Technics SL B303 (1981)
A fully-automatic belt-driven turntable released in 1981 with integrated sensing for record size and presence.
Overview
The Technics SL B303 is a fully-automatic turntable manufactured by Technics and released in 1981. It features automatic operation including auto-start, auto-return, and auto-stop, with built-in sensing to detect record presence and size. The unit uses an FG servo DC motor with electronic speed control to reduce belt wear and includes repeat play functionality. All controls are front-mounted, allowing operation with the dust cover closed.
Specifications
| Drive system | Belt drive |
| Drive motor | FG servo DC motor |
| Operation type | fully automatic |
| Speeds | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
| Wow and flutter | 0.045% wrms |
| Rumble | -70dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 70dB(IEC98A weighted) |
| Tonearm type | Static Balance Universal S-Shaped Type |
| Tonearm effective length | 230mm |
| Tonearm overhang | 15mm |
| Tonearm offset angle | 22 degrees |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | 0 ~ 2.5g |
| Shell Weight | 8g |
| Applicable Cartridge Weight | 5g ~ 7.5g |
| Cartridge type (original) | MM Type Stereo Cartridge |
| Cartridge dead weight | 6.0g |
| Exchange needle | EPS-270SD (round needle, ¥ 2,800), EPS-270ED (Elliptical Needle, ¥ 5,500) |
| Turntable platter | 30.4 cm Aluminum Die-cast |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 3W |
| Dimensions | Width 430x Height 106x Depth 375 mm |
| Weight | 4.3kg |
Design
The SL B303 uses an electronic control system to manage speed changes and minimize belt wear. It incorporates automatic record size and presence detection via internal sensors that control tonearm movement. The cabinet is constructed using TNRC, an acoustic material with high vibration damping and absorption properties. All operation switches, including the queuing lever, are located on the front panel for use with the dust cover closed.
Market
The Technics SL B303 had an original price of ¥32,800. Current market examples have sold for $209, ZAR2,500.00, CZK 6,900, and as low as $10 at storage sales. Common issues include speed fluctuations, worn belts, and missing needles or counterweights. Listings frequently note "new belt" as a selling point.
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