Technics SL-2000 ()
A direct-drive turntable built for affordable high performance, with precise speed control and solid build quality.
Overview
The Technics SL-2000 is a direct-drive turntable made from 1976 to 1978. It was aimed at listeners who wanted reliable performance without paying premium money. It borrows from both ends of the lineup. The zinc diecast tonearm base comes from more advanced units, and the plinth is IFB (Insulated Fiber Board), a plastic and fiberglass material. It also has an oil-damped cueing mechanism, independent pitch control for each speed, and built-in illumination for the strobe.
Specifications
| Type | direct drive |
| Motor | low-speed electronically controlled brushless DC |
| Platter | 30.8 cm Aluminum Die-cast |
| Speeds | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
| Rotational speed fine adjustment range | ±10%, each rotation speed independently adjustable |
| Wow and flutter | 0.045% WRMS (JIS C5521) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 70 dB (DIN 45539B) |
| Tone arm | S-shaped tubular, static-balanced |
| Anti-skating force control device | With |
| Cueing | oil-damped cueing |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | |
| Headshell weight | 9.5g |
| Effective length | 220 mm |
| Overhang | 14 mm |
| Tracking error | 3° (30 cm edge) -0.2° (30 cm center) |
| Offset angle | 22° |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 3.5W |
| External dimensions | 430 x 125 x 346 mm |
| Weight | 6.1kg |
Design
The SL-2000 runs motor drive and control on a single-chip IC, the AN620. That keeps the electronics simple and the speed precise. The chassis is spring-suspended with rubber feet for vibration isolation, and there is an audio insulator that resists outside vibration. The tonearm sits on a zinc diecast base for rigidity. The plinth is IFB (Insulated Fiber Board), the plastic and fiberglass composite. The strobe has its own illuminator, and the turntable comes with an integrated MM cartridge in a shell-integrated structure (EPS-270SD).
Context
Technics marketed it to users who wanted direct-drive reliability without the higher price of the flagship models. The SL-1900 sold alongside it. Its number is lower, but it was the more advanced and heavier model.
Market
Working SL-2000 units have turned up on the used market at around $250-$280, and parts units go for under $50. It is noted for reliability and stable speed performance. Missing covers are a commonly mentioned problem in current listings.
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Related Models
- Technics EAH-220
- Technics SL-110
- Technics SL-1200 Mk2
- Technics SL-1200GME
- Technics SL-1210
- Garrard SP (1975)
- Luxman PD-310 (1981)
- Luxman PD-555 (1983)
- Thorens TD-124 (1957–1967)
- Harman Kardon kardon-turntables (1975)