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.
The SL-1500C sits in the middle of the Technics product lineup and has been available since 2019. However, looks like it isn’t going away anytime soon as Technics, instead of offering to replace it has decided to offer a new color option in addition to the standard silver and black, the SL-1500C will also be available in matte white (SL-1500C-W).
For those that aren’t familiar with the SL-1500C, here is a features and specification rundown that might help if you are planning a turntable purchase.
Key Features
With its minimalistic look, the SL-1500C-W is designed for great performance and ease of use supported by the following key features.
Direct Drive Motor: The SL-1500C-W 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-1500C-W has a high-rigidity cabinet and a high-damping insulator for the thorough shut-out of vibrations. This ensures smooth vinyl Record tracking.
Pre-installed Cartridge: An Ortofon 2M Red pickup cartridge is included in the SL-1500C-W 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 (1.56 lbs-in)
- Speed Build-up: 0.7 s. 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: Ortofon 2M Red
- Audio Output: RCA Phono output with ground terminal, 1 RCA line output
Tonearm Specifications
- Type: Universal Static Balance
- Effective Length: 230mm (9 – 1/16 inches)
- Overhang: 15mm (19/32-inch)
- 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
- Applicable Cartridge Weight Range:
- Without auxiliary weight – 5.6 – 12.0 g 14.3 – 20.7 g (including headshell)
- With auxiliary weight – 10.0 – 16.4 g 18.7 – 25.1 g (including headshell)
General Specifications
- Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
- Power Consumption: 8 W, Approx. 0.2W (Standby)
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 453 × 169 × 372 mm (17-27/32 × 6-21/32 × 14-21/32 inch)
- Weight: Approx. 9.9 kg (Approx. 21.2 lbs)
Included Accessories
- Turntable Sheet
- Dust cover
- EP record adapter
- Balance with Weight
- Head Shell
- Cartridge
- Phono cable
- Gound cable
- AC power cord
- Owner’s Manual
Pricing and Availability
The Technics SL-1500C Direct Drive Turntable is available for $1,299.99 at Crutchfield in black (SL-1500C-K), silver (SL-1500C-S), or white (SL-1500C-W).
For more information: us.technics.com
Related Reading
ORT
May 6, 2023 at 12:50 am
Direct Drive is far better than some give it credit for. But then, those folks deserve to have their “credit” revoked.
And for the record there are none of “those folks” writing here. In fact, “those folks” do not write…They “TYPE”.
ORT – He Who Owns Two DD ‘tables…