Following the success of the SL 1200 GR turntable, Technics is back with a new direct-drive turntable that’s more affordable and, above all, geared more toward “audiophiles” than DJs: the Technics SL-1500 C turntable.
Technics SL-1500 C: Features
At first glance, this new Technics SL-1500 C looks just like the legendary SL-1200 (and not really like the SL-1500 from the ’80s).
But upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the “Pitch” speed control has been removed! Although this isn’t really necessary for home use...
The stroboscope and the LED that illuminates the stylus are gone! No big deal, since these “gadgets” are strictly for club use.
However, the traditional square “Start/Stop” button is still there. It’s accompanied by two speed selectors for 33 and 45 rpm. Pressing both at the same time switches to 78 rpm.
More surprisingly, the SL-1500 C is equipped with a semi-automatic function! Indeed, once the tonearm reaches the end of the vinyl record, it lifts itself automatically.
Technics SL-1500 C: Chassis
The upper chassis is made entirely of die-cast aluminum. This helps eliminate all vibrations.
The lower plinth incorporates a material made of ABS plastic mixed with fiberglass.
It rests on four feet equipped with springs and Sorbothane, providing excellent damping characteristics.
Technics SL-1500 C: Platter and Drive System
The drive system utilizes the SL-1200 GR’s core-less, single-rotor direct-drive motor.
This motor delivers exceptionally smooth and precise rotation. It optimally controls the platter’s inertia.
The double-layer cast aluminum platter is damped by a rubber coating that eliminates unwanted resonance.
Technics SL-1500 C: Tonearm and Phono Cartridge
It features the legendary “S”-shaped tonearm, a hallmark of the Japanese brand.
It uses the same gimbal suspension and high-precision bearings as the SL-1200 models. It is compatible with virtually any phono cartridge weighing between 6 and 16g (excluding the cartridge holder).
Technics guarantees that its reliability has been further improved by the inclusion of a detachable phono cable. In previous series, this was indeed a common source of recurring failures.
The tonearm comes standard with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.
Technics SL-1500 C: Built-in Phono Preamplifier
The Technics SL-1500 C features a built-in MM phono preamplifier.
A switch allows you to disable the built-in phono stage in order to use a higher-performance phono preamp.
Technics SL-1500 C: Review and Listening Impressions
The sound reproduction is true to what you’d expect from a Technics direct-drive turntable.
It offers excellent balance and superb clarity. The Technics SL-1500 C delivers impressive dynamics and excellent impact in the lower end of the frequency spectrum.
It’s better suited for listening to so-called “modern” music than for symphonies or string quartets, where its belt-driven competitors perform better in terms of nuance and articulation.
The built-in phono preamp isn’t as “bad” as some might think… With the 2M Red cartridge, you get excellent results. You could even upgrade it in the future with an Ortofon 2M Blue stylus.
This new Technics SL-1500 C turntable is clearly designed for music lovers nostalgic for the legendary SL-1200. It’s beautifully built and perfectly captures the spirit of the ’80s!
An excellent direct-drive turntable, offered at a more than competitive price!
AWARDS:
Diapason d’Or
FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Technics SL-1500 C
Does the SL-1500 C have a built-in phono preamplifier?
Yes. It has a built-in MM phono preamplifier, which lets it connect to an amplifier without a phono input. A switch lets you disable this built-in stage to use a higher-performance external phono preamp. With the supplied cartridge, the built-in preamp already gives excellent results.
What kind of drive and speeds does it offer?
Drive is via a coreless, single-rotor direct-drive motor that provides very steady, precise rotation by controlling platter inertia perfectly. The dual-layer die-cast aluminium platter is damped by a rubber coating that eliminates resonance. It offers 33 and 45 rpm, and 78 rpm by pressing both switches at once.
Which cartridge does it ship with, and which arm does it use?
It is fitted as standard with an Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge. The S-shaped arm uses a gimbal suspension and high-precision bearings, and can take most cartridges weighing between 6 and 16 g without headshell. The phono cable is detachable, which improves reliability. Every turntable is assembled, aligned and tested in the workshop before shipping.
What are the differences from the iconic SL-1200 series?
