TechnicsTurntable, Premium Class HiFi Record Player with Coreless Direct, Stable Playback, Audiophile-Grade Cartridge and Auto-Lift Tonearm, Dustcover Included – SL-100C, Black (SL-100C-K)

The two main reasons I purchased the Technics SL-100c were the adjustable VTA of the tonearm and the removable headshell. Other things that were important to me were looks, sound quality, ease of use and value for money.Of all the new Technics black turntables available now, I think this one looks the sharpest with its silver accents and lack of "dj features."Sound quality is subjective, but technically this table measurably excels in all categories. I currently own three turntables that are each in a different room with different speakers. From my personal experience, it is really the room itself that plays the biggest role on the sound of a home stereo system. Compared to my Denon DP-3000NE, the Technics SL-100C is nearly its equal as far as sound quality. I can appreciate the differences in "tuning" between these two turntables. The sound differences between the DP-3000NE and SL-100C are difficult to describe, but, I would roughly characterize the differences as round versus sharp, respectively. Another way of describing this turntable's sound is neutral. I believe this neutrality also allows someone to easily experience the nuances and qualities of different phono cartridges.Playing a record is one of the most tactile experiences in hi-fi listening. As far as ease of use, this record player requires no regular maintenance, no belt changes, no complicated set up and easily switches to play different speeds. My own experiences with its auto-lift/semi-automatic features have been positive. I appreciate though the option to turn the auto lift off with only a flick of a small switch on the back of the turntable. I did activate the hidden features including auto stop, auto power off and changing the position of where the auto lift off activates to closer to the spindle. These hidden or easter egg features are activated by pushing the control buttons on the turntable in a particular sequence that are available on both the Technics SL-100C and SL-1500C. Instead of me describing how to do it here, I would recommend instead to easily search for it on internet chat forums and you tube videos if you intend to try it for yourself.Finally in my assessment of value for money, it follows the rule of diminishing returns in hi-fi. I changed the rca cables to world's best Mogami 2964s and the rubber platter mat to a Hudson Hifi Acrylic. I also added an IsoAcoustics zaZen II platform, a KAB auxiliary tonearm weight and a record weight. Not counting the Hana ML cartridge currently installed, it adds about $300 worth in upgrades. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Is it necessary? Absolutely not.This is a great looking and awesome sounding turntable. It is audiophile premium grade turntable that is compatible with a wide variety of moving magnet, moving iron or moving coil cartridges that adds value to an enthusiast who likes to swap out cartridges with ease. It has a silent advanced technologically engineered motor trickled down from Technic's most expensive turntables making this "entry level" version a good choice for most.My first record player was a Technics SL-QD33 I got for Christmas in 1985, it served me well for nearly 40 years. If your budget is around $1000 for a new record player, this one is a great pick and I highly recommend it. This is a fun hobby. Enjoy the music!

Just for starters, I received my turntable a couple of days ago and I finally got a chance to get it set up and running. After getting the through the initial tweeks I now have it up and running. It took maybe 45 minutes at the most to get it setup, but believe me it has been worth every minute getting together.Setup was not that difficult, the instructions were easy to follow.Well now for the first listening. I put Howard Jones- Hide & Seek( long version) on and I’m here to tell you the clarity was amazing. Next selection was Andreas Vollenweider- Dancing with the Lion and it sounds simply amazing as well. And last but not least Checkfield - Water, Wind and Stone, this was another home run. This turntable brings out the clarity and brightness of the songs I could not hear before. Simply amazing.I guess if there is one negative thing is the Auto-Lift, it can take up to 60 seconds to engage and it can engage before the end of the last song finishes playing on each side of the run-off. To me this is no game changer. I simply just turn the switch off. Problem solved.I started using the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C cartridge which is included with this turntable.This is a good cartridge. But I changed the cartridge to the AT-VM95SH and this a major improvement to the overall sound. I’m hearing instruments in the songs that I couldn’t hear before. I couldn’t hear this much clarity with my Fluance RT85N turntable which came with the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge.The SL-100C turntable takes your music to another level.I highly recommend this outstanding turntable, you will not be disappointed. Also I was able to get this at a lower price point.Cheers 🎶

Outstanding turntable from the folks that pioneered and perfected direct drive. Coming from many different belt drive tables over my 50 years in the hobby, the latest being a Pro-Ject X1 this is my first direct drive. I'm a believer! The speed stability truly makes a difference in the presentation of the music. I was one of the folks who was taught and truly believed that belt drive was superior in eliminating motor noise due to the decoupling of belt. I will say with SL-100C I haven't noticed any appreciable noise at all. What I have noticed is the timing and pace of the music is more lifelike. It draws you into the performance and makes you want to listen to more and more music, after all isn't that what this hobby is all about. I won't get into the spec's here, but the features this table offers are exceptional. While my X1 offers VTA adjustment it is nowhere near as easy to set as the SL-100's. The main reason I purchased the Technics was the ease of changing cartridges (I have a few). This is not the first table I've owned with that capability, but it's been a minute since I have. I think if you are an analog enthusiast and this is within your budget, I would put this on your short list.