Panasonic Technics SLBD20D Semi Automatic Turntable

This is a great basic turntable if you're just looking to play the old LPs, however, be warned that if you plan on hooking this up to a mini-stereo system without phono jacks, then you'll need to purchase a seperate pre-amp which runs around [dollar amount]. This brings the total cost of the unit to about [dollar amount] which is not worth it if you're just a casual user of LPs (plus this is only a semi-automatic). You'd be better off purchasing a cheaper system (e.g. the sony) with a built-in pre-amp so that it can connect to mini-systems.

I personally own this turntable. It is not a heavy duty dj constructed turntable such as their MK 2 series or the new M3D. It was designed by Technics for practical and casual in home use.It provides excellent and almost perfect accuracy with regard to very low wow and flutter (speed differences that would audibly affect playback).This is for the couch potato who likes to put an lp on and not have to worry about turning it off.The semi-automatic operation takes care of that.In addition, anti-skating and tone arm weight adjustments have already been pre set at the factory so there is no guess work for the owner.The plug in cartridge is easy to replace without having to gauge stylus contact and performance as with a pro dj turntable. However,heed my warning, here are the drawbacks: If you are a heavy vinyl user and enjoy adjusting anti skating or counter weight balance for optimal high end quality sound, this is not the table for that. Their MK2 or M3D are the tables that are suitable for those tasks.Also, I have been able to compare this table's tracking abilities using a slightly warped record (warped around the edge only) and the SLBD20D could not keep up. However, when I tried it on a Technics M3D I was able to adjust the counterweight balance and tracking force, anti-skating, etc. and low and behold the M3D stood its ground.Don't get me wrong, the SLBD20D is a well constructed table run by a very quiet belt-driven dc motor. It's a fine simple machine that sets out to do the simple operation of just playing a record. Also, not everyone can nor is willing (on a tight budget)to fork over several hundreds of dollars for a dj turntable if their lp collection is very limited. This is a great budget turntable with the feel of remarkable Technics engineering behind it !!!

If you want to spin and you don't use Technics, don't even bother. Technics make the longest lasting tables that produce the best sound. And Technics Semi-Automatic Turntable (SL-BD20D)
is the best for your money. I wouldn't Dj any other way.