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Technics SL-1500C Semi-automatic direct-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp (Black)

Item # 133SL1500B

This high-quality turntable uses signature Technics technology to bring out the best in your cherished records.

This high-quality turntable uses signature Technics technology to bring out the best in your cherished records.

18 questions - 63 answers

Item # 133SL1500B

Ships free

On backorder
Expected: 7/19/2024
$1,299.95

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About the Technics SL-1500C

Eric A.

A new turntable with an excellent pedigree

Technics introduced the first direct-drive turntable to the market in 1970, and though they took a break for a while, they've returned with an excellent lineup. The SL-1500C is an audiophile-quality turntable that comes in at a very reasonable price, and doesn't skimp on technological goodies for the serious vinyl lover. At the heart of this turntable is Technics' signature coreless direct-drive motor. It delivers high torque and rotational stability, and eliminates an audible effect called "cogging" that lesser motors may exhibit.

A new turntable with an excellent pedigree

Technics introduced the first direct-drive turntable to the market in 1970, and though they took a break for a while, they've returned with an excellent lineup. The SL-1500C is an audiophile-quality turntable that comes in at a very reasonable price, and doesn't skimp on technological goodies for the serious vinyl lover. At the heart of this turntable is Technics' signature coreless direct-drive motor. It delivers high torque and rotational stability, and eliminates an audible effect called "cogging" that lesser motors may exhibit.

Flexible connections

The SL-1500C has a built-in phono preamp, so you can hook up to a receiver or pair of powered speakers without going through an outboard preamp first. There's a dedicated RCA stereo line output for the preamp, which can be switched off when not in use to eliminate a potential source of performance-robbing noise.

An adaptable tonearm

When I was a kid, I had a cheap turntable, and one of my favorite records was slightly warped. Someone told me to put a penny on top of the cartridge, so the extra weight would keep the needle from skipping out of the hilly groove. Imagine my amazement when a Technics trainer intentionally played us a record with a very visible warped section. The turntable's static-balanced tonearm played the record perfectly, moving easily with the flaw in the vinyl — no loose change required.

A high-quality Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is pre-installed on a removable headshell, so you can easily upgrade or swap to a custom needle at any time. To help save unwanted wear and tear on the stylus, the SL-1500C is equipped with a defeatable auto-lift mechanism that will raise the needle when it reaches the lead-out groove at the end of a record side.

Rugged build quality

The SL-1500C's two-layer, die-cast aluminum chassis is integrated with a mixture of ABS and glass fiber to resist external vibrations. The dense platter — also made of die-cast aluminum — is backed by a sound-damping layer of rubber that helps ensure you hear nothing but the music contained on your records.

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Product highlights:

  • Featured in our article: Best turntables for 2024
  • coreless direct-drive motor offers high torque performance
  • lightweight static-balance S-shaped aluminum tonearm reads grooves accurately
  • factory-installed Ortofon 2M red cartridge on removable headshell
  • die-cast aluminum platter
    • two-layer structure with anti-resonance rubber backing
  • automatic tonearm lift (defeatable)
    • platter continues to spin after tonearm lifts
    • tonearm must be returned to rest manually
  • high-precision motor controller increases rotational stability
  • built-in phono preamp compatible with moving magnet cartridges
    • when switch is set to ON, the right-hand RCA output must be connected to a standard line input (labeled AUX, CD, or TAPE)
    • when switch is set to OFF, the left-hand RCA output must be connected to an outboard phono preamp or dedicated phono input
  • stereo RCA phono output with ground terminal
  • stereo RCA line-level output
  • 33-1/3, 45 and 78 rpm speeds
  • wow and flutter: 0.025%
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 17-7/8"W x 6-11/16"H x 14-5/8"D (with dust cover down)
  • weight: 21.9 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years turntable, 1 year included cartridge
  • MFR # SL-1500C-K

What's in the box:

  • Turntable
  • Tone-arm (pre-installed)
  • Headshell (with catridge and stylus)
  • 45RPM adapter
  • Balance weight
  • Auxiliary weight
  • Mat
  • Dust cover
  • 63" AC power cord
  • 58" Stereo RCA cable
  • 58" Ground wire
  • Owner's Manual
  • Sticker labels

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Customer reviews for Technics SL-1500C

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4.5 out of 5 stars
134 reviews

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More details on the Technics SL-1500C

