I bought a SL-1700 new when I was in college. I still have it and a SL-
1710 (220/120V) I'm modifying to play 78s. The rumble of a direct drive
turntable may not be acceptable for some, (-73db DIN B according to the
spec sheet) but I'm just an amateur vinyl miner/collector and I can't hear
it.

I like the original SL-1600, 1700 & 1800 turntables because they're heavy,
have a double-isolated suspension and continuous speed control (+/-10%).
The later MK2 models have quartz-lock speed controls. Earlier models (SL-
1300, 1400 & 1500) have single-isolated suspensions. See
<http://www.vintagetechnics.info/menu.htm> for more info.

The only reservation I have with the SL-1600 is that it's fully automatic,
which means there are more parts to get out of whack. The SL-1700 is semi-
automatic & the SL-1800 is manual.

If you're looking to pick up one of these turntables, the one consistent
problem I've found with used SL-1700s is that the speed selector knob
(33/45) gets bound up and won't turn. It's just the grease in the
underlying switch drying out. This sometimes results in the platter not
turning. Disassemble the turntable, clean and re-lube that switch, and
you're good to go.

--
Jon Ruth
Kent, Ohio

On 16 Jan 2011 at 23:07, Stewart Gooderman wrote:

> I have a Technics SL 1600 direct drive turntable. Would anybody on the
> list care to offer a critique on its quality?
>
> DrG