The SL-1500C semi-automatic…just pause there for a sec, done that? OK carry on…Technics turntable includes a coreless direct drive motor a built-in phono amplifier and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
I never thought I’d see the day when a new Technics turntable would incorporate a ‘semi-automatic’ action but, there it is. The way Technics introduces this feature is odd. It does it almost in a shy way. Stuck at the end of the press release with no fanfare at all. As if it’s not sure how it might be received.
Although, actually, it isn’t. Hence, when the tonearm reaches the end of the record, the auto-lift automatically raises the tonearm. And then nothing happens. It doesn’t move from that point but the arm does raise. Less semi-automatic, then, but possible quarter-automatic? It kinda reminds me of the Thorens TD294. Well, it’s on the same lines.
All together now, “The only way is up! Baby, for you and me now…etc.”
The SL-1500C uses a single-rotor, coreless direct drive motor in which the stator has no core and eliminates the rotation irregularity called cogging. In this motor, the magnetic force of the rotor magnets was improved and the gap between the coreless stator and rotor magnets was optimised. Furthermore, the motor control had been optimised in accordance with the platter weight.
The SL-1500C has a built-in phono amp compatible with MM cartridges. The dedicated power supply for the phono equalizer is isolated from the power supply for the motor and control circuitry. Furthermore, the shield structure “…suppresses the effect of external noise,” said the company.
“The FG coil pattern of the full-circumference detection FG system was improved in precision,” which means? A more accurate platter rotation speed.
Featuring a S-shape tonearm is made of lightweight, high-rigidity aluminium while the bearing section of the gimbal suspension construction tonearm also consists of a machined housing.
The platter includes a two-layer structure with deadening rubber on the entire back surface to, “…eliminate unwanted resonance in the aluminium die-cast platter,” said the company.
The aluminium die-cast, two-layer chassis is integrated with an ABS mixed with glass fibre and the insulator is comprised of a spring and rubber. Price is £TBA.
To learn more, click www.panasonic.co.uk
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13 Comments
Minus1936
17th January 2019 at 4:26 pmPaul is this Technics being manufactured in Malaysia too? Thanks.
Paul Rigby
17th January 2019 at 4:58 pmReportedly, yes, that’s the case. Apparently, only the high-end turntables are being built in Japan.
Ian Hall
27th January 2019 at 9:19 pmSuspect it is designed to a perceived customer requirement , probably will do well in certain markets. Good for them, my first HiFi equipment was Technics, both a turntable and receiver. Neither were bad value for money and were a good starting point.
Paul Rigby
28th January 2019 at 10:03 amAgreed, Ian. My first turntable was also a Technics (SL-B2) so I’m with you there 🙂
The Bristol Hi-Fi Show: Back For Pt.32 - The Audiophile Man
4th February 2019 at 5:31 pm[…] Technics, “We’ll debut the beautifully made Ottava C50 Smart HiFi Speaker. The SL-1500C direct drive HiFi turntable will be on show […]
umberto
7th August 2019 at 5:08 pmIs the phono input bypassable for an external one? Tks!
Paul Rigby
7th August 2019 at 5:29 pmI haven’t seen one up close umberto but from what I can see from the PR images, yes it is bypassable. Might be wise to double check with a local dealer before buying.
Don
7th October 2020 at 5:22 pmI have one, and it’s a decent table, especially for the price. I know everyone complains about it being made in Malaysia, but it’s a Panasonic factory, and not contracted out. Build and quality feel excellent overall. It sounds lovely, and the built in phono stage is rather surprising; upgrading to a Blue might make a difference, and I have my own Schitt phono stage that is better. The cue lever is where they cut some costs, clearly; it is fragile. Vibration damping…it’s not super. You can tap this table and hear it in the speakers, but again, this is a relatively low cost table. Overall, I’m happy. It’s not fussy, it just works, and my system isn’t so high end that I need to go up to $3000 or more for an upgrade.
Paul Rigby
8th October 2020 at 3:46 pmThanks for your thoughts, Don.
Frank Eyewander
3rd November 2020 at 1:48 amUpgrading to a Blue would absolutely make a difference. I cannot stand the Red, despite its being lauded all about.
Ditch the 2m series altogether in my opinion; the Bronze is quite good but better can be had for considerably less coin. LP Gear “The Vessel” series is a ridiculous bargain with stylus options up and down the price range, all fitting the same Excel-made cart. Or the AT new VM series; their “ML” micro-line is another crazy good bargain – a nude shank advanced profile line-contact at the price they ask is amazing. This table and it’s onboard can sing with something like these.
Frank Eyewander
3rd November 2020 at 1:43 amAnother manufacturer has finally solved the cogging issue. Is this the third or the fourth time since around ’78? I can’t recall. A solution to a problem that never existed. But people buy it, and they table, as they always have. (Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fine table, but I tired of the audio industry b.s. decades ago, and it’s only gotten worse. And more dogmatically believed.)
Martin
31st December 2020 at 2:55 amI’ve had mine about 4 months. I replaced a near mint Technics SL-1200 with the SL-1500c to eliminate the DJ controls. This deck responds well to upgrade cartridges. I’m currently using the Hana Microline Low output MC cartridge producing vastly improved audio. Bass on the SL-1500 has more authority than the SL-1200 did. Selling the 1200 funded a large part of the cost of the 1500, which makes me real happy with my decision.
Paul Rigby
31st December 2020 at 11:53 amThanks for the update Martin.