Technics has been very aggressive during the vinyl revolution introducing a number of new models that have sold out in some markets within weeks. The brand has a proven track record with both DJs and audiophiles and even its top models that sell for more than $3,000 USD have continued to sell well.
Technics turntables that have received accolades in the audiophile community include the legendary SL-1200 Series (first model launched in 1972) and the SL-1500C (launched in 2019).
However, to broaden its customer base, Technics has taken key features and technologies used in its SL-1500C turntable ($1,199 at Crutchfield) and added a new, more affordable entry to its Premium Class category, the SL-100C ($999).
Key Features
Here are the key features of the SL-100C turntable.
Direct Drive Motor: The SL-100C incorporates a coreless direct drive brushless DC motor. This allows for a stable rotation that is free from “cogging”.
Two-Layer Platter: The two-layer platter provides improved vibration-damping performance.
S-Shaped Tone Arm: The highly sensitive S-shaped aluminum tonearm accurately reads record grooves. An S-Shaped tonearm has an equal mass on both sides of its pivot point.
Auto-Lift: In addition to its S-shape the tone features Auto-lift. This minimizes needle wear-out and preserves records.
Construction: The SL-100C has a high-rigidity cabinet and high-damping insulator for thorough shut-out of vibrations. This ensures smooth vinyl Record tracking.
Pre-installed Cartridge: With the SL-100C you don’t have to hunt for a cartridge before you can use it. An Audio-Technica AT-VM95C ($39 at Crutchfield) pickup cartridge is included in the SL-100C package and is also pre-installed so you can get down to serious music listening right away.
Turntable Specifications
- Type: Direct Drive
- Playback Cueing: Manual
- Turntable Speeds: 33 1/3, 45/ 78 RPM
- Starting Torque: 0.18 N・m / 1.8 kg･cm
- Speed Build-up: 0.7 seconds from standstill to 33 1/3 rpm
- Braking System: Electronic
- Wow and Flutter: 0/025% W.R.M.S.
- Platter Construction: Aluminum
- Platter Diameter: 332mm
- Platter Weight: 2.0 Kg (includes turntable sheet)
- Included Cartridge: AT-VM95C
- Audio Output: RCA phono x 2 with ground terminal.
Tonearm Specifications
- Type: Universal Static Balance
- Effective Length: 230mm
- Overhang: 15mm
- Tracking Error Angle (outer groove): Within 2° 32′ on a 30 cm/12″ record
- Tracking Error Angle (inner groove): Within 0° 32′ on a 30 cm/12″ record
- Offset Angle: 22°
- Arm Height Adjustment Range: 0 to 6mm
- Stylish Pressure Adjustment Range: 0 to 4 grams
- Headshell Weight: Approx 7.6 grams
- Headshell Terminals: 1.2mm/4-pin
Included Accessories
- Turntable Sheet
- Dust cover
- EP record adapter
- Balance with Weight
- Head Shell
- Cartridge
- Phono cables
- Gound cable
- AC power cord
- Owner’s Manual
Pricing and Availability
The Technics SL-100C Direct Drive Turntable is available for $999.99 at Amazon or Technics.com.
Related Reading
Affordable Audiophile Turntables
ORT
August 16, 2022 at 2:58 am
Droooooool…
I am such a Shallow Hal.
ORT
Ian White
August 16, 2022 at 10:04 am
ORT,
Ha!
My review of the Monoprice Soundstage 3 posts on Wednesday. Surprisingly good Bluetooth speaker for outside.
Which CanJam is in September?
Best,
Ian White
ORT
August 16, 2022 at 11:22 am
I shall look forward to reading it tomorrow!
The CanJam in Southern California, this time in Orange County at the Irvine Marriott Sept. 17-18. Huzzah!
ORT
Catman
August 16, 2022 at 6:16 pm
They could have put a far better needle on the turntable for the same price
Ian White
August 16, 2022 at 6:21 pm
I was thinking the same thing. Nagaoka MP-110 or Ortofon 2M Blue.
We have one coming in 3 weeks for review and I’m going to try all 3 on the table.
Best,
Ian White
ORT
August 17, 2022 at 1:01 am
2M Blue. Why? Cuz it’s blue-ish…
And what is wrong with an acrylic platter? I like ’em! I just bought an immacuate Fischer Direct Drive with auto-return and STOP, MT-6130 for $100.
No acrylic platter but it was $100 and is immaculate. As for the included cartridge? It’s not blue-ish. Yet.
Turntables are cool. They need to be nice and affordable for them to continue to thrive. I like the looks of this new Technics but I already have a nice Technics…But I already have a nice Technics ‘table!
A Direct Drive fully (*SACRILEGE*!!) automatic SL-QD33 and it is nigh on immaculate. The cartridge is a fave or mine because it is a (*SACRILEGE*!!) P-Mount! It works just fine too. But alas, no acrylic platter. But it does have a George Harrison All Things Must Pass cork mat by Analog Restorations. That is C L A S S made cork!
The point is, this new “budget” Technics DD (Double D, LOL!) SL-100C ‘table is quite loverly but is not really worthy of the price tag. A turntable like this needs to be more like either of my two DD setups, i.e., either fully or semi-automatic.
The whole “noise being intruduced by the semi or fully automatic mechanism” is nothing but crappola. It is the work of (my most excellent term!) frAudiophiles who wish to force their brand of mysticism on anyone but especially newcomers.
To Hades with that! I like this ‘table but I want auto or semi-auto to go with my DD Cup of Analog Pron.
Yeah, I am the Shallow Hal of Audio but anyone that claims to not care about looks is either Ray Charles blind or lying. Hey Technics? How about getting it together and making a new fully automatic DD turntable under $400. If you lie to me and claim it to be impossible then I and others like me (well…kinda-sorta wannabe like me!) will continue to buy gorgeous VINTAGE turntables for a price that makes them all the more gorgeous.
I have spoken…So let it be written. So let it be fun!
ORT