1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 198331-118590

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
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.

jimmyblues1959
230 posts
 

@pryso.  I had a Dyna FM3 back in the 1990's and that was a real sleeper which gave my Marantz 10B and Day Sequerra FM Studio a legitimate run for the money, and at a small fraction of their respective prices.  👍

 

 

motown-l OP
340 posts
 

I like how this analog string evolved from turntables to tuners. I have a Luxman T-450 that looks like a mid-century Danish design with Japanese functionality. Great fully analog tuner that works fine with just a Big Lots amplified indoor antenna.

kennyc
2,834 posts
 

Since we’re talking about tuners, based on this FM tuner shootout I purchased a Kenwood L-02T which is in storage. Still have to send it out for a complete technical inspection to bring it up to top condition before use. 

More to discover