Technics SL-1500C and C-K Turntable with Built-In Phono Preamp Ortofon Red MM Cartridge

Description

MY TAKE: With built-in phono preamp and factory-mounted-and-aligned Ortofon Red MM cartridge, getting great analog replay has never been more straightforward. Plug and play deliciousness from Technics! - Galen Carol

The Latest Coreless Direct Drive Motor Achieves High-precision Stable Rotation -

The technologies acquired through the development of the SL-1200 Series and the high-end SL-1000R model were lavishly inserted into the motor drive unit, a key part of the turntable. The motor exclusively tunes the single-rotor, coreless direct-drive motor adopted by the SL-1200GR to read the high rotation accuracy and high-precision signals of the record. Optimal motor control is conducted for the inertial mass of the two-layer structure platter on which the vinyl record is placed with deadening rubber on the entire back surface to eliminate unwanted resonance in the aluminum die-cast platter to eliminate the rotation irregularity called cogging. The aluminum die-cast chassis is rigidly integrated with a unique material consisting of ABS mixed with glass fiber to achieve a two-layer construction. The insulator is comprised of a spring and rubber to provide optimal vibration-damping characteristics. The tonearm is a static-balance universal S-shape tonearm, another Technics tradition. By adopting a high-precision bearing using the same gimbal suspension construction and machined housing as the SL-1200 Series, high initial sensitivity is achieved. Also, reliability has been improved by incorporating a removable power cable and gold-plated terminals, which have less sound quality degradation, for the PHONO and LINE terminals.

Complete Turntable with a Built-in Phono Equalizer and Cartridge -

The SL-1500C offers a simple and complete record playing system with a built-in phono preamp and factory-installed and aligned Ortofon Red cartridge.

The built-in phono preamp is well shielded to suppresses the effects of external noise and noise from the power supply. It is also equipped with a switch to turn the LINE output off when it is not being used. The dedicated power supply for the PHONO output terminal is isolated from the power supply for the LINE output terminals and has been designed to prioritize sound quality by minimizing the wiring of the PHONO signal.

Equipped with an Auto Lifter Function That Allows You to Enjoy Playing Records More Comfortably -

When the tonearm reaches the end of the record, the Auto Lifter function automatically raises the cartridge. This prevents unnecessary wear on your valuable vinyl records and stylus. By embedding the Auto Lifter function in the base portion of the tonearm, it eliminates impacts to the tonearm. Due to a simple design that doesn’t use motor power, there is no electrical or vibrational impact and it will not prevent the movement of the tonearm. In response to requests from many users regarding the Auto Lifter function, a design that prioritizes sound quality was adopted. The functions required to playback records were kept to a bare minimum, achieving simple and easy-to-use operability.

Simple Design with Functional Beauty -

The SL-1500C sports a simple design without unnecessary frills, while retaining the superb operating feel that is a Technics tradition. The attractive appearance lets you enjoy playing records to your heart’s content.

REVIEWS:
 

The Absolute Sound: "That’s the real strength of the SL-1500C: precise timing and dynamics. Throughout my listening, those were the things I kept coming back to. It’s a feature of direct drives in general, but the 1500C in particular just felt alive and expressive. Everything was sharp, in focus, tight, energetic. The soundstage was wide and impressive, but the dynamics really won the day. Everything was lively, fleshed out, and vigorous. I felt myself wanting to put on up-tempo music with lots of physical drumming and bass playing.

"At the end of my listening session, one thing became clear: This is an awesome turntable. If I were looking for something in this price range, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the SL-1500C. The only downsides are the odd built-in phonostage, which can be bypassed, and the tonearm lifting/lowering mechanism, which could be sturdier. However, the tonearm itself is very solid and can accommodate a wide variety of cartridges and headshells. Pacing and dynamics are spot on, tight, focused, laser-sharp, and just overall in that sweet spot. The SL-1500C is no fuss, no hassle, easy to use, easy to set up—a no-brainer recommendation." - Drew Kalbach

Secrets of Home Theater and Hi-Fi: "The Technics SL1500C turntable is an outstanding performer for its price class, and then some. It distills and refines all the elements that made the original SL1200 turntables such a favorite with Hi-Fi enthusiasts and does away with the more DJ-centric features that are now available in the purpose-built SL1200 Mk 7. At $1199.99, with a modern direct-drive system, a fine-sounding Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and a more than capable built-in MM phono preamp, the SL1500C is almost a “no-brainer” purchase for someone who is looking for a turntable at this price point. Yes, the auto-lift tonearm feature is a little indecisive and the action of the cueing arm annoys me. All the turntables I’ve seen at this price point have cueing arms that unfortunately act and feel the same way, so I do wish the SL1500C stood out better in this regard. Still, If your heart is set on a nice quality belt drive table (and there are some nice ones at this level to be had out there) then this whole discussion is moot. But if you want your records to be spun by something a little more advanced than a rubber band, or you always liked the idea of owning an old SL1200, the SL1500C has you covered every which way from Sunday. Don’t bother with the knock offs or the SL1200 wannabe tables out there, you know you’ll only use the pitch control and strobe light to show off to your friends. Go for the legit “Son of Kong”. As The Who used to sing “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”

What HiFi?: SL-1500C - Best Turntable £750-£1000 range “A beautifully made, fuss-free record player. If you’re after a great sounding but fuss-free record player below a grand the SL-1500C is a great buy.”

