Technics SL-DL1 (thirty years old)

High Performance Direct-Dive in Slim Design

The SL-DL1 is divided into upper and lower cabinet halves. The tophalf, which also functions as the dust cover, contains the linear tracking tonearm, its drive mechanism and optical sensor. The lower cabinet contains the tonearm servo control system (microcomputer) and Technics original integral rotor-platter direct drive motor.

Simple basic operation. Completely automatic play.

Turn on the power, put on a record, close the top and press the start switch. After that, everything is handled by the amicrocomputer and optical sensor which automatically detect record size, select correct speed and cue the tonearm to the lead-in groove.

For non-standard record, front panel speed selectors let you select the correct speed manually (large 45s, or small 33⅓ records ). The tonearm automatically returns to the start position after completing play. The tonearm does not move if no record is on the platter.

Complex Operation Also Possible

Although easy operation is a basic feature of this unit, complex functions are also possible. The "search" function allows start, stop switches controlled inward and outward movement of the tonearm at slow and fast speed, plus fine control in approximately 1 mm steps.

Dynamic balanced linear tracking tonearm employs optical sensor and groove deflection angle detection for extremely stable and accurate tracking.

The linear tracking tonearm moves across the record surface in the same way as the cutter head used to make the record in the first place. Therefore there is virtually no tracking error or skating force. Located by the stylus is an optical sensor that detects tracking conditions by means ofgroove deflection angle. Based on this information, tonearm movement is controlled to maintain optimum tracking at all times.

A precision DC motor is used for tonearm drive to assure quiet and accurate control

A precision DC motor and low-friction slide bearing assure accurate tonearm movement. A 4-point pivot bearing gimbal suspension developed by technics reduces riction and raises sensitivity while contributing to smooth tracking ability.

SPECIFICATIONS

Turntable Section

Type:  Automatic

Drive Method:  Direct drive

Motor: brushless DC motor

Platter:  312 mm, Aluminum die-cast

Speeds:  33⅓ and 45 rpm

Pitch Control:  10% adjustment range

Wow and Flutter:

0,012% WRMS (measured by obtaining signal from built-in frequency generator of motor assembly)

0,025% WRMS (JIS C5521) ±0,035% peak (IEC 98A weighted)

Rumble: -56 dB (IEC 98A unweighted)

-78 dB (IEC 98A weighted)

 Tonearm Section

Type:  Dynamic balenced type, linear trcking tonearm, 4-pivot gimbal suspension

Effective Lenght:  105 mm (4⅛")

Tracking Error Angle: Within ±0,1%

Effective Mass:  9 g (including cartridge)

Resonance Frequency:  12 Hz

Tonearm Drive Motor: DC motor

 Cartridge Section

Type:  Moving magnet stereo, one point suspension system

Magnet:  Smarium cobalt (Sm-Co)

Magnetic Circuit:  All laminated core

Frequency Response:  10 Hz to 35 kHz, 20 Hz to 10 kHz ±1 dB

Output Voltage: 

2,5 mV at 1 kHz (5 cm/s, zero to peak lateral velocity);

7 mV at 1 kHz (10 cm/s, zero to peak 45° velocity, DIN 45500)

Channel Separation:  More than 22 dB at 1 kHz

Channel Balance:  Within 1,8 dB at 1 kHz

Recommended Load Impedance:  47  kΩ - 100 kΩ

Compliance (Dynamic):  12 x 10⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz

Stylus Pressure Range:  1,25  ±0,25 g (12,5 ±2,5 mN)

Weight: 6,0 g

Replacement Stylus:  EPC-23CS ( equivalent EPS-23ES)

 General Section

Power Supply: 110-120/220-240 V,  50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  17 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 88 x 350 mm,

Max. height when top is open:  397 mm

Weight:  7,1 kg (15,7 lb)

more photo of Technics SL-DL1