It seems is only a question of features between mk7 and 100c ... and colour (mk7 can be ordered in silver). Price / performance and construction quality apparently are the same. Waiting for the first impressions
Do those statistics also include sales of used records? Plenty records that have been in storage (attic/garage finds etc) for years are now being sold and played again.
When I had the 1042, U.S. retail was even higher, though it was possible to order from overseas. In any case, I think AT price increases are coming once production gets back to normal. They've already said as much, but I think the prices increases will not be that much.
Definitely not. And yes used is very important since used vinyl is a steady business lately. However, I think new vinyl really needs to increase in sales dramatically if we want to see anything approaching the equipment choices in the 70s and 80s, more new pressing plants, etc. There is an ocean between the economies of scale then vs. now.
FWIW, the Technics/Panasonic salesman at this German HiFi show introduces the 1500C as their new 'entry level' turntable. (Please excuse all the DJ references he makes about the MK7 lol..)
He includes "Made in Malaysia" among reduction factors, while stressing that GR is made in their Japan factory, as an opposite of that, like it's some sort of higher quality. Interesting.
Well obviously the higher quality/ more expensive deck is made in Japan, but you're also twisting his words. He was simply explaining the differences.
I understand that, but what I'm saying is why brand it as 'entry level'? I see others noting that Technics is an audiophile manufacturer and that's true, but why use those words like. 'Entry Level' for Technics stuff maybe. I disagree when people say that the lower end of the market is 'covered' by Hanpin stuff etc, there are plenty of people who don't have the big bucks for higher end stuff yet want a decent TT with a good brand name... I think there is a market there. I'm not talking about the 100-300 quid market, more the 350-600 mark. Maybe a decent competitor for the Pioneer TT, the name escapes me. Those are people who obviously know their vinyl and know a bit about turntables. And someone in that category is most likely going to go for Technics over a Pioneer or Audio Technica. I think there is a viable market there. I also think that they should have done this with the MK7 rather than the sl1500c. With the DJ features and all that
I'll give you my old ATLP60 for $500- guess what? My expensive moving coil cartridge comes FREE with it! Just because something is advertised as free doesn't mean it actually is.
Two things that annoy me about the 100C (and 1500C)- lack of 45 adapter recess on table, and the 'manual push/pull' VTA adjustment.
Why mention where's something made when explaining differences in quality? Wasn't it "it doesn't matter where it's made, qc is what matters"?
In this case, the cartridges are free. Your resale example has nothing to do with the way Technics has arrived at what is offered in this package. I promise you, if sold with no cartridge, this is still $1k. It’s a free cartridge.
I’m convinced they probably don’t match the Technics arm as well as the 95, anyway. Possibly fine, people use them, but the 95 seems just right.
Technics’ competitor to the Pioneer PLX-1000 is the SL-1200 mk7. Expecting better quality from a good brand name without a higher price is not realistic.
The question was asked 'What's the biggest difference between these two, is it just the removal of the pitch-fader?', so he replied by listing the differences. Like I said, you twisted his words.
A 45 adapter is for people who play 45s. Having it on top is convenient, and IMO the silver accent is welcome. A turn-dial VTA is more convenient that the push/pull IMO. But not a big deal as I rarely use it.
I understand what you are saying, it's just that it's not possible with the current scale that Technics has. Remember Technics is part of Panasonic. To make things worth their while, they either have to play in the premium market, which they've calculated works for them, or magically go back to 1982 turntable and vinyl sales to maybe, just maybe, get the price down further. They can't do that under their current model. I have a couple of older Japanese turntables here. They sold for 200-300 at the time they were introduced. That's a lot more money when adjusted for inflation. $250 in 1982 is around $700 today. In 1982 the scale was there. Not even close today. Again, look at the graph I posted upthread. 350-600 dollar turntables is a viable market...for some manufacturers. Just not Technics right now. Pro-Ject does very good business in this market right now, and I'm surprised they've hung on as long as they have. Even though I don't like their gear, a lot of people do buy it. In a few years, I wouldn't be surprised if they start cutting the lower end of their business though, as the Chinese OEMs get a bigger share. I don't think Technics wants to go there. They'd rather stay in the "premium" market and pitch themselves as a lifestyle brand.
So what kind of difference makes the place of manufacture, so it's that important to be mentioned? I'm not twisting his words, but you refuse to realize that even a Technics representative puts Made in Japan above Made in Malaysia. I was just teasing you about the 45 adapter as you frequently state that mk7 extra features are for dj's. The rotational/helicoid VTA is truly better and I was serious when saying it's pity they didn't make it the same on the 100/1500.
He answered a question by stating the facts. He wasn't 'stressing' it, and he didn't say Japan was better/worse than Malaysia, that was your interpretation lol. I have zero interest in continuing this pointless conversation.