“Surprise number one is that the built-in phono stage is really good. That doesn’t tend to be the case normally and means that you don’t have to spend extra on a dedicated outboard unit to get the best from the record player. The phono stage is intended for use with moving magnet cartridges, but should work just fine with high output moving coils too, should the itch to upgrade strike.

“The SL-1500C package, as supplied, is one of the best-sounding we’ve heard at this price. It has a clean and precise presentation, one that defines the leading and trailing edges of notes with impressive skill. We listen to Orff’s Carmina Burana and are impressed with the stability and focus of the SL-1500C’s sound. The presentation is composed and organized, and able to track the music’s multitude of instrumental strands with considerable skill.

“The turntable’s handling of dynamic shifts is pleasing too. There are moments of absolute carnage in this recording, and the Technics takes it all in stride, delivering crescendos with enthusiasm. But in the quieter movements there’s still a light enough touch to convey the nuances that make this piece so enthralling. “

For

• Crisp, detailed and musical sound
• Excellent bass
• Cartridge included
• Electronic speed control

Against

• Nothing of note

"We’re impressed by the SL-1500C’s sonic agility; the way it resolves plenty of detail and manages to deliver all that information in a cohesive and musical whole. There are few rivals below the grand mark that do it better."

AV Forums: "It’s also important to stress that it can be a truly great one too, convenience or not. If you’ve got £198 extra over the base cost, changing the stylus and the mat brings performance up by more than the proportion invested. That it clearly has more to give after this point is even more impressive. As noted at the beginning, this is an example of the last turntable you ever buy. It’s good out the box and becomes great with a little work. It’s well made, painless to live with and makes vinyl enjoyable. For these many reasons, the latest member of the Technics family comes Highly Recommended."

The Rundown:

Sound Quality 9

Build Quality 9

Connectivity 9

Ease of Use 9

Features 9

Value for Money 9

Verdict 9

Analog Planet: With the SL-1500C Technics Cuts the Price But Not the Sound Quality "I wish I could sit here with every ‘table at this price point and steer you to the best, but I can’t do that. However, while there may be a few “as goods” out there, I really can’t imagine one better at $1199.99. Out of the box the sound impresses—even more so with a good outboard phono preamp. With a better cartridge, I can only imagine."  - Michael Fremer

The Absolute Sound: 50 Greatest Bargains in High End Audio - 2021

SPECIFICATIONS:

Turntable section:

• Type: Direct Drive Manual Turntable
• Turntable Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 and 78 r/min
• Starting Torque: 0.18 N・m / 1.8 kg・cm (1.56 lbs-in)
• Start-Up: 0.7 s. from standstill to 33 1/3 rpm
• Wow And Flutter: 0.025 % W.R.M.S.
• Turntable Platter: Aluminium diecast
• Diameter: 332 mm (13-5/64 inch)
• Weight: Approx. 2.0 kg (4.5 lbs) (Including Turntable Sheet)

Tonearm Section

• Type: Universal Static Balance
• Effective Length: 230 mm (9-1/16")
• Overhang: 15 mm (19/32")
• Tracking Error Angle:Within 2° 32' (at the outer groove of 30 cm (12") record) Within 0° 32' (at the inner groove of 30 cm (12") record)
• Offset Angle: 22°
• Arm-height Adjustment Range: 0 - 6 mm
• Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0 - 4 g (Direct Reading)
• Head Shell Weight: Approx. 7.6 g
• Applicable Cartridge Weight Range: (without auxiliary weight) 5.6 - 12.0 g 14.3 - 20.7 g (including head shell) (with auxiliary weight) 10.0 - 16.4 g 18.7 - 25.1 g (including head shell)
• Head Shell Terminal Lug: 1.2 mmφ 4-pin terminal lug

Terminals

• Audio Output: PHONO  (Pin Jack) x 1, EARTH TERMINAL x 1, LINE (Pin Jack) x 1

General

• Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 8 W, Approx. 0.2W (Standby)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 453 x 169 x 372 mm 17-27/32 × 6-21/32 × 14-21/32 inch
• Weight: Approx. 9.9 kg, Approx. 21.2 lbs
• Accessories: Turntable, Turntable sheet, Dust cover, EP record adaptor, Balance weight, Auxiliary weight, Headshell, Cartridge (Ortofon 2M Red), PHONO cable, PHONO earth lead, AC power supply cord, Owner's Manual