Technics SL-J2 Linear Tracking TT

skrol

Just found a Technics SL-J2 at a local thrift shop for $10. It is dirty but seems to function. The cartridge is a Shure P-mount but the stylus is trashed. It is kind of a neat, compact package and might just find its way into the main living quarters.

They also had a Pioneer PL-518 for $10 that seems to function well but is pretty trashed. A hinge is busted off the dust cover, some blemishes on the housing and no feet. I was tempted and may go back for it if it looks like I can find parts. It was nice in its day but now kind of looks like something that should be left to die though. I could part it out.

skrol

Well I couldn't help it. After reading more about the PL-518, I decided to go for it as it seems to be a diamond in the dirt (literally). The feet rotting away seems common to this TT and there are options for making new, improved feet. To boot, when I got it home, I removed the platter to start cleaning and found a hidden surprise. There was a Pickering TL3 with a DLT3 Stereohedron stylus that appears in good condition; no head shell and no P-mount adapter though. It should work nice in the SL-J2. Not bad for $10.

I have a few decent cartridges around that should match the Pioneer nicely and picked up some Vibrapods from EB to make feet. I just need a head shell. Thinking about this one http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGHDHEAD.html

Stan

TNHNDYMAN

Nice headshell. I've got a couple linear tracking technics turntables. When they work they are nice, but most seem to want to start a little early or late from the records edge. Good luck with both.

skrol

After some TLC, I got the Technics working. The guide rail and gears that drive the linear tracking tonearm were gummy with old grease. I cleaned and re-lubed. Then I found that the power switch was intermittent. Some Deoxit took care of that. One foot is missing a spring and the mat is a little curled. I took the mat off the Pioneer to use on the Technics for now. Then I installed the Pickering TL3.

I first spun some Supertramp Breakfast in America then some Crosby Stills and Nash. After listening to CD's for so long, I forgot how nice vinyl sound is. The vocals are smooth and clear, the sound is spacious and solid. I was very surprised that this seemingly gimiky turntable would sound this good. Much of it may be due to the Pickering. I have never owned a Pickering before but have heard good things about this particular cartridge.

The auto functions are pretty neat and almost makes playing records fool proof. You can skip forward and backward any number of songs and repeat. So far, no problems with detecting the record edges.

MillerLiteScott

Stan,

I still have and use my Technics SL-5 that I got in the early 80's. It is a neat little turntable that sounds better than it should. I put a D Shibata stylus on an AT P-Mount.

Enjoy!

TNHNDYMAN

Here's a peek at my "Technics closet"... There a SL-DL5, SL-5, SL-J3, SL-23, SL 1900, and a SL 1600 in the group. The 1600 stays and gets rotated in and out as the main table in my system. Will probably keep on of the linear trackers just for fun, but need to move the other's along at some point.

skrol

That is quite a collection. Do you happen to know a decent source for parts for these TT?

TNHNDYMAN

Yeah, the same closet unfortuately, lol. It seems that each of them except the 1600 has little quirks. Most the linear trackers want to drop just a little short or ahead of the beginning of lp and the SL 23 has speed issues. The 23 is a pretty easy fix, remove the bottom cover and deoxit the speed pots work back and forth and your golden for awhile at least. The 1900 only has sound out the right channel. Tried differant carts and no luck, so I probably have an rca solder joint issue that needs to be fixed. That I can prob fix myself when I find the time, but if it's in the tonearm contacts well that's beyond what I'm ready to tackle.

I could part them out obviously, but I keep hoping I'll find the time and get the experience to fix most of the gremlins. I have more projects than I have time, money, or ability to deal with at the moment.

skrol

You sound kinda like me. I have an Onkyo CP-1046 waiting to be resurrected from the dead, the Pioneer PL-518 that I just picked up and needs major TLC and the SL-J2 that I am presently playing with. I guess when you come from the golden age of turntables it is hard to pass these things up when you see them about to go to waste.