Technics SL-1300G Turntable issues


 

I recently purchased the Technics SL-1300G. I like the sound of the turntable. Unfortunately, I found the common complaint that the lift mechanism feels cheap. Additionally I found a perceived quality issue shown below. The silver bands on the top and bottom of the beveled platter edge vary in width by a mm+. In my opinion it makes the table look cheap, not the quality you would expect at the $3300 price tag. Note the gap between the platter and the plinth is uniform as the platter rotates. Would you return the TT hoping to get a platter with more uniform machining?

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dmorse6736

I agree with Matt. Mid-fi product back in the day. Noisy with a poor arm. I guess it all depends upon what you use for comparison. I have heard good things about the upper level direct drives in the current line. 

@baylinor If the base isn’t level, how are you going to determine with a spirit level if the platter has a wobble? You were responding to @dmorse6736 ’s inquiry about a 1mm wobble, were you not?

Buy the way, the stylus plays the vinyl record which in my experience is never perfectly flat!

Interestingly, if we were discussing a Rega turntable with an alleged platter wobble you Technics heads would be completely beside yourselves with condemnation! Just sayin'.

You are going the wrong way about it, the stylus runs on the platter not on the base.

@faustuss 

Sorry you don't understand the fact that the platter is the part that really needs to be leveled. Of course you start with the base but if the platter is not leveled after leveling the base, you need to adjust the feet until you get the platter leveled.

On a quality TT like my VPI Classic the level of the base is identical to the one of the platter. But on lesser quality TTs like the Pioneer DX1000, or Pro-ject debut, I had to make legs adjustments to get the platter leveled. 

Luckily the VPI Classic can handle heavy center weight and outer ring. I use them for every record I play so they are pretty flat. If you truly want hifi results, this vinyl thing can be tedious. Tone arms / cartridges alignments and specially the cleaning vinyl and storing  part. Not for everyone.