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.
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.
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.
Anyone who knows where to buy a suitable motor for the SL-BD22?
Why are these record players holding such a wonderful value? They’re not that old but not that rare? I have one in really really nice shape and I’m thinking about selling it or pawning it Since I don’t even have a record anymore