Technics SL-5 Turntable – Silver

Here we have a vintage (early 80’s) SL-5 direct-drive linear tracking automatic turntable from Japanese company Technics. In fully working condition this deck comes suitably packaged with our regular three month warranty – noting that this does not cover the fitted cartridge.
Technics said….
It’s no coincidence that all records are cut on the linear tracking principle. Experience has taught record companies there’s no other way to ensure absolute fidelity and accuracy. Doesn’t it make sense, then, for hi-fi manufacturers to follow in their tracks? We certainly think so.
In fact we now make no less than six linear tracking turntables. And all of them designed to play at precisely the angle record grooves are cut. You don’t have to be a hi-fi nut to appreciate the advantages over conventional tonearms.
Because the stylus sits more comfortably in the grooves, there’s less room for tracking error. Which in turn means there’s less risk of sound distortion.
Naturally, making a linear tracking turntable demands a level of engineering skill rather above the norm. But what else would you expect from the people who perfected direct-drive turntables. Even we can’t improve on the way records are made. Only the way they’re played.
Technics developed the SL-5 to give you the many advantages of LP-jacket size linear tracking performance at a more modest price than ever before.
As you can see, the SL-5 is no larger than a stack of 12” LP records. Yet within this compact cabinet are some of the most advanced turntable features available today. For one thing, the SL-5 is completely automatic, thanks to microprocessor control. Simply put on a record and press the start button. Disc size and speed selection are automatic and foolproof for standard LPs and EPs.
Manual operation is also possible to deal with special cases. Accidental stylus damage is virtually impossible, because the tonearm will not move onto an empty platter. Technics advanced direct drive motor with integral rotor/platter construction assures extremely low wow & flutter and long term dependability. Also under microprocessor control is the linear tracking tonearm with optoelectronic sensing system, gimbal suspension, and dynamic balance. This assures that your records are played the same way that they were originally cut, without the problems of tracking error or skating. The tonearm is compatible with the new world standard plug-in connector cartridges now available from Audio-Technica, Shure and more, as well as Technics.
Feather-touch electronic controls are located on the front panel. These include cueing and repeat. The start and stop buttons double as search controls, so you can move the tonearm inward and outward to find a desired cut. You never touch the tonearm itself.
Other valuable features include TNRC cabinet construction to block out acoustic feedback, heavy 12” aluminium diecast platter, built-in 45 rpm adaptor, and tonearm position LED indicator and scale.
Features:
Direct drive automatic turntable
Auto start/Auto lead-in
Auto return
Auto stop
Repeat play
Auto speed select
Manual speed selection possible
Auto size select
Record presence detection
Specifications:
Turntable Section:
Drive Method: Direct drive
Motor: Brushless DC motor
Turntable Platter: Diameter 30 cm (12”); Die-cast Aluminium
Turntable Speeds: 33.3 rpm and 45 rpm, Auto speed select
Wow and flutter: 0.012% WRMS; 0.025% WRMS (JIS C5521); + 0.035% peak (IEC 98A Weighted)
Rumble: – 56 dB (IEC 98A Unweighted); – 78 dB (IEC 98A Weighted)
Tonearm Section:
Type: Dynamic balanced type Linear tracking tonearm 4-pivot gimbal suspension
Effective length: 10.5 cm
Tracking error angle: Within ± 0.1°
Effective mass: 9 g (including cartridge)
Resonance frequency: 12 Hz
Tonearm drive motor: DC motor
Phono cable capacitance: 150 pF
Mains: 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Power consumption: 10 W
Dimensions: 315 (W) x 315 (D) x 88 (H) mm, 390 (H) mm (when open)
Weight: 4.4 kg