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Features
Color Black
Operation Semi Automatic
Speeds 33-1/3, 45, 78
Speed Control Electronic
Drive Type Direct
Pitch Control No
Phono Preamp Built-in
USB Output No
Bluetooth Built-In No
45 RPM Adapter Yes
Audio Cable Detachable
Power Cable Detachable AC Cable (3-pole)
Materials and Construction
Plinth Aluminum/ABS/Glass Fiber
Platter Aluminum
Tone Arm Shape S-shaped
Tone Arm Material Aluminum
Tone Arm Lift Finger, Lever
Cartridge Info
Included Cartridge Ortofon 2M RED
Cartridge Type MM
Removable Headshell Straight
Tracking Weight 1.8 g (1.8mN)
Frequency Response 20-20,000
Output Voltage 5.5
Load Impedance 47,000
Load Capacitance 100-200
Audio Specs
Signal to Noise Ratio ---
Wow and Flutter 0.025
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (Inches) 17.875
Height (Inches) 6.6875
Depth (Inches) 14.625
Weight 21.9 lbs.
Turntable Parts Warranty 2 Years
Turntable Labor Warranty 2 Years
Cartridge Parts Warranty 1 Year
Cartridge Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features

Coreless Direct Drive Motor: The Technics SL-1500C turntable utilizes a direct drive motor to achieve high precision, stable rotation and high reliability. Stable rotation is achieved by combining the coreless direct drive motor that reduces minute vibration during rotation with the motor control technology that switches the drive mode. The technologies acquired through the development of Technics' SL-1200 Series and the high-end SL-1000R model were inserted into the motor drive unit of the SL-1500C turntable. The motor exclusively tunes the single-rotor, coreless direct drive motor in order to read the high rotation accuracy and high-precision signals of the record. Optimal motor control is conducted for the inertial mass of the two-layer structure platter on which the vinyl record is placed with deadening rubber on the entire back surface to eliminate unwanted resonance in the aluminum die-cast platter to eliminate the rotation irregularity called cogging. In addition to providing superior performance, the direct drive motor requires no parts replacement or maintenance.

Built-in Phono Equalizer: The SL-1500C features a built-in phono equalizer, making it easy to connect with a wide range of integrated amplifiers and receivers. The shield structure of the built-in phono equalizer suppresses the effects of external noise and noise from the power supply. It is also equipped with a switch to turn the Line output off when it is not being used. The turntable has been designed to thoroughly shut-out adverse effects to the Phono output. The dedicated power supply for the Phono output terminal is isolated from the power supply of the Line output terminal, and has been designed to prioritize sound quality by minimizing the wiring of the Phono signal. The isolated terminals also prevent wiring mistakes.

Highly Sensitive Tone Arm: The tonearm is a static-balance universal S-shape tonearm, another Technics tradition. By adopting a high-precision bearing using the same gimbal suspension construction and machined housing as the SL-1200 Series, high initial sensitivity is achieved. The machine-cut, high precisions bearing used in the tone arm bearing with gimbal suspension allows for high initial response sensitivity and accurate record tracking.

Ortofon 2M Red MM Cartridge: An Ortofon 2M RED cartridge, which is highly acclaimed as an MM cartridge, has been selected for the Technics SL-1500C direct drive turntable. Combining this high-quality cartridge with the performance of the SL-1500C will maximize the sound quality of your vinyl record collection. The included cartridge must be installed. The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge supports playback of 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records. A special cartridge/stylus assembly (sold separately) is recommended for playing 78 RPM records.

Auto Lifter Function: When the tonearm reaches the end of the record, the Auto Lifter function automatically raises the cartridge. This prevents unnecessary wear on your valuable vinyl records and stylus. By embedding the Auto Lifter function in the base portion of the tonearm, it eliminates impacts to the tonearm. Due to a simple design that doesn't use motor power, there is no electrical or vibrational impact and it will not prevent the movement of the tonearm. In response to requests from many users regarding the Auto Lifter function, a design that prioritizes sound quality was adopted. The functions required to playback records were kept to a bare minimum, achieving simple and easy-to-use operability.

Gold-Plated RCA Outputs: The Technics SL-1500C direct drive turntable is outfitted with dedicated, gold-plated RCA jacks for the Phono and Line output terminals for excellent signal transfer with less sound quality degradation. A 58" stereo RCA cable and ground wire are provided.

Anti-Resonance Rigid Chassis: The SL-1500C direct drive turntable's aluminum die-cast chassis is rigidly integrated with a special material consisting of ABS mixed with glass fiber to achieve a two-layer construction. The insulator feet are comprised of a spring and rubber to provide optimal vibration-damping characteristics.

