Technics SL-1500C Turntable

Technics SL-1500C turntable is a well specified and fantastic value model from Technics’s hi-fi range, pre-fitted with the excellent Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge. A two-speed model, it also features a built-in phono stage, well shielded with a separate power supply for the high gain circuits to protect against noise.

Belt drive versus direct drive

Unlike many hi-fi turntables which are belt driven, Technics specialise in direct drive turntables. Both belt drive and direct drive methodologies have advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of direct drive is it’s higher torque. This means that the platter gets up to speed faster. It is also servo controlled so speed variations due to the weigh of the tonearm are reduced. The main problem is noise from the motor getting into the cartridge, however, this is mitigated by the top quality design of the SL-1500C motor assembly.

Direct drive

The high precision direct drive motor was developed for the SL-1000R, and has made it’s way into the SL-1500C turntable. This high-performing motor features a coreless drive and has highly accurate speed control. The heavy diecast platter has a high mass and tends to resist any speed changes (cogging). It also has a rubber backing that eliminates any unwanted resonances.

Die-cast chassis

To further aid stability the chassis is made of die-cast metal, and a special ABS material that is reinforced with glass fibre. This has the effect of damping any vibration and it also gives a solid bass for the tonearm.

S-shaped tonearm

The S-shaped tonearm is a static balanced type. There is a high precision bearing that ensures correct tracking and a smooth motion. This model also has a detachable power cable and gold plated terminals. Another useful feature is two outputs. There is the line level output that utilises the onboard phono stage, as well as an un-amplified output, which would allow you to upgrade later to a separate outboard phono stage with or without a cartridge upgrade to a moving coil cartridge model.

Auto lifter

The SL-1500C has an auto lifter feature. This automatically lifts the tonearm at the end of the record. This prevents any damage to the record or stylus. The lifter is built into the base of the tonearm, and does not use motor power. As a result, there is no sonic impact. Controlling the turntable is simple, with two speed select buttons and a stop/start button. The auto lifter function can be turned off.

Record equalization

Phono preamps do not have a flat frequency response. They have a specific playback curve that compensates for the equalization applied to the record. This is known as the RIAA curve. When a disc is mastered the bass is cut so it doesn't overmodulate the groove, while treble is boosted. This has the effect of reducing surface noise when the treble is cut on playback.

Cartridge types

There are two main types of cartridge in use at the moment, moving magnet and moving coil. The SL-1500C comes with an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet type. The built-in phono stage (preamp) is matched to this. Moving magnet cartridges have a tiny magnet, mounted to the end of the cantilever, that holds the stylus tip. This moves inside a coil to generate the sound. The output is relatively high at about 5mV.

On the other hand, moving coil cartridges have the coils mounted onto the cantilever. This gives the assembly less mass, however, the output is much lower, at less than 1mV. The lower mass provides better high frequency response. Finally, MC cartridges have different impedance characteristics, compared to moving magnet cartridges. As a result, you would need to use the alternative output to an outboard phono stage that supports moving coil cartridges.