Technics SL-100C turntable is aimed at “entry-level” audiophiles

Technics has announced the release of the SL-100C direct-drive turntable, offering a lower entry price to an iconic family of players.

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Building on the success of its SL-1500C turntable, Technics says the SL-100C is primed for “entry-level” audiophiles. The SL-100C sports a similar look to the revered SL-1200 turntable, with the same iron-coreless direct-drive motor and S-shaped aluminium tonearm.

To bring down the price of the SL-100C, Technics has built the turntable with an Audio-Technica VM95C pickup cartridge and omitted a phono pre-amp. Still, the brand says that the more affordable cartridge can offer “sonic finesse to satisfy the demands of real music lovers”, thanks to precise tracking.

The Japanese brand has designed the SL-100C with a two-layer platter for reliable tracking, with vibration-damping that makes it free from external vibrations. A high-rigidity cabinet and high-damping insulator also help ensure a smooth tracking process. An automatic tonearm lift is also onboard to minimise wear and tear of needles.

Despite Technics’ range of turntables being synonymous with vinyl DJ’ing and club culture, the SL-100C offers little in the way of mixing and scratching. This is due to the lack of a pitch slider and a cartridge that may not be adequate for the needs of a DJ.

“The huge success of the SL-1500C has shown we have hit the mark within a popular and competitive turntable class