Technics has a new entry-level turntable, the SL-100C | What Hi-Fi? "loses the phono stage of the SL-1500C. It's also fitted with a different cartridge, in this case, Audio-Technica's VM95C" I dig it!
I haven't found the technical specifications of the new SL-100C but I'm going to guess that it should be very similar to the SL-1500C and still likely manufactured in Malaysia. But as @33na3rd said, swap out the conical stylus with an ML and you're good to go.
This seems like an absolute world beater for the price. If a friend were looking for a turntable in the $500-1000 range I can’t imagine recommending anything else! It’s also just smart positioning for Technics. The lower end of the turntable market has been hot in recent years, and while this won’t compete with a $300 deck it’s priced right and has the features to make someone considering a Fluance or it’s ilk consider paying a bit more for a much better table. It’s also well positioned to capture those upgrading from $3-500 decks, offering a material improvement that used to cost a lot more.
If it does what it is supposed to do, I am all for it. I hope it retained some sort of VTA adjustment mechanism from either the MK7 or the 1500C.
I Like this feature: an automatic tonearm lift which can also be turned off should you want to and high-rigidity cabinet featuring a high-damping insulator for thorough shut-out of vibrations, ensuring a smooth vinyl-tracking process.
I wouldn't expect it from Technics, but I have seen fake VTA lock on some cheaper Hanpin et. al turntables. Look forward to seeing more info and specs. I've already got what I need, but it would be nice for something else on the market that I could recommend to people.
This looks good! I've got a Uturn Orbit custom and a Fluance Rt-85...looking to level up without spending a fortune. So many decks in that next level but no real standout, no-brainer choice...I want to try a direct drive and I like removable head shells so the SL-1500C seemed like a great choice...except I'd be reluctant to pay for a presumedly mediocre built in phono stage or a Ortofon Red, neither of which I'd be likely to use. This takes out the phono stage and the cartridge is cheaper, thus the overall cost of the deck is less. As mentioned above if it's still a fully adjustable tonearm including VTA this will be a very intriguing option. I'm assuming it will ultimately be available in the US. Looking forward to some actual reviews and/or confirmation of similar specs to the 1500-C. If that checks out....The SL-100C may be my next deck.
I guess they ran the numbers with a Schiit Mani phono ($130) in mind. 900 Euros = $1083 roughly. $1200 for a 1500c. Don’t want to hurt 1500c sales.
Looks like with this and the other recent move Technics is going to dominate the turntable market...again.
Good thing they ditched the Ortofon. I never thought the 2m’s were a good pairing for the Technics Arms.
Now. this is interesting and of interest to me though I have no need for a 4th turntable but never say never! Just so long as it's not made in Malaysia... The VM95C is a great choice, especially as I now have two spare VM95MLs!
Why not just go for the 1200 Mk7 under $1k? I expected this SL100c to be at the $699/$799 price point considering it doesn't have the built in pre and comes with a $29 cartridge? The 1500c is still the better choice for plug and play/no fuss.
I think the 100C looks promising. I'm still imagining a 1500GR or 1200C, however Technics wants to label it. Basically a stealth GR w/ auto-lift. Some people have quibbled over the functionality of the auto-lift on the 1500C but I really appreciate it. A great feature, IMO.
I've already got a 1200gr I love, but to me this is even more compelling that the 1500c. I understand the point of built in phono and 2m red but I'd never use either. If this turns out to be a 1500c minus the red and phono I'd take it over the 1500c for my personal use case.
Yup, me too. I don't own an amp w/o a built in phono stage so have zero desire for one built into the table. I like my audio simple unlike many here. But I'd like to see a table like this at $800-850 tops.
I've never used the built-in pre or the 2M Red on my 1500C. Never had any intention to. If the 100C is a 1500C w/o the pre and a different cart then that would've gotten my dollar when I was shopping. The 100C shown is not visually identical to the 1500C. I'm curious to know how much materials difference there is between the two?
That picture doesn't show dust cover hinge mounts but it's easy to imagine they omitted that for a cleaner photo.
Yes feels like $800 is the sweet spot for competing but $1000 isn't crazy. I have both a Rega and a Technics and both are great, but it would be pretty tough to sell a P2 next to this for $800. The Regas seem like absolute toys next to these decks regardless of how competitive they might be in actual sound quality.