Technics SL-1500MK2 (1977)
A manual quartz direct drive turntable released in July 1977, part of Technics' high-precision MK2 series.
Overview
The Technics SL-1500MK2 is a manual quartz direct drive turntable produced by Technics. Released in July 1977, it belongs to a family of professional-grade turntables designed for home use. It shares core components—including motor, electronics, platter, and display—with the SL-1300MK2 and SL-1400MK2. Unlike its automated siblings, the SL-1500MK2 is fully manual, lacking auto disc-size detection, memo-repeat, and auto-repeat functions.
Specifications
| Drive system | Direct drive |
| Drive motor | Brushless DC motor |
| Control system | Quartz phase locked control |
| Turntable | 33 cm Aluminum Die-cast, 2.5 kg |
| Number of revolutions | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
| Rotational speed fine adjustment range | ± 9.9% or Less (0.1% Step) |
| Starting torque | 1.5 kg / cm |
| Start-up characteristic | Constant speed at 0.7 seconds (at 33 1/3rpm) |
| Brake mechanism | Electronic brake |
| Load variation | 1.5 kg / cm or Less, 0% |
| Rotational speed deviation | Within ± 0.002% |
| Wow and flutter | 0.025%W.R.M.S(JIS C5521) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78dB(IEC98A weighted) |
| Format | Universal S-shaped static balance gimbal suspension system |
| Rotational axis sensitivity | 7 mg (horizontal and vertical initial motion sensitivity) |
| Arm Height Adjustment Range | 6mm |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | 0 ~ 3g |
| Shell Weight | 9.5g |
| Applicable Cartridge Weight | 5g ~ 11g |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 11W |
| External dimensions | Width 453x Height 145x Depth 384 mm |
| Weight | 11.5kg |
Design
The SL-1500MK2 uses a quartz synthesizer system that locks all 199 points of pitch for high speed accuracy. Its tonearm is a simplified EPA-100 design with 20 miniature ball bearings and rests on a zinc diecast base. The turntable is built on Technics' Double Isolated Suspension Aluminium Diecast base. The electronics integrate four high-density ICs—MN6042, AN660, AN640, and DN860—replacing over 3,000 discrete components. It centers on Technics' Integral Rotor Platter Motor and an ultra-low-speed brushless DC motor.
Context
The SL-1500MK2 sits just above the SL-1300MK2 and SL-1400MK2 in the product lineup. When the SL-1300MK2 launched, more than 400,000 units across the 1300, 1400, and 1500 series had already been sold. All three models share the same motor, electronics, platter, display, and front wood veneer.
Market
Units in very good condition have sold for $470, while fully serviced EU units have reached €4,235. A unit in Poland listed for PLN 2,650 (approx. $650). Some users report seeing units available around $250. A known maintenance issue involves replacing hardened grease in the tonearm lift mechanism.
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