Technics Turntable SL-MA1

[HomerJSimpson]

thoughts on this table ?

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ele/1452479844.html

 

[MisterFishey]

I might pay $100 for it, just based on that picture. The high gloss wood and thickness of the plinth suggests high end. The tonearm looks pretty good too. However, it clearly has a P-mount cartridge, which I have no issue with, but I know many people do... if you're close, I would check it out, never seen one of these before.

 

[12ax7]

Hopefully, you won't read this until you're back from the sellers house. That's a hell of a table. The Technics database lists it as having a removeable headshell. It was $498 new in the mid 80s.

 

[jimreeves]

I've seen one of those in the flesh and it's a beefy table. Good quality all around, one of the best Technics designed for home use. Don't recall it having a removeable shell though, T4P mount carts only. The owner told me that was the only drawback for him.

 

[epifanatic]

I've seen one of those in the flesh and it's a beefy table. Good quality all around, one of the best Technics designed for home use. Don't recall it having a removeable shell though, T4P mount carts only. The owner told me that was the only drawback for him.

He must have had a different arm on it because, it came with a standard mount, removeable headshell from the factory. Very nice table, you don't see many for sale, GO GET IT!!!!

 

[jimreeves]

Maybe those were available with interchangeable arm wands? I agree, go get it!

 

[relaximus]

Damn, that's a beautiful table!

From VinylEngine:

Description:

The Technics SL-MA1 is a 2-speed, quartz-controlled, direct-drive turntable with electronically controlled tonearm.

Specifications:

• Type: fully automatic
  
• Drive method: direct drive
  
• Motor: brushless DC motor
  
• Drive control method: quartz phase-locked
  
• Platter: 325mm aluminium die-cast
  
• Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
  
• Wow and flutter: 0.012% WRMS
  
• Rumble: -81dB
  
• Tonearm: static balance type
  
• Effective length: 230mm
  
• Effective mass: 9g (inc cartridge)
  
• Resonant frequency: 10Hz
  
• Stylus pressure range: 1.25g +-0.25g
  
• Dimensions: 453 x 170 x 408mm
  
• Weight: 9kg

Dave

 

[jimreeves]

That one definately has a removeable shell, looks just like the headshell on my PL-707.

 

[tubeboob]

Lovely TT with hefty build and good sonics. Beautiful to look at as well.

Only one potential drawback, and that is the P-mount cartridges. They're scarce and options are fewer than normal carts.

Still, at $100.00, jump on it.:thmbsp:

Cheers

 

[relaximus]

Mmm, Boron-Nickel tonearm and uses the same motor as the SL-1200! :thmbsp:

Dave

 

[brutal]

Major score if you get it.

 

[relaximus]

thoughts on this table ?

After you have picked it up (I assume you have gone to get it), I suspect you'll find that it really doesn't live up to your expectations. Just PM me for instructions on how to send it up to CT for proper disposal. I really hate to see a fellow AKer disappointed and will help you work through it.

I hope you get it Homer!!! :thmbsp:

Dave

 

[SA-708]

I paid around $150 for mine, and feel it was worth it. I'm back to using it's linear tracking big brother SL-M3 though. Mine has a p-mount arm with no removable headshell, but with fully adjustable tracking force & anti-skate.

 

[relaximus]

... Mine has a p-mount arm with no removable headshell, but with fully adjustable tracking force & anti-skate.

This is in agreement with all the information I've been able to garner on this table. I've been unable to find any instance (description, picture, etc.) that would suggest anything but a p-mount arm. Still, very much worth a c-note IMHO if for no other reason than it's relative rarity. I remember reading (somewhere) that this TT was touted as the "wooden" (plinth, I assume) version of the SL-1200. Just be sure to check the funky "touch controls" (I assume they are micro-switches and not Thorens-like) for the auto functions. There was some mention of them being occasionally troublesome. This would definitely make a sweet addition to a collection, especially coming from its original owner who touts limited use.

Dave

 

[relaximus]

I paid around $150 for mine, and feel it was worth it.

What does the (apparent) LED panel at the base of the tone arm indicate? Is it merely a visual indicator of the auto size/speed sensors?

Dave

 

[SA-708]

Tonearm on mine looks different than the one in the photo above. Mine definitely no removable headshell. It is also definitely "wooden", with faux-rosewood vinyl.

The LED panel has indicators for electronic antiskate engaged, which size of record was detected, and for the status of the arm (standby, playing, returning).

 

[analog addict]

I talked to HJS earlier today, and I think he's not interested at this price. However, I'm considering it....:scratch2:

 

[Nat]

The one in the picture has a removeable headshell -- that's why there is a locking thumb screw on the top. I had a M2, which had funky electronics but was a very impressive looking and sounding table. It was only TP4, but this one has a different arm.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Email sent....