Technics SL-1500C vs Technics SL-1200GR | Which turntable is the best for you?

⬇️ Check out these two awesome turntables ⬇️

[timothykeenan]

This is a model of how you should do an audio review, especially a comparative review. There's no superfluous waffle, just detailed, helpful information. 10/10!

[martybrazill]

I love the ability to easily swap head shells. Very convenient if you have a 78 style cartridge and mono cartridge in your collection.

[PopExpo]

That's how you know when a product is truly innovative.... When the modern version of it is not much different than the original. They got it right the first time. Very few products can say that about themselves.

[misterwirez]

I own the SL-Q2 silver model. I still love this thing. Nice solid table more reasonably sized for home, but still 17 pounds stock. You can pack 10lbs of clay under it too.

[QoraxAudio]

The pitchfader is also useful for 78s that aren't cut at the right speed.

[HarleyFLHRCI]

Obviously to do a fair test between them you used the line out on both and not the preamp output of the 1500. Would’ve liked a test of the 1500 using it’s own preamp against the GR and line out.

[Дмитрий_С-зч]

Thanks a lot! I'm between Technics sl-1500c and Dual 618q. Both have strong and weak points. What would be your advice given every day listening using active speakers? And what device is more robust and durable in long term?

[PopExpo]

The Technics 1200 series went far beyond the home consumer market it was intended for. Dare I say, Its in the same league as a Fender Stratocaster? As far as it's wide spread use across multiple genres, in the studio and in live performances, the amount of timeless innovation put into it's design, .... Yeah, I personally think so.

[pf]

Actually just bought my very first turntable about two and half years ago and it was a Technics. It was one of the higher end models though with a Soundsmith Zephyr cartridge.

[Broadmaynewood]

Great review..I have just ordered a 1210 GR here in the Uk and will fit my Koetsu Red cartridge and Collaro mat ..Happy days

[knockshinnoch]

Another first rate review. No nonsense just down to the practical nuts and bolts facts

[Trojan]

Automatic was a must for me so got a restored 1600mk2.

[RUfromthes]

i think something is wrong, and the description couldn´t be more wrong, the sl-1200 was a working turntable (doesn´t have auto-return ) made for radio stations and the sp-10 if memory doesn´t fail me was much above in the sound quality i ended up buying a sl-1000mkII(79- complete Sp-10mkII) that were much better than the sl-1200 that also owned two mkII because i worked for 35 years as a dj, but at the time the "audiophiles" said that the sl-1200 or the mkII were bad turntables, working ones not for home use, the sp-10 is one of them(diferent assembly options with a proper tonearm and needle). I started a radio station and bought some thorens professional turntables and around 72, it came out the first sl-1200, that i bought two, the sp-10 is from the 72/73 catalog that is for the costumer choose what to put on the turntable whatever he wants so it doesn´t came with a arm but sold already asembled to the ones who choose to buy it but didn´t had enough information to choose wich arm to use(being the SL-1000).Not a doubt the SL-1500 is good as the other also good and a litle improved but soundwise if you have a room with minimum space both would fit perfect both of those turntables are remakes of the 70´s turntables allthough in the 70´s you had a lot to choose from this regarding technics. To end, this today are the best turntables budget friendly one can buy all others cost a fortune. Around 1.000€ are so bad that even if they cost alf i wouldn´t buy one, technics is the only choice, there are others but cost several thousands of €´s, there are more but one find the same model sold by two other brands with litle diferences, this time i´m going to end by saying that i bought a complete new system and the SL-1500 was my choice almost bought a Magnat but prefered the amplifier with tubes, hybrid amplifier as they call them also the speakers i bought from magnat those that loook old and the biggest ones, already this year but on the doors that open in my table for the amp and turntable i have a ct-959 cassette deck and a md-j707 minidisc deck both from pioneer with a akai tape selector, this new amp. only as one output . Regards

[sethfm]

A very thorough comparison of these Technics turntables.

[ericharrelson]

Thorough review, nicely done; enjoyed it.

[fastrick]

Hello, I just bought myself a Technics SL1200gr with an Ortofon Bronze. I love it, lots of detail, clear sound and great depth. I have heard of the Funk Firm APM Achromat Turntable Mat. What do you think of this expensive addition? They say it improves the bass a lot. Thank you !

[hobhood]

Interestingly Steve Guttenberg said he couldn't hear any real difference between the two in his comparative review. He also used $800 cartridge on both. But then he's not selling TT's...

[davidst]

Thanks I thought the 1500 was just the 1200 without the speed control. I would like to see a model just like the 1200 with only the speed control missing as I would never use it.

[andynovak]

Hi there - I currently own a Linn Basik turntable that I've had for well over 20 years. I'm looking for the "last" table that will last me another 20+ years and is step up from my Linn Basik and is as good or better than a Rega P6 while not breaking the bank. What do you recommend that you carry? Will the SL-1500C do it or do I need to go up from there?

[pravstar]

I bought my 1200gr second hand from someone who also had the 1200c and kept that instead. To me even with a nagaoka mp200 the gr needs a bit of tweaking