pn (06/29/82)
Does anyone know of the existence of any reviews of the Technics line of linear tracking turntables, particularly the SL-5 ? Or if anyone owns one, are you satisfied with it, any likes or dislikes ? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance, Pete.
wmartin (07/02/82)
I recently got an SL-7 as a second turntable for the main system, and have high praise for it. It does its job quite well, and the Ortofon cartridge sounds fine. I enjoy listening to records on it as well as on the Linn with a Supex SDX-1000 and modified Marcof headamp, and the SL-7 cost about as much as the Supex alone did at wholesale! (I got my SL-7 for $254 including shipping from Wisconsin Discount Stereo, a fairly reliable mail-order source.) I haven't noticed any sonic aberrations due to the linear tracking making any corrections or over-correcting, and I had read about that problem with other machines in various reviews. I actually chose the SL-7 based totally on its external characteristics --its small size allowed it to fit in a specific spot on my shelving without moving or rearranging any other gear. The only bother is cleaning records. If you want to use a Discwasher or the like prior to each play, you have to spin the turntable with a fingertip on the edge to use the cleaner on the disc; the interlocks and sensors defeat attempts to make the motor run with the lid up. I manage to do it and haven't really minded it yet. I don't think that there is much difference between the SL-7 and the cheaper SL-5; the 5 has fewer controls and simpler cosmetics, and comes with either no cartridge or with some Audio-Technica (I think). (I believe the dealer determines this point, and I think I have seen the 5 listed both ways by mail-order discounters.) Probably you will be as happy with the SL-5 as with the more expensive model. Regards, Will Martin
jj@rabbit.UUCP (02/08/84)
Sigh, I hate to do this (mostly because some of the superstitious types <Tom? Phil R.> on the net will have a fit) but I MUST come out against any of the linear tracking turntables that I've ever heard. None of them <for whatever reason, I didn't analyze them> demonstrated a good ability to reproduce what was on a record. Oh well, to each his or her own. Mine's CD, when I can get a GOOD disc. If not, I'll stick to my less than perfect, but very well behaved Sony PS-X600. <Yeah, it does have a few artifacts that I could do without, but it's quite merciful on my older pressings and collection of awful WB discs.> Phil R: Have you tried the pink noise test with a CD player yet? Buckley: Have you ever considered that someone else could have an INFORMED disagreement with you? I'm STILL offended by your incredibly insulting attitude, and it's been four days since I read it. That's threatening to become a net.audio record. -- TEDDY BEARS ARE PEOPLE, TOO! (allegra,harpo,ulysses)!rabbit!jj