Visually, the SL-1500 C adopts the SL-1200's design cues, but it drops several DJ-oriented features: the pitch control, the strobe and the stylus illumination LED are gone, deemed unnecessary for home listening. In return it gains a semi-automatic function: the arm lifts on its own at the end of a record. After the success of the SL-1200 GR turntable, Technics returns with a new direct-drive turntable, more affordable and above all aimed more at "audiophiles" than DJs: the Technics SL-1500 C. At first glance, this new Technics SL-1500 C is easily mistaken for the iconic SL-1200 (and not really for the SL-1500 of the 1980s).
FranckType: Direct drive
Phono preamp: Built-in MM
Signal-to-noise ratio: 78 dB
Tone arm: S-shaped
Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm
Starting torque: 0.18 Nm/1.8 kg/cm
Start-up time: 0.7 s
Tracking error: 0.025% wrms
Operation: manual
Automatic function: tonearm lifts at the end of the record
Platter: die-cast aluminum
Platter diameter: 332 mm Platter weight: 2 kg (with platter cover)
Tonearm length: 230 mm
Tonearm height: +/- 0 to 6 mm
Tracking force: 0 to 4 g
Compatible cartridges: 5.6 to 16.4 g with included cartridge holder
Maximum cartridge holder/cartridge weight: 25.1 g (with additional counterweight)
Outputs: Line + Phono
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M red
Weight: 9.9 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D): 453 x 173 x 372 mm
Customer reviews
Parfait
Platine reçue en un temps record et qui plus est déjà réglée. Tout est parfait bravo.
La Technics se démarque des platines DJ amplemment
Cette 2M Blue apporte plus de précisons dans les détailles des sillons vinyle par rapport à une 2M RED,
Une précision qui n’a absolument rien à voir avec l’écoute de la RED de chez ortofon,
Le seul regret c’est que mon conseil en ligne m’a induit en erreur j’aurai dû prendre une Bronze immédiatement,
Car, le conseiller Maplatine.com estimé que ma platine Technics SL 1500C n’était pas bonne en qualité sonore, car la critique sur ce site porte à confusion les platines Technics comme platine DJ,
Alors que visiblement l’effort de Technics en gamme hi-fi est porté à partir de la Technics SL 1500C comme prémium hi-fi, ainsi que pour Technics SL-1200 GR2 qui peut satisfaire aussi bien les audiophiles à mon sens en étant haut de gamme et mon opinion comme nombreux d’audiophiles vous diront par expérience d’écoute que la Technics SL-1300G Platine est tout de même un summum.
Je pense que l’approche d’analyse des produits technics sur les gammes à partir de la Technics SL 1500C est à revoir, ces trois platines suscités mérites l’attentions des audiophiles est leurs prix est amplement justifier dans leurs conceptions.
La SL 1500C avec le silence du moteur non ferreux de la GR mérite que sa pré-amplification bien isoler ne soit pas reconnu comme une platine DJ, mais bel et bien audiophile puriste.
Là le Stylus 2M Blue mérite un éloge face à la 2M Red, mais cependant pour le peux d’écart avec la 2M Bronze en ayant déjà la possession d’une bonne platine prémium qui n’as rien à envier à beaucoup de prétention haut-gamme chez d’autres fabricant, je vous recommanderai quoi que vous ayez en écoute de basculer sur la 2M Bronze qui ne joue pas dans la même catégorie et qui rivalise avec les cellules à 500 € d’après les tests démontrer en sciences hi-fi.
Pour la qualité de la 2M Bleu face à la 2M Bleu, j’accorde 5 étoiles, mais sur le choix qualité prix et l’écart de la 2M Blue face à la 2M bronze, je n’accorde que 3 étoiles.
Malencontreusement ma méconnaissance en lisant les critiques des platines Technics qui ne reconnaissent pas le distinguo des gammes DJ et audiophile m’as fait réaliser un très mauvais choix d’investissement sur la 2M Blue au lieu de la Bronze qui est déjà pas mal visiblement dans l’entrée haut de gamme.
En contrepartie, je ne peux pas affirmer que la 2M Blue est un haut de gamme, mais plutôt une bonne entrée de gamme.
excellente platine
une icone version hifi, ce modèle est une lecture parfaite du mythe japonnais avec les lunettes du 21e siècle: préampli de qualité integré, moteur silencieux, autolift.
la cellule 2M est incroyable de détail et le réglage exécuté par l'équipe de maplatine.com est impeccable.
Platine technics SL 1500
D excellents conseil pour le choix de cette platine. En phono ou via l ampli intégré de qualité, elle comblera les audiophiles. Équipe maplatine à l écoute et reactive pour mes réglages.
A conseiller !