Technics | Vintage-Turntable.com

The Technics SL-D3 is a fully automatic, direct drive turntable. It was produced from 1978 until 1980 and retailed for around $170 . The motor is B-FG servo controlled and will run at 33 and 45 rpm. The stock cartridge is an EPC-270C moving magnet.

Here are the basic specs:

Type: fully automatic turntable
Platter: 312mm aluminium alloy
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Motor: B-FG servo controlled
Pitch control: 10%
Wow and flutter: 0.03% WRMS
Rumble: -75dB
Tonearm: static balance, tubular
Tracking force adjustment: 0 to 2.5g
Effective length: 230mm
Cartridge: EPC-270C moving magnet
Dimensions: 430 x 130 x 375mm
Weight: 7.1kg

Even though the Technics SL-D3 was made as an entry level turntable, its performance is very good. The S-shaped, low mass, Gimbal suspension tonearm is excellent. While the SL-D3 is not Quartz locked, the platter speed is controlled by pulse detection circuitry, which works just as well.

Overall the SL-D3 has few drawbacks given its price range. The dust cover hinges tend to stiffen with age and cause the plastic at the back of the cover to break. The memo-repeat slider can get dirty as well and cause minor problems. But, that just requires a good cleaning to fix. In all the SL-D3 is a very reliable turntable. And, being fully automatic it easy to use.

The Technics SL-D3 sells for about $100 to $250 depending upon condition and, of course, the cartridge it has. This is a great price for an entry level turntable that is reliable and simple to use.

Listings from eBay

Vintage Technics SL-D3 Turntable In Original Box

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The Technics SL-BD22 is both and vintage and not-so-vintage turntable. It hung around for quite awhile before finally being discontinued. I believe it was on the market from around late 1985 up until about 2000. It is one of the last turntables Technics built before they got out of the lower/mid end turntable market.

The SL-BD22 is an inexpensive but decent belt-drive, semi-automatic turntable with a P-mount arm which makes it easy to setup for those newer to the turntable scene. The drawback is that there are not many adjustments that one can make. There are not a lot of options in terms of upgrades either. Cartridges and cables can be replaced with higher quality versions and sound dampening can be installed but most everything else is set in place.

There are no tracking and antiskating adjustments that can be made. Still, it is a well built and reliable turntable for the price. It retailed at around $100 when first introduced and around $190 when finally discontinued.

It came stock with a Technics EPC-P24 cartridge. For those on a budget the P-Mount AT92E cartridge will fit nicely. Just plug it in and you’re ready to play.

Listings from eBay

The belt is easily changeable and cheap at around $10. Just be sure to clean out all of the old belt residue as it can cause variations in the rotational speed.

Listings from eBay

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Record player Turntable belt for Technics SL-B270, SL-B500, SL-BD21, SL-BD22,**

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The SL-BD22 features:

Quiet and precise belt-drive motor system
Speeds of 33.33 and 45 RPM
P-Mount cartridge connector system
Highly sensitive gimbal suspension tonearm
DC motor with FG servo control
Auto return and Auto stop
Wow and flutter: 0.06% wrms
Rumble: 70dB
Variable Pitch Control
Static balanced straight tonearm
Dimensions – 17 x 15 x 4 inches
Weight – 9.8 pounds
Anti-Resonant Cabinet
Built in illuminated stroboscope

The Technics SL-BD22 is not an audiophile turntable. It has few upgrade options and is definitely a no frills table. It is, however, well built, easy to setup and performs very well for the price. As an entry level turntable it really can’t be beat. For around $100 or so you can be listening to your vinyl collection in no time.