About 30 years ago, in the 1980's Technics (made by Matsushita) introduced a line of very fine "record player" turntables that featured direct drive and linear tracking. They were very popular and were known for very low rumble and very low wow and flutter, lower than anything currently produced even among the high end "froo froo" belt drive turntables that are so popular, and expensive today. It is amazing to see how much of the Technics design reflects the operational characteristics of CD players, yet the tracking technology is as old as the Edison cylinder talking machines - the very first record player in history!
This video explores the maintenance needed for the Technics-- SL-L92 Turntable with Shure cartridge, an excellent combination for a fine vinyl audio experience! The turntable is a bit reminiscent of a toy "close and play" record player because it will ONLY operate when the lid is closed!
But this is no toy! It can play a 33-1/3 LP or 45 rpm acetate "ref" disc or commercial vinyl record with great fidelity and quality sound. Much of that is due to the great Shure p-mount cartridge which has a nice wide stereo image, good bass and clear high end.
Specs: Quartz Direct Drive
Brushless DC motor
0.012 WRMS wow and flutter
-56 to -78 dB rumble
1.25 fixed stylus pressure
The turntable came in two colors, silver and black, and this video features the black model. It has front top mounted controls that operate with the cover closed, but it also features some modest settings controls for speed, tone arm sensitivity and pure automatic or manual operation.
In automatic, the turntable recognizes the record placement on the mat and sets the appropriate speed automatically and stylus set down point automatically.
As will be seen in the video, the connections to the turntable are contained in a recessed panel on the lower back of the unit and include a detachable RCA phono cable (L/R), a detachable power cord and a detachable ground line.
This machine is about 30 years old and this is the FIRST maintenance I have done on it, to replace a stretched belt for the linear tracking motor and the oil, which after about 30 years has become a bit "gooey".
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Copyright Disclaimer:
This is an educational video, a critique, and report on an historic piece of vintage audio electronic equipment that is no longer manufactured or sold in stores. It is covered by the Fair Use Section of U.S. Copyright Law:
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."
The selection of original music is NOT played by the turntable. It is "Dream Angels" - composed and performed by Tim Thompson - and comes from "The Dream Angel Oracle" a computer software divination program for the 21st Century soul. It is available from ClydeSight Productions.
http://www.clydesight.com/DAO
Enjoy!
