Turntable Comparison -Technics SL-23 vs Technics SL1600 MKII

[Hari Iyer]

Between these two Technics TT SL-23 and SL1600 MKII which one will sound better? The SL-23 is completely mechanical and no Auto features while the SL 1600MKII has many auto features and advanced features compared to SL-23. Would like your opinion on how they would sound.

 

[greenhorn]

DD vs belt drive - the Direct drive will always have solid, better bass due to the torque.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Both are excellent players. Among belt driven players, the ones which are suspended tend to sound warmer. I am not saying SL 23 is not warm sounding. I don't think a comparison with SL 1600 mark 2 is fair because the latter was made to a higher standard with higher torque and is also suspended. Price wise also, there is a vast difference
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[sunder]

DD vs belt drive - the Direct drive will always have solid, better bass due to the torque.

Though it's a well designed & robust model DD / TT s like that of Technics 1200 series, is it wise thing to buy the TT well beaten & high mile run by the DJs ? How would be the accuracy of settings with these highly worned off tables? Thank you.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Though it's a well designed & robust model DD / TT s like that of Technics 1200 series, is it wise thing to buy the TT well beaten & high mile run by the DJs ? How would be the accuracy of settings with these highly worned off tables? Thank you.

They have quartz lock system which ensures accurate speed. They are heavily damped and can take a lot of abuse. Because of it's damping, the SL 1200 series is meant for DJ purpose and not really the ideal turntable for home use in my personal opinion.

 

[Deleted member 38504]

I think the SL1200 is the perfect turntable for users like me who like to keep it simple. No fiddling with anything be it a cartridge or tonearm. No using a screwdriver or a torch or thermometer or multimeter. Just read the lil manual that came with it and adjust the setting according to that and spend time listening to music.

 

[greenhorn]

Though it's a well designed & robust model DD / TT s like that of Technics 1200 series, is it wise thing to buy the TT well beaten & high mile run by the DJs ? How would be the accuracy of settings with these highly worned off tables? Thank you.

As far as I am concerend, it comes down to the condition of the table - the slider and the other controls can be replaced, especially on the 1200 as genuine parts are still available, and the price is discounted accordingly (and you are okay with doing the work yourself). The bigger issue is that DJ Decks come with cosmetic damage, missing covers, and are usually sold in pairs, and the sellers often price it in line with mint (or even tired full ones) after which if you discount to compensate for a new headshell, dust cover, original accesories like the mat, 45 adapter etc), there is a significant hit on the price, which most sellers find hard to accept.

However, if there is play in the tonearm/ speed stability issues - avoid!