SL-1500CS

Premium Class Direct Drive Turntable System

Also available in Black as SL-1500CK and White as SL-1500CW

The SL-1500C is a complete turntable system designed for a wide range of listeners and audio enthusiasts.

This carefully-crafted turntable is ready to be a part of a high-quality listening setup, and includes the acclaimed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.

It features a built-in phono preamp, compatible with MM cartridges so it can be connected to an audio product that does not have phono input terminals. The dedicated power supply for the phono equalizer is isolated from the power supply for the motor and control circuitry to reduce the effect of noise. It can also be bypassed, should you wish to use an external phono preamplifier.

The SL-1500C also includes a convenient auto lift feature: when the tonearm reaches the end of the record, the auto lifter automatically raises the tonearm. This prevents unnecessary wear on your vinyl records and stylus.

Coreless direct drive motor to achieve high precision, stable rotation, and reliability

Stable rotation is achieved by combining the coreless direct drive motor that reduces minute vibration during rotation, with motor control technology that switches the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor.
In addition to providing superior performance, the direct drive motor reduces the need for parts replacement or maintenance.

High-precision bearings for highly sensitive tonearm

Machine-cut, high-precision bearing used in the tonearm bearing with gimbal suspension allows for high initial response sensitivity and accurate record tracking.

Auto lift functionality

The turntable automatically lifts up the tone arm as a record finishes playing.

A complete package for high-quality listening

Built-in phono-equalizer preamplifier compatible with a wide range of devices.
Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge included.

Coreless Direct-Drive Motor Achieves High-Precision Stable Rotation

Graphic of Direct Drive Motor, Graphic of High Rigidity Cabinet

The single-rotor, coreless direct drive motor adopted by the SL-1200GR has been adapted to the SL-1500C. The two-layer aluminium die-cast platter platter on which the vinyl record is placed features deadening rubber on the entire back surface to eliminate unwanted resonance. This helps eliminate the rotation irregularity called cogging. T

The aluminium die-cast chassis is rigidly integrated with a special material consisting of ABS mixed with glass fiber to achieve a two-layer construction. The insulator is comprised of a spring and rubber to provide optimal vibration-damping characteristics.

The tonearm is a static-balance universal S-shape tonearm, another Technics tradition. By adopting a high-precision bearing using the same gimbal suspension construction and machined housing as the SL-1200 Series, high initial sensitivity is achieved.

In addition, reliability has been improved by incorporating a removable power cable and gold-plated terminals, which have less sound quality degradation, for the PHONO and LINE terminals.

Complete Turntable with a Built-in Phono Equalizer and Cartridge

Photo of Built-in Cartridge, Photo of Built-in Phono Equalizer terminals

In order to play analogue records right out of the box, the SL-1500C features a built-in phono equalizer and bundled cartridge. There is no need to separately purchase either one, making it easy to link with a wide range of audio equipment — but at the same time, music lovers who already have a separate phono preamplifier or cartridge, or wish to later upgrade to one, will be able to do so.

The shield structure of the built-in phono equalizer suppresses the effects of external noise and noise from the power supply. It is also equipped with a switch to turn the LINE output off when it is not being used. The turntable has been designed to thoroughly shut-out adverse effects to the PHONO output. The dedicated power supply for the PHONO output terminal is isolated from the power supply for the LINE output terminal, and has been designed to prioritize sound quality by minimising the wiring of the PHONO signal.

An Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, which is a highly acclaimed MM cartridge, has been selected for the SL-1500C. Combining this high-quality cartridge with the performance of the SL-1500C will extract brilliant sound quality from your vinyl records.

Auto Lift Functionality

Photo of Built-in Cartridge, Photo of Built-in Phono Equalizer terminals

When the tonearm reaches the end of the record, the Auto Lifter function automatically raises the cartridge. This prevents unnecessary wear on your valuable vinyl records and stylus.

In response to requests from many users regarding the Auto Lifter function, a design that prioritises sound quality was adopted. By embedding the Auto Lifter function in the base portion of the tonearm, it eliminates impacts to the tonearm. And thanks to a simple design that doesn’t use motor power, there is no electrical or vibrational impact and it will not prevent movement of the tonearm.

Simple Design with Functional Beauty

Photo of Simple Design with Functional Beauty

The SL-1500C is a relatively minimalistic turntable for Technics — there are no DJ-oriented features such as pitch control and reverse play — achieving simple and easy-to-use operability for listeners.

The design is simple, while retaining the superb operating feel that is a Technics tradition. The attractive appearance lets you enjoy playing records to your heart’s content, and has been designed to aesthetically fit into a modern audio system.　

Specifications

Turntable Section

Type Direct Drive Manual Turntable

Turntable Speeds 33-1/3, 45 and 78 r/min

Starting Torque 0.18 N・m / 1.8 kg・cm (1.56 lbs-in)

Build-up Characteristics 0.7 s. from standstill to 33 1/3 rpm

Wow And Flutter 0.025 % W.R.M.S.

Turntable Platter Aluminium diecast | Diameter : 332 mm (13-5/64 inch) | Weight : Approx. 2.0 kg (4.5 lbs) (Including Turntable Sheet)

Tonearm Section

Type Universal Static Balance

Effective Length 230 mm (9-1/16″)

Overhang 15 mm (19/32″)

Tracking Error Angle Within 2° 32’　(at the outer groove of 30 cm (12″) record) | Within 0° 32’　(at the inner groove of 30 cm (12″) record)

Applicable Cartridge Weight Range without auxiliary weight: 5.6 – 12.0 g | 14.3 – 20.7 g (including head shell) | with auxiliary weight: 10.0 – 16.4 g | 18.7 – 25.1 g (including head shell)

Head Shell Terminal Lug 1.2 mmφ 4-pin terminal lug

General

Power Supply AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Power Consumption 8 W |Approx. 0.2W (Standby)

Dimensions (W x H x D) 453 x 169 x 372 mm | 17-27/32 × 6-21/32 × 14-21/32 inch

Weight Approx. 9.9 kg | Approx. 21.2 lbs

Accessories Turntable, Turntable sheet, Dust cover, EP record adaptor, Balance weight, Auxiliary weight, Head shell, Cartridge (Ortofon 2M Red), PHONO cable, PHONO earth lead, AC power supply cord, Owner’s Manual