Technics SL-1600mkii Turntable

This is one of my favourite turntables of all time. I know it's not the best turntable (belt, idler or direct drive) out there nor, it is the best automatic turntable. Some people prefer the Sony PS-X75 or higher end Sony, Denons, JVC, Nakamichi etc..and the list can go on but, I've always loved this table. I guess my fondness of Technics turntables and the aesthetics of it.

Let's not forget Technics is one of the few makers of direct drive turntables and yes I am aware what happened some years back when they stopped producing the SL-1200mk2 and now they're making higher end turntables that looked to be similar specifications of their broadcasting line of the 80s. Regardless, the SL-1600mkii is a very good turntable.

It is well built machine and packed full of features It has the same motor and tone arm as the SL-1200mkii, a cast plinth with the usual heavy platter. The platter is suspended and the automation is via photo sensors. Not to mention a nifty stylus light. In addition, it can take similar upgrades like the KAB USA tonearm damper trough. Like always, it has the 2 speed direct drive, quartz locked motor that many love.

It does have it's Achilles' heel, the automatic lead in and return mechanism. It is done via a rubber belt and motor. The belt can always be replaced however, the plastics gears are the weak link. They can break and render the automation useless. However, I think creative people have been using a 3D printer to manufacture these parts, just like the SL-1300mkii to SL-1500mkii. Take that as a grain of salt as I am only basing that off memory.

Definitely, this is one of my favourite tables that I've had, in fact, this is my second one as I had some remorse when I let my first one go. But, I think I might hold on to this one.

Specifications:
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-1600.shtml

Pictures!

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