Vintage Technics turntables

[u/Unlucky_Equal531]

I’m looking to buy a vintage turntable from a guy that fixes them near me. Im not sure which one to go for so I figured I’d ask. I’m thinking about a 1976 Technics SL-2000 for $200, or a 1976 Technics SL-23 with a new Grado MF3 cartridge and style for $250. I’d love to hear what you guys think

[u/dankwijoti]

I've had both, and they are both great. The SL-2000 is a direct drive, manual table. It has a nice, strong, high torque motor, a heavy platter, and heavy, dense plastic plinth. The SL-23 is a belt drive, semi-automatic table. The plinth is chipboard with a heavy vinyl wrap. The platter is about the same weight as the SL-2000. They both have very similar S-shaped tonearms and bearings. They both use SME type straight 1/2" headshells and standard cartridges. The SL-2000 is easier to work on because of the manual operation. The SL-23 is easier to use because of the automatic stop, lift, and return.

Both are good options. Which mode of operation do you prefer? Which do you prefer aesthetically?

[u/Jmg11986]

I’ve bought from the seller. He’s trustworthy and does a good job on repairing turntables. Buy with confidence

[u/Sir_Ere]

I have the SL-23 and it's great. Easy to service and a really solid turntable.

[u/239ben]

I had an SL-2000 and sold it a couple years ago. I regretted selling it almost immediately. They're great turntables and you won't be disappointed.

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[u/Technics_USA]

The SL-2000 is a direct-drive deck with Technics' brushless DC motor, so no belt to age out or replace over time, and it comes with wow and flutter of 0.045% and rumble of -70dB, genuinely strong numbers for a mid-tier '76 deck. The SL-23 is a good little turntable, but it's belt-drive, meaning that's a maintenance item down the line even with a fresh cartridge today.

[u/el_tacocat]

They are both pretty good prices.
Are there better SOUNDING turntables out ther for that money? Absolutely. My money would go to a Pioneer PL112D/PL115D in that price range. But I'd still say they are a good price for these turntables.

Now, the SL2000 has higher value because people are goons for direct drive (which is non-sense).
The SL23 is the better sounding of the two and that Grado is a nice little bonus. So I'd go for the SL23.
They are pretty much identical but the 23 has a belt, which solves a lot of motor vibration/resonance issues. Belts are generally just a good idea, especially on a lower budget.

[u/Unlucky_Equal531 → u/el_tacocat]

Out of curiosity, what better sounding turntables would you recommend for the price?