tweeter diaphragms for Crite titanium diaphragms which should make them even better.
Sick setup!
Let me know how it plays - I am happy with my audio technica but you never know
Thanks! Its a very nice turntable. Very solid and it performs as well as I would expect, I use the builtin phono amp and thats good too! As for upgrading from another competent turntable? If you’re REALLY into vinyl maybe but the law of diminishing returns is alive and well.
Awesome! This actually inspires me to get back to my vinyl project too. First i gotta build speakers though.
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