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Vintage Technics vs New

When I first saw the new Technics SL 1500 and its subsequent iterations, I was smitten. Their better tonearm on a robust plinth/base with auto stop for under 2K, wow. I didn’t need the built in preamp and wasn’t a fan of the Ortofon 2M Red, but the preamp could be bypassed and I had other cartridges on hand. 

One day while perusing Craigslist, I came across a Technics SLQ2 that was available for $200 without a cartridge. It was immaculate except for the dustcover, which needs to be buffed out,  

What the hell, pulled the trigger. Solid aluminum plinth and steel bottom plate, their better tonearm, rock stable quartz speed control and automatic return. 

I did remove the meh quality interconnects and installed decent quality RCA sockets so I could use my better cables. Otherwise, left it as is. 

I know it’s not a Mitchell or VPI, but for a more humble enthusiast, it’s a great budget deck. I don’t usually buy vintage electronics due to their age and my lack of repair skills, but most Technics DD’s are a solid risk. 

 

 

 

motown-l
corelli
1,167 posts
 

@jimmyblues1959

We are so on the same page man!  I find myself holding on tighter to each day, trying to max them out in a positive way.  And so many of those audio memories are so crystal clear.

Let’s see.  It started with a radio shack crystal radio in the 1960’s.  I was amazed how something so simple could actually work!

In short order, the quest for better sound ensued and it was back to the Rat Shack  for a FM radio kit.  

My first job funded my Pioneer SX-636 driving EV Interface B’s. Could have done much worse (and would love to hear that system again).  

Yes, jimmyblues, those blue dials that were in vogue in the 70’s were so cool!  So many good memories.

pureclarity
91 posts
 

I still use the slq2 with an ortofon bronze and i too modified it with decent rca on the back and put on a longer ground wire. One day i want to upgrade my phono pre amp from just my receiver to the rogue ares 11 magnum.

dynacohum
833 posts
 

The most desirable vintage Technics to my mind are the SL1800mk2 manual and the SL1700mk2 semiautomatic and SL1600mk2 automatic, given their aluminum plinths with “double isolated” suspensions. Not unstable to footfall as Linn, Thorens, AR, etc. but still better than just cushy feet. The models with auto features have excellent motor driven cueing as well…far better than the current models. 

jimmyblues1959
230 posts
 

@corelli  I think as much as we enjoyed these experiences when we were younger, we tend to savor them even more as we've gotten older.  I've had many hobbies over the decades that have come and gone, but largely due to my love of music,  this hobby has remained a constant for me all these years.  I never tire of it! 👍

pryso
2,055 posts
 

@jimmyblues1959,  Wow, I just turned on the way-back machine.

I lived in Bucks County, PA from 1968-70, my first job after college, in Lumberville high above the Delaware River.  From there my Dynaco FM-3 pulled in some NYC stations, including WNEW.  Alison Steele was a favorite.  She and a few other DJs exposed me to so much new music.

Form there I moved to San Diego where I could again find new music DXing LA stations.  But that was with other tuners with greater sensitivity.  In the '60s and '70s I relied on FM to discover new music.

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