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Customer Q&A

18 questions already asked

Q
Can a moving coil cartridge be used with this type of platter and tonearm? Basically is this turntable built to handle a MC upgrade? Thank you.
bradley  Feb 21, 2023
1 answer
A
Absolutely, Brad. You will need to use a separate turntable preamp capable of boosting the signal from the low output coil, however. A great combination would be using the Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 cartridge in the first link below, with the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 MC preamp in the second link. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_782BP3HIGH/Sumiko-Blue-Point-No-3-High.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_252TBBXS2B/Pro-Ject-Tube-Box-S2.html
bo  Feb 22, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Does the 6.6875 height include the dust cover? If it does include the dust cover, what is the height measurement without the dust cover?
robert  Aug 02, 2022
1 answer
A
The 6.68" is the height with the dust cover. While it isn't significantly shorter without the dust cover, Technics doesn't list the height in their manual or on their site unfortunately. We are reaching out to our rep to see if there are additional details.
brooke  Aug 03, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Does anyone know for sure whether the cueing lever is damped or not?
deesee  Jun 05, 2022
1 answer
A
Thank you for your question DeeSee. If you are looking at the scratch and dent version, it is in 100% perfect working order, it just has a very minor flaw. You will still get the full manufactures warranty, and our same 60 day return window.
hogan  Jun 06, 2022 (Staff)
Q
I'll be running this into a phono amp (a Marantz). Will the included preamp in this turntable be redundant, or just louder?
bil  May 22, 2022
7 answers
A
You can switch between the built-in amp and a regular line out to an external amp.
dustin  May 24, 2022
A
If you use the preamp from the turntable, you will want to plug the turntable into an Aux. or CD input. This is how I have mine hooked up and it is fine.
robert  May 23, 2022
A
I'm not able to answer that. I can tell you that the phono amp in in the 1500C sounds TERRIFIC, and I wouldn't put run it through anything else. My cart is a Nagaoka mp-200, and I wouldn't change a thing. I'm the type that would change stuff, but haven't needed to at all. I think you can switch off the included preamp, but it's so darn good. Try things and see what you think.....
tyrone  May 23, 2022
A
It will not do anything, you don't use the built in preamp if you are using an external amplifier.
lucius  May 23, 2022
A
Just turn the turntable preamp off.
andres  May 23, 2022
A
On this turntable you can defeat (turn-off) the onboard preamp so that you can then use your phono amp. For me I have the onboard preamp turned off and run the rca cables into my amp, easy peasy. I would not advise using two preamps together, way over driven which means lots of distorting.
enrique  May 23, 2022
A
The turntable has two sets of analog output connections. One set is line out level, which you would use if you have the built in preamp turned on, and then connect the cables to a line level connection on your receiver or processor, rather than the phono input on your receiver. To use the Marantz preamp, set the Technics preamp to off, and use the phono level outputs on the turntable.
david  May 22, 2022
Q
Hi - Does the Techinics SL-1500C turntable STOP at the end of the record when the arm lifts up? Or does the record keep on spinning even after the arm is up? Also I know for some records the inner groove is narrower -- If the arm lifts up before the end of the last track is there any way of adjusting so that the arm lifts AFTER all tracks are finished?
joji  Nov 11, 2021
8 answers
A
Yes, the Auto Lift-Up Function can be set to either of two locations on the record. But you will need the correct Manual to do this. My turntable came with an Owners Manual that is 25 pages of English instruction and 25 pages of French. But Crutchfield was able to supply me with a Manual that is 25 pages of Owners Manual and 39 pages of Service Manual all in English. The Auto Lift-UP Function Adjustment section is in the Service Manual, sections 7.1 and 7.2.
david  Jan 01, 2023
A
Hi Joe. The turntable platter continues to spin after the arm lifts off the record. Hit the Stop button and the platter will stop, return the arm to it's rest and you are ready to flip the LP or change to another. I've never had to adjust the arm lift after the last track. It's factory set and works fine for most of my LP's. However, if you need to change it's lift timing, it's pretty easy. Clear, easy to understand instructions are included in your owners manual. I've had my Technics SL-1500c for nearly 20 months. A great Audio choice as it sits, and it responds well to cartridge and preamp upgrades.
martin  Nov 14, 2021
A
No, I don't see it lifts its arm even I set it on, unfortunately.
