Technics SL-1600

Name: Technics SL-1600
Brand: Technics
SKU: 639646acbad181c68982ca8d
Rating: 3.1 (18 reviews)

Based on 18 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

#68 most mentioned

Reddit · r/turntables

Great sound quality

Workhorse performance

Fully automatic features

Compatible with various stylus types

Good value for the price

Not as visually appealing as some higher-end turntables

May require some maintenance or upgrades to reach optimal performance

Not as widely available as some other turntable brands/models

Verdict

The Technics SL-1600 is highly praised by the audiophile community for its excellent sound quality and workhorse performance. Many users recommend pairing it with the Audio Technica VM540ML cartridge for optimal results. The SL-1600 is also noted for its fully automatic features and compatibility with various stylus types. Some users have found great deals on the SL-1600 at thrift stores or online marketplaces. Overall, the Technics SL-1600 is a highly recommended turntable for those seeking high-quality sound without breaking the bank.

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Recent pickup for $250 - whether you are just getting into audio or been down the rabbit hole for awhile I can’t recommend this line of Technics turntables enough!

Best kept secret of the audiophile world. Technics SL-1200 and it's cousins are excellent sounding decks.

The audiophile community is rife with dogma. And marketing.

Positive

patrickthunnus

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

Mine came with different wires, but quality still solid

I ended up taking off the stock AT cartridge and using that for purely back up, since it is a lower end cartridge. Which was fine, as I bought this purely for the headshell and lead wires, to use to attach a new Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge. Pictured is that cartridge and this headshell, mounted to a Te...

Well, I am kind of new to the hobby and i recently got a full technics set up (deck, CD, and receiver) but I kind of cheated out on the turntable because technics ones were simply out of reach, but today I saw a Technics SL-1600 MK2 turntable at a garage sale and I managed to get it for $50 if i go tomorrow to pick it up, but i am really not sure how much this early 80’s turntables are worth, I am really into electronics so if there is any problem with it i’ll figure it out.

Neutral

Vergonium

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Great quality. Shipping was surprisingly quick.

I bought this for my Technics SL-1650 that I inherited from my dad. The quality and price are perfect. I can't imagine how a more expensive cartridge could sound better. The shipping was the most surprising part. I ordered on 5/20, the Monday before Memorial Day, and received it on 5/28. That's ship...

Aesthetically pleasing, reliable, but in terms of technology, apparently, the same as my LP120X (not to mention the automatic functions of 1300). 2. Technics SL-1600/1700 mk1. Littlie bit more interesting than upper ones because of damping of platter and tonearm.

Positive

lefantomas28

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Excellent Quality Headshell and Cartridge

This is perfect. My Technics SL-1950 loves this headshell and cartridge setup, as do I. While the stylus that comes with this is Conical, it plays well, and I can easily acquire an Elliptical or Shibata stylus to suite my listening needs. Simple to install, setup, and enjoy. The sound and quality is...

Best choice for a <500 USD beginner turntable?

Technics sl-1700 or sl-1700mk2 (fully automatic!) from FB Marketplace = $150

Audio Technica VM540ML Cartridge from Amazon = $250

Total = $400, if you want to upgrade to the VM740ML, that' will get you to $500.

Positive

wishusluck

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

fits perfect

This needle brought my SL-1500 turntable back to life. Now this old guy can listen to all of my 45 and 33 LP remembering the old days.

Any alternative to the SL1200 that isnt as expensive? looking for high torque and quartz rpm regulation. thx!

Another one to look at is the SL-1600 MK2. Same motor and tone arm as the SL-1200 MK2. Slightly different plinth and it's fully automatic.

Positive

plazman30

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Put a tape around the cover, easy to felts off.

Needle broken, safety cover came out! I installed a sound bad due to broken part of stylus o diamond!!

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