Technics SL-M 1

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Technics
• Model: SL-M 1
• Type: Record player
• Years of manufacture: 1983 - 1991
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Rosewood frame foiled
• Power consumption: 20 W
• Dimensions: 453 x 170 x 406 mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 10.2 kg
• Original price approx.: 850 DM

Connections

• Inputs: none
• Outputs: Cinch cable (stereo) not removable, ground cable

Technical Data

• Drive: quartz-controlled direct drive
• Motor:
• Speed: 33 1/3, 45 rpm
• Synchronous speed variation: 0.022% WRMS (JIS C5521), ±0.031% (IEC 98A rated)
• Rumble noise ratio:
  • IEC 98A unweighted: 70 dB
  • IEC 98A rated: 82 dB
• Turntable: Injection moulded aluminium, 325 mm, 2.5 kg
• Operating mode: semi-automatic (arm lifts automatically at the end of the outfeed groove)
• Pitch: no (for Europe and Japan version !) yes (for US version ! )
• Tonearm: tube (S-shaped on EU and Japan version), dynamically balanced, SME headshell, straight arm on US version with T4P connector!

Overhang: 15 mm

• Pickup: -

• More data at "Vinyl Engine": [1]

Special Features'

• Stroboscope
• Electric tone arm lift

Remarks

• Other models in the same series:
• Technics SL-BD 22
• Technics SL-DD 33
• Technics SL-L 3
• Technics SL-L 20
• Technics SL-M 1
• Technics SL-M 2
• Technics SL-M 3
• Technics SL-MA 1
• Technics SL-QD 33
• Technics SL-1200 MK2
• Technics SL-1210MK2
• Technics SP-10 MK 3

Pictures

• Image: Technics SL-M 1

• Picture: Technics SL-M 1

• Image: Technics SL-M 1

1024px

• Image: Technics SL-M 1

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Reviews

• Bought this turntable as a teenager in 1985 at Rhein-Radio in Bonn. To this day the unit works flawlessly, only the lift control button needs a second click now and then before it does its job.

I first used the SL-M1 with an Audio-Technica AT140 LC MM cartridge. Bass range is rather slim with this combination, but the resolution is excellent. All in all a quite analytical sound.

• Later I used an ELAC 794 MM system, which reached lower in the bass range, but sounded somewhat warmer in the treble range with comparable resolution. Nice combination.
• After a longer "vinyl break" I used an Ortofon Vinyl Master Red for a short time, which obviously does not harmonize with the tonearm (needle compliance of the VM seems a bit too high). The VM red sounds on the SL-M1 rather dull and somewhat underexposed in the highs - completely atypical for this otherwise as well-reputed system.

In the future, an Ortofon MC Rondo Red MC system (425.- € RRP) will do its job on my turntable.

• Pro:
  • timeless design, very elegant turntable.
  • very good workmanship
  • target speed is reached very quickly (similar to SL-1210)
  • heavy platter
  • maintenance-free quartz direct drive

• Contra:
  • from time to time contact problems of the lift button

• Conclusion:
• After a Dual CS14 Reibradler with Shure system accompanied me through my childhood, my SL-M1 has now provided me with almost 25 years of faithful service. Even if I will perhaps someday afford something more high-end (eg VPI - The Classic) I will certainly never give the Technics out of the hands - and certainly not only for nostalgic reasons.

sae