jinqin  Nov 12, 2021
A
For question #1, the arm lifts up but the turntable keeps spinning
peter  Nov 12, 2021
A
Hi Joe--The 1500C does not have an automatic shutoff, so the platter keeps spinning even after the lifter raises the tonearm. I'm not aware of any way to adjust the lifter to accommodate the completion of extra-long LP sides--at least there's nothing in the manual that addresses this issue; in fact, that's why I disabled the lifter on my own table. I hope this autolift issue is not a deal breaker for you, because in all other respects the 1500C operates flawlessly--it's got perfect platter speed and great sound.
theodore j.  Nov 12, 2021
A
The platter continues to rotate after the stylus lifts. You have to push a button to stop it. To my knowledge, the stylus lift location is fixed permanently. There are no operator adjustments. Yes, one of my albums is always cut short. Just one, but it does happen.
craig  Nov 11, 2021
A
The record keep spinning when the arm lifts up. In my experience play until the las track ends. This is a great turntable, quiet and excellent timing.
luis  Nov 11, 2021
A
The record keeps spinning after the arm raises.
lucius  Nov 11, 2021
Q
Has anyone tried this directly into a Sonos Amp? Can the Sonos Amp do the TT justice?
aidanp  Mar 01, 2021
3 answers
A
I've routed the onboard pre to a Sonos Connect just to test and it sounded just fine.
kevin  Apr 22, 2021
A
Yes, you can if using its internal phono stage.
jinqin  Mar 01, 2021
A
Sorry, I have no experience with a Sonos Amp. However, the Technics SL-1500c has a built in Phono Preamp, which can connect to any line level input on your Sonos Amp. The Technics Turntable and your Sonos Amp should be compatible with each other and sound fine.
martin  Mar 01, 2021
Q
Is the headshell Titanium? Can additional headshells be purchased?
tyrone  Sep 18, 2020
1 answer
A
Hi Daniel. The Technics headshell is probably not Titanium. Absolutely YES on buying additional head shells for the Technics SL-1500c. This type of headshell is used on Technics, Audio/Technica, Sony, Pioneer and other turntables.
martin  Nov 01, 2020
Q
Is it 220v compatible?
ryan  Aug 16, 2020
1 answer
A
It does not appear so.
bradley  Aug 16, 2020
Q
Is the stock cartridge pre-aligned?
robert  Jun 17, 2020
11 answers
A
Answered many times but this is important for Technics tables: YES, the cartridge is pre-aligned. Alignment tools are not needed for a Technics table if you align the way Technics are DESIGNED to be aligned, that is specifically when using the Technics headshell. All you need to to do when mounting the cartridge (any cartridge) is position it in the headshell so that the overhang (which is the distance from the tip of stylus to the o-ring at the back of the headshell) is exactly 52mm, then make sure that the cartridge is centered, e.g. not cock-eyed to the left or right. That's it. The manual talks about this briefly but since that's literally it, there's not a lot to go over.
kevin  Apr 22, 2021
A
The cartridge is fitted to the headshell and aligned; you just have to attach the headshell to the tonearm and tighten the O-ring. Now, I didn't personally check the alignment on my unit--maybe I'll get around to it someday, but there didn't appear to be any pressing need for me to fiddle with it, as the tracking is excellent, with no noticeable inner groove distortion. The owner's manual doesn't specifically state that the cartridge is pre-aligned, but before I purchased this turntable I found several reputable, independent reviews that reported the cartridge was indeed aligned. Makes sense, when you consider that Technics was already going to the trouble of mounting it in the headshell.
theodore j.  Jun 19, 2020
A
Yes it is. Popped it into the arm and the only adjustment required was the counterweight.
philip  Jun 18, 2020
A
Mine was aligned.
bradley  Jun 18, 2020
A
Yes, it is.
henry a.  Jun 18, 2020
A
It is pre-aligned in the headshell.
david  Jun 18, 2020
A
Yes, it's pre-aligned. You'll still need to balance the tonearm and set the anti-skating, but it's about as close to plug-and-play as you can get.
brian  Jun 18, 2020
A
Yes
martin  Jun 18, 2020
A
I'd assume it does since it does not come with alignment tools.
chao-chun  Jun 18, 2020
A
Yes, it arrives pre-mounted to the head shell. Attach the head shell to the tone arm and off you go.
craig  Jun 18, 2020
A
Hi Robert, Yes the cartridge is pre-aligned, it is mounted on a Technics headshelll. I bought this turntable earlier this year from Crutchfield. It's a great turntable. And the service from Crutchfield is great to. I received my turntable in a couple of days. Happy listening, Reggie
harrison  Jun 18, 2020
Q
Photos indicate a hinged dust cover. I understood cover was not hinged. Maybe these are shots of an early prototype??
michael l  Apr 25, 2020
10 answers
A
This turntable does have a hinged dust cover. It attaches easily, and you can play records with the cover raised, if your shelf has enough headroom.
theodore j.  May 27, 2020
A
