Panasonic Technics SLBD20D Semi Automatic Turntable

I wanted a turntable to play records from an old collection. I shopped and researched fairly extensively many higher and lower priced models and decided that this price point would do what I needed for the few records I had. I liked the semi automatic feature. I figured with a turntable, less is more and if I fell asleep while listening it would shut itself off. The operation of the turntable was excellent.
Earlier, I had purchased a new Shure M93E cartridge ($20) for an old turntable in an attempt to salvage it (to no avail) and found that cartridge to be better in the SLD20D than the one that came with it. The highs were much cleaner, with almost no distortion. I eventually bought quite a few additional lps on EBay to supplement my collection. That's how satisfying the sound was. The turntable is great, but I gave Panasonic 4 stars because they could have included a better cartridge for a little more money.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this turntable.
Two minor issues: No manually adjustable pitch and a relatively low output level.... That said, this is fine budget turntable!

This turntable is ok for the casual LP listener. I had to hook it up to an old amp I had to get any sound out of it and even with that, there is an annoying hum. I have about 500 LPs and I needed a new turntable. My old one was just like this and after about 14 years it started to play records too fast or too slow.

I would recommend checking out ThinkGeek's selection, as they have portable players plus vinyl to mp3 converters that are a better deal than this one.

This is an "entry-level" turntable with cartridge pitched toward people who aren't particularly concerned about the quality of the sound they hear. Regardless, I discourage anyone looking for a longterm sound system from buying this particular turntable. Instead, the Audio Technica PL-120, which, though twice the cost, is a genuine bargain at $200. The SLBD20D picks up a lot of surface noise and suffers from excessive sibilance. Inner-groove performance is poor and unnaturally bright. Mechanically, these units have been known to have trouble with their automatic return systems.

Still, some people may find this a better option than the AT PL-120. Whom is this turntable for? Students and anyone looking to listen to some old lps will find it a valuable and easy to use turntable that is practical. It's easy to setup and move and someone new to vinyl will really enjoy it as an alternative to cds (anyone used to mp3s will be very impressed at how superior even an inexpensive vinyl playback system will perform). But it's not the best choice for long term listening in a high quality sound system. If you're the kind of person who will pay $2 more for 180 gram vinyl, then go for the PL-120. If the thought of paying 2$ more for thicker vinyl sounds ridiculous to you, the SLBD20D is a reasonable purchase.

We ordered this turntable and it arrived in a timely fashion. It was easy to hook up. HOWEVER we were unable to get any volume. I e-mailed Panasonic which their answer was so delayed that I had solved the problem. Their suggestions were of no value anyway. I called Panasonic and spoke to three different departments. No one knew what the problem was. Finally we were told we needed a phono preamp because the turn table did not have one built in. Panasonic did not make one and did not know where I could find one. We found one at Amazon, it arrived quickly. It took five minutes to hook up and we were good to go. I think Panasonic does a great disservice by not mentioning this in its ad. The phono preamp was a Recoton by Beach Audio and cost $25.16 plus shipping.