Technics SL-M 1 specifications

General

connectors

Tech nical data

special features

sae

drive: quartz driven direct drive
engine:
speed: 33 1/3, 45 U/min
a rating of wow and flutter: 0,022% WRMS (JIS C5521), ±0,031% (IEC 98A)
rumple-to-noise ratio:
- IEC 98A unweighted: 70 dB
- IEC 98A rating: 82 dB
turntable: aluminum die casting, 325 mm, 2.5 kg
mode of operation: semi-automatic (Arm lifts at the end of the groove automatically)
fixed Pitch: no (in the case of Europe and Japan-Version !) yes (for US version! )
Tonearm: Tube (S-shaped for EU and Japan version), dynamically balanced, SME headshell, straight arm for US version with T4P connection!
- Overhang: 15 mm
Pickup: -

I bought this turntable as a teenager in 1985 at Rhein- I bought a radio in Bonn. To this day, the device works perfectly, only the button for lift control needs a second click from time to time before it fulfills its task.

I first drove the SL-M1 with an Audio-Tech nica AT140 LC MM pickup system. The bass range of this combo is rather slim, but the resolution is excellent. Overall, a rather analytical sound image.
Later I used an ELAC 794 MM system, which reached lower in the bass range, sounded a little warmer in the treble range at a comparable resolution. Nice combination.
After a longer "vinyl break"I used an 7ee6bd4e01033ee909e058b5c60f7a7d Vinyl Master Red for a short time, which obviously does not harmonize with the tonearm (needle compliance of the VM seems a bit too high). The VM red sounds rather dull on the SL-M1 and slightly underexposed in the treble - completely atypical for this otherwise well-lit system.

In the future, an 6c20bb4396255f6e1328878b3eeeb003 MC system (425.- € RRP) is to perform its service on my turner.

Conclusion :
After a dual CS14 friction cyclist with Shure system accompanied me through my childhood, my SL-M1 has been serving me faithfully for almost 25 years now. Even if I might someday afford something more high-end (e.g. VPI -The Classic), I will certainly never let the Tech nics out of my hands - and certainly not just for nostalgic reasons.

Technics SL-M 1