Hey Mike, The cover is hinged but is designed to be easily removable. In fact it recommends removing it completely during use, though I often use it with the cover on as I have pets and kids.
dustin  May 06, 2020
A
It is hinged but removable.
chao-chun  May 06, 2020
A
It is hinged and is very high quality.
bradley  May 05, 2020
A
It is hinged but it easily lifts of of the unit as needed.
julia  May 05, 2020
A
Yes, the cover is hinged, though it probably wouldn't be much trouble to remove it entirely.
philip  May 05, 2020
A
Yes, it is hinged. And yes, contrary to the owner's manual, the hinge can be closed during playback.
craig  May 05, 2020
A
The unit I bought in Dec2019 definitely has hinged cover
mark  May 05, 2020
A
I have the silver and black version and it is hinged. I am very happy with this turntable.
john  May 05, 2020
A
I have this turntable and the cover is hinged.
harrison  May 05, 2020
Q
can I get another cartridge preinstalled like the audio technica vm760slc ?
d  Feb 15, 2020
2 answers
A
Mine came with the Ortofon Red installed on the head shell and that's direct from the factory. If you want a different one, install it yourself. It's not that difficult
jeffrey dean  Feb 16, 2020
A
I think that this is a question for Crutchfield. Further questions will be - Do they install? And then at what price?
kam  Feb 16, 2020
Q
Technics SL-1500C what is the country of origin?
julia  Jan 13, 2020
2 answers
A
AFAIK, it is made in Malaysia. The more expensive ones are made in Japan, I believe.
henry a.  Jun 18, 2020
A
Malaysia
scott  Jan 16, 2020
Q
Hi! Where is the Technics SL-1500C turntable manufactured? Sorry, I ferreted through the documentation on the Crutchfield website.
jay  Mar 23, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Jay and thank you for your question. This model Technics is manufactured in Malaysia.
hogan  Mar 23, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Does Crutchfield offer the 2M Blue as a discounted upgrade?
mike  Mar 31, 2022
1 answer
A
The unit comes directly from the Technics factory with an installed Ortofon 2M red cartridge on removable headshell. No swapping options, anything different would be a separate purchase.
kenneth  Mar 31, 2022 (Staff)
Q
I already have a preamp that my Bose speakers wire up to, this has a built in preamp, what changes would i have to make?
sylvia  Feb 10, 2021
10 answers
A
No changes required. I forget which set of RCA outs to use; I'm not looking at mine. But if you look at the picture that shows the rear of the unit you will see two sets of RCA out. One is for the built in pre-amp and the other is for an external pre-amp.
dwayne t.  Feb 11, 2021
A
This turntable has two sets of outputs. One using the internal preamp and one to an external preamp. So if your Bose system has both an internal preamp and amplifier, you should be good to go.
r. wade  Feb 10, 2021
A
In order to connect the turntable to an external phono amp, either a stand alone phono amp or one that is inside a pre amp or integrated power amp, you need to change the setting on the back of the turntable to 'OFF.' This switch is located to the left of the 'LINE OUT' plugs, and it turns off the internal phono amp in the turntable. Then, plug the cables into the 'PHONO OUT' RCA plugs on the back of the unit. Also, connect the ground wire fork to the ground screw labelled 'PHONO EARTH.' Then, connect the other end of the cables to the 'PHONO' input RCA plugs on your phono amp, or pre amp, or integrated amp. Also, now connect the other fork of the ground wire to the ground screw that is located on the back of these amps. You may want to unplug the power cables of your equipment while making these connections.
j  Feb 10, 2021
A
Flip a switch on the back to bypass the built in phono preamp.
henry a.  Feb 10, 2021
A
There is a switch on the back of the TT. The TT should have co E with pretty straight forward directions. The tech help at crutch field is second to none.
brian  Feb 10, 2021
A
None, this TT is compatible with stereos that have pre-amp and line-level inputs.
brian  Feb 10, 2021
A
There are separate outputs that allow you to bypass the built in preamp.
robert  Feb 10, 2021
A
You can either use the built-in one, or - if you chose to use your Bose - bypass it. There is an on/off switch at the back.
arek  Feb 10, 2021
A
You have the option to use the built in preamp or simply connect it to the preamp on your speakers. There is a switch on the back to turn the built in preamp on or off. Unless your speakers are very high end, the one on the turntable will probably be better quality. If you use the built in preamp, connect the output to the aux input on your speakers, if they have one. You can also A/B both options. I have mine hooked up to a nice Marantz stereo amp, and connected the turntable to the phono input. It sounds fantastic.
seann  Feb 10, 2021
A
There's a switch on the back of the turntable to turn off the built in preamp so you can use your external preamp.
doug  Feb 10, 2021
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