SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

10th January 2019

The SL-1500C semi-automatic…just pause there for a sec, done that? OK carry onTechnics turntable includes a coreless direct drive motor a built-in phono amplifier and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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.

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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.

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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. 

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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. 

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

“The FG coil pattern of the full-circumference detection FG system was improved in precision,” which means? A more accurate platter rotation speed.

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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.

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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. 

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

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.

SL-1500C Turntable from Technics

To learn more, click www.panasonic.co.uk

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