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Technics SL-1600mkii Turntable

Ever since I've started into the audio hobby, I've always wanted a Technics SL-1600mkii. I've had two of them before and every single time I sell one, I always want to get another one. Why? They are such nice tables.

I know there are better tables out there, such as those with electronic damping arms (JVC, Denon, Sony) or even pure manual transcription base tables (like the SP-10/15/20/25 and their lovely EPA-250 arms and such). But, I've always liked Technics as a brand. They've always made solid turntable, especially their direct drives. 

The SL-1600mkii seems to be an amalgamation of different school of thought. While weighty at 10kgs, it employs a suspended platter and arm (albeit, unlike a Thorens), fully automatic with a well damped platter. There are other suspended direct drive turntables (Pioneer) but, the overall reliability of them isn't as high as the Technics. 

Built quality is always good on them, though they have a weakness with the nylon-type gears. But, for the most part I haven't had any problems with mine (I did apply sum new grease on them) and the table itself is over 40 years old. Of all the electronically controlled fully automatic tables I've had, the Technics has been the most reliable, which is why I tend to like them.

After replacing the belt, this one has been performing flawlessly, even being taken apart on various occasion to perform basic servicing. Disassembly isn't the easiest but, wasn't difficult at all.

The overall aesthetics I find quite pleasing. I like the red strobe light, the pop-up stylus light and how quickly the platter starts and stop. It is a wonderful table to use. Unless, you have clear records (LPs).

It uses photosensors to detect the size of the record being played. So, if the light passes through your clear vinyl it won't play. Luckily, I have the original paper disc that you can rotate to cover up the sensors on the platter. I usually keep it with my sole clear record.

There's a lot of things to like about the SL-1600mkii, VTA adjustment, adjustable pitch control, and able to get some KABUSA improvements. Not to mention Technics, as a whole, has quite the interesting history.

Specifications via VinylEngine:

Type: full auto turntable
Drive method: direct drive
Control method: quartz synthesizer
Motor: DC motor
Platter: 332mm 2kg aluminum alloy die-cast
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Pitch control: 12%
Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS
Rumble: -78dB
Tonearm: universal static balance type
Effective length: 230mm
Overhang: 15mm
Effective mass: 12g
Dimensions: 149 x 453 x 399mm
Weight: 10kg








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