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Technics SL-D2 vs. SL-D20
- Thread starter richh
- Start date
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hakaplan
Needs professional help
Their only similarity is that they are both direct drive and semi-automatic. The SL-D2 has an s-arm and can use any cartridge. The D20 has a straight p-mount arm, which is limited to p-mount (plug in) cartridges. It is plug and play, which is nice for some, but the lack of any adjustments limits the ability to tweak and experiment to fine tune the sound. If simplicity and ease is what you're after, it's the D20. If more serious listening is the goal, it's the D2.
thedelihaus
Nocturnal transmissions
I owned a D2. Very reliable table.
I've got a D2 now, though it's not in service. It's a workhorse.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
SL-D2 is best here. With it you have a very fine S tonearm and cartridge choices galore. I once owned one, my first Technics turntable. The D20 is good in it's own right, but P mount cartridges only, limiting your cartridge options. The SL-D2 has a low-medium mass tonearm and is well suited for about any better MM and some MC cartridges. Reliable and well made for it's class and available reasonably priced.
Balifly
Listening
Great work horse !!!
It is made in 1979-1980.
$170.00 ($150.00 for the SL-D2)
Servo
Automatic ( Semi-automatic for the SL-D2 )
Curve S arm
I just bought a Sl-D202, very similar, just a year later model (1981) with Shure M75 EJ cartridge pristine condition, the cover is "gin clear".
Only had chance to play one LP on it, my sister lay claim to it already.
It is made in 1979-1980.
$170.00 ($150.00 for the SL-D2)
Servo
Automatic ( Semi-automatic for the SL-D2 )
Curve S arm
I just bought a Sl-D202, very similar, just a year later model (1981) with Shure M75 EJ cartridge pristine condition, the cover is "gin clear".
Only had chance to play one LP on it, my sister lay claim to it already.
bsujeep
Go Boise State!!!
The D1, D2, and D3 are the manual, semi-auto, and fully auto versions of the same table. They were made in 79-80. I do not know how the auto functions are setup on these, however I assume they don't have much problem as I have not heard of this. YMMV as always.
Bill
Balifly beat me to it, gotta learn how to type with more than one finger at a time.
Old_Tech
Yer-isn't!
It is made in 1979-1980.
$170.00 ($150.00 for the SL-D2)
Servo
Automatic ( Semi-automatic for the SL-D2 )
Curve S arm
I just bought a Sl-D202, very similar, just a year later model (1981) with Shure M75 EJ cartridge pristine condition, the cover is "gin clear".
Only had chance to play one LP on it, my sister lay claim to it already.
So it has the standard mount then? I was wondering if these were a good table as Technics goes?? :scratch2:
170 in 1980 that seems to be middle line or so.
thedelihaus
Nocturnal transmissions
These tables were designed for strong performance at a wallet friendly price.
If you're back to looking at Technics tables, these are great budget buys, but for ultimate performance (not including linear trackers or the uber-pricey SP-10/15/25s) stick with the 1100-1700 series I or better, the 1200/1600-1800 series II.
Balifly
Listening
Standard mount, I was looking to upgrade the Shure M75 EJ for something better.
This was one of my choice http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...t_Code=NAGAOKAMP011&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART
This was one of my choice http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...t_Code=NAGAOKAMP011&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART
boreas
"If it sounds good, it IS good." E.K.E.
And I owned an SL-D20. It was the first table I picked up when I got back into vinyl. Like the SL-D2, it was a real workhorse. It was also surprisingly good sonically for a P-mount and actually had an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate adjustment, not all that common in a P-mount.
Both were $150.00 tables when new around 1980. Both are direct drive. Both were servo controlled. Both had some measure of arm adjustment. The principle difference would seem to be in the arm itself with the SL-D2 winning since it allows you to use a wide variety of high quality cartridges.
I think you'd probably be pleased with either one. The choice might come down to price (pay less for the 20 unless condition dictates otherwise) and/or the convenience of the P-mount vs. the flexibility of the 1/2" mount.
John
One thing to consider is that turntables were the primary method of music reproduction in those days. Because everyone was building them and lots of money was being poured into R&D (and it could be done affordably by selling lots of units), the "bang for the buck" factor was greater than it is in today's world where new TTs are a higher-end niche product.
boreas
"If it sounds good, it IS good." E.K.E.
I really like the sound of the D2 I was using. It only got pushed out of service because the JVC QL-L2 was shifted to the bedroom system by the mighty PS-X70.
richh
Active Member
Thanks for the great responses, especially appreciate the efforts to keep the thread on topic as old tech seemed determined to hijack it. All in all though all of these technics tables seem to have much in common and share decent quality for the price , that coupled with great durability throughout the line convinces me that whichever table I choose I'll end up with a pretty nice piece of equipment. I also have a Thorens 166 MKll that i'm rebuilding but need something reasonably priced to keep me going. Once again I really appreciate the great input.