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!

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.

I received my Technics in September of 2023, and would like to share my thoughts on what I feel is the best value on the turntable market, one year later.Technics builds a wide range of models, all the way up to their 20 grand reference series. They've been designing phonograph players for 60 years and have built some of best selling models of all time, including the SL-1200 series.What attracted me to the 100-c was build, function and price. This model offers the same build of the 1200 without all the strobe lighting and pitch control DJing features I did not care for. The chassis is aluminum with damping material to reduce vibration. It comes in at 20 lbs. It features the same mid weight tonearm as the 1200 that will accommodate a wide variety of MM/MC cartridges and 6mm of adjustable height control. The auto-lift is spotty at best, but will eventually pick up should you leave the room and forget you have a record playing. I would suggest going online and learn how to calibrate this feature. The shell is plastic with no aluminum top. The feet are it's downfall. I replaced the rubber/ plastic ones with machined aluminum, sorbathane filled feet and this really steadied vibration and lowered the noise floor. The Audio Technica 95 conical cartridge is also budget and was immediately replaced by one of my MC carts. Alot of these budget friendly features are easily replaceable and upgradable but I understand Technics reasoning as wanting to keep cost as low as possible. The speed is rock solid on both 33 and 45 rpm with the same coreless motor used on the 1200 and many other Technics models. It does also offer 78 speed, but I have yet to try it. The brass platter mat (pictured) was another add-on and offers no benefits except for a slight static reduction and aesthetics. Finally in conclusion, the price, ranging from $899 to $1099 is a tremendous value when you consider prices for a well made turntable these days. To own a well made turntable, while listening to a well pressed vinyl record is second to none. This deck checks all the boxes for me, and one year later, I have no intentions of replacing it.