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The Technics SL-100C and SL-1500C models are some of the most popular and frequently recommended direct drive turntables. In this article we break down what they have in common, what the key differences are, explain the upgrade paths and share links to our free protractors for these models.
Technics SL-100C and SL-1500C similarities
The SL-100C and SL-1500C are pretty much identical direct drive hifi turntables (save for a few important differences), similar to the SL-1200 MK7, but without DJ oriented features such as a strobe light, needle light or pitch fader.
They have an S-shaped gimbaled tonearm that uses the same geometry as the 1200 series. The effective mass is identical at approx. 12 g.
The removable headshell makes swapping cartridges a breeze! And at 7.6 g it’s very light.
VTA adjustment works a little different from the SL-1200s. Instead of turning the base of the tonearm for on the fly adjustment, the SL-100C and SL-1500C tonarms have to be pulled up or pushed down by hand. This may have been necessary to allow for implementing the auto-lift mechanism (note: it’s only a lift. These are not semi-automatic turntables that move the tonearm back to its resting position after playing a record). Read here how to activate the hidden auto-stop feature.
33, 45 and 78 rpm can be selected simply by pressing a button.
Both models have a hinged dustcover, unlike the SL-1200 MK7, which comes with no hinges (and no simple way to install any).
The rubber mat that comes on these is a welcome upgrade from the felt slipmat that comes on the 1200.
With the adjustable feet these turntables are easy to level.
Instead of permanently installed leads, newer Technics turntables feature RCA jacks, so you can use your favorite low capacitance phono cable.
Technics SL-100C and SL-1500C differences
While these turntables are very similar, as the SL-100C is based on the SL-1500C, there are a couple of differences:
- The most important: the 100C does not have a phono-preamp. You have to use an external preamp. This is not a problem for many users, as it allows to choose a phono pre that is a perfect match for whatever cartridge one is using. The SL-1500Cs preamp is spec’d at a 56 kΩ / 390 pF according to Technic’s support, which makes it tricky to find modern catridges that would be a good match. So even for the 1500C we’d recommend getting an external phono-pre with adjustable capacitance such as the Schiit Mani 2.
- The 100C comes with a AT-VM95C phono cartridge, while the 1500C has an Ortofon 2M Red. Both cartridges can easily be upgraded, but the VM-95C has an extremely affordable upgrade path and can be upgraded to the popular AT-VM95ML with a simple stylus change (read more about the AT-VM95ML and why it’s the best cartridge under $200 in our review). The supplied conical is nice to have and sounds great, but we really recommend the upgrade to make most of your turntable. If you go for the 1500C you should at least upgrade to the 2M Blue stylus.
- The SL-1500C is available in two color ways: silver and black. So far the SL-100C only comes in black, but with silver tonearm and buttons for a nice contrast.
- No auxiliary weight is included with the SL-100C.
Conclusion
I feel the 100C is the better choice here. As you can see from the pictures, this is the model I chose for my personal use. An internal pre can be nice to have, especially for a beginner, but realistically this will be an endgame turntable for most people. A separate pre-amp is the better choice here. Good external pres are very affordable and worth having, especially as this is a turntable with a removable headshell. Eventually you will want to swap cartridges, in which case you will really benefit from an external pre with adjustable capacitance. The included VM95 series cartridge is nice to have, even if you don’t want to upgrade it.
Buy a Technics SL-100C on AmazonCartridge upgrades for Technics SL-100C and 1500C
While the stock cartridges are easy to upgrade, some may want to invest in an even better one. The Audio Technica AT33PTG/2 is a moving coil cartridge that will be an excellent match. Please note that this requires a preamp that can be set to MC.
Which alignment protractor for a Technics SL-100C turntable?
The stock alignment on this model (which is identical with the alignment used on the SL-1500C and SL-1200 MK2 and following versions) is based on Stevenson with DIN groove specifications. Technics specifies the offset angle as well as the overhang and effective length, so it’s easy to generate a custom arc protractor for a perfect match. We can also calculate the null points from this data, so you can print any type of protractor for these:
- Arc protractor for cartridge alignment on Technics turntables
- 2-point phono cartridge alignment protractor for Technics turntables
- Linear offset alignment protractor for Technics turntables
Of course it’s not necessary to stick with the stock alignment. If you prefer other alignment strategies such as Baerwald or Löfgren, simply set the protractor generator accordingly. It’s best to use DIN groove radii for alignments that require a longer overhang on this model.