Technics SL-DL5

A direct-drive, fully automatic turntable with linear tracking and microcomputer control, .

Overview

The Technics SL-DL5 is a high-end linear-tracking turntable made by Technics. It's a fully automatic direct-drive model. The tonearm is a dynamically balanced linear tracker, run by a microcomputer. All operations sit on four keys. The unit detects record size and rotation speed on its own and does an auto lead-in. A dial scale lets you confirm the arm's travel position. The cartridge is a plug-in MM stereo type with an all-laminate core magnetic circuit. It was known for excellent basic performance, operability and reliability, and it was designed for precision playback in a slim form factor.

Specifications

Drive system	Direct drive
Drive motor	Brushless DC motor, two phase, full-wave, flat-faced, slotless DC motor
Control system	FG servocontrol
Turntable	30 cm Aluminum Die-cast, 300mm aluminium die-cast
Number of revolutions	33 1/3, 45 rpm, Auto Select (Manual Allowed)
Wow flutter	0.025%W.R.M.S(JIS C5521) 0.012% W. R. M. S (Rotating Part Only)
Signal-to-noise ratio	78dB(IEC98A weighted)
Tone Arm Format	Dynamic balance type linear tracking arm
Tone Arm bearing structure	Gimbal suspension bearing structure
Effective arm length	105mm
Tracking error angle	Within ± 0.1 °
Arm effective mass	9g (including cartridge)
Arm resonance frequency	12Hz
Arm drive motor	DC Motor
Cartridge Type	Plug-in connector, MM stereo cartridge
Cartridge Dead weight	6.0g
Exchange needle models/prices	EPS-24CS(¥2,800) EPS-23CS(¥3,500) EPS-23ES(¥6,500) EPS-22ES(¥7,500) EPS-202ED(¥10,000)
Power	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	9.8W
External dimensions	Width 430x Height 88x Depth 323 mm
Weight	5.0kg

Design

The SL-DL5 has an integral rotor/platter and a dynamically balanced linear tracking tonearm managed by a microcomputer. Four keys handle all operations. The cartridge is a plug-in connector type MM with an all-laminate core in the magnetic circuit. The tonearm has a dial scale to monitor travel position.

Reception

The SL-DL5 is noted for its excellent basic performance, operability in a slim body, and exceptional reliability. Users have discussed it for applications such as mastering records to tape.

Market

Service and user manuals are available for download or purchase. A recap kit for capacitors and speed repair is commercially available. Recent market listings show units sold for €425.50 EUR, $129.99, or listed at $125 with cartridge. Others have been offered for as low as $25.

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