Technics SL-100C Direct-Drive Turntable | NEWS

Just got a note from the Technics team about a new direct-drive turntable, the SL-100C. This new ‘table falls in their “Premium” (aka, entry-level audiophile) line, alongside the recently-reviewed SL-1500 (check that review out here), but at a sub-$1,000 price. Both the SL-1500 and SL-100C lineages go back to the widely acclaimed and iconic SL-1200.

According to the note, the features will be very familiar to fans of their recent (and past) products:

• Coreless direct drive motor, achieving stable rotation that is free from cogging and has powerful torque 
• S-shaped aluminum tonearm that is highly sensitive yet robust 
• Two-layer platter with improved vibration-damping performance 
• High-rigidity cabinet and high-damping insulator for thorough shut-out of vibrations, ensuring a smooth vinyl-tracking process 
• Audio-Technica AT-VM95C pickup cartridge on-board for ease of setup 
• Tonearm auto-lift for minimizing needle wear-out \

What’s different? Well, for starters, the phono cartridge is different. It only comes in a rather nifty-looking smooth black finish. Also, the SL-100c will not come with the built-in “phono equalizer” that the SL-1500c comes with — but that shouldn’t slow down the folks with a modern integrated amplifier or preamp, and should tickle the purists who will be bringing their own to the party. Aside from that, the two tables look very similar, which makes this a solid offering.

So, if the SL-1500C has been tickling your tantalizing, this new offering may seal the deal.

We’ll be exploring the new offering in an upcoming review. We’re expecting great things! In the meantime, check out our past coverage of the Technics legends here:

• Technics SL-1210GAE and SL-1200G Turntable Comparison
• Technics SL-1210GAE Anniversary Turntable and Hana Umami Red Cartridge
• A first listen with the Technics SL-1500 and SL-1200MK7
• A review of the SL-1500C in an all-Technics C600 system

But if you’re in a hurry, or have some kind of uncontrollable compulsion, you can grab yours at AMAZON — shipping availability starts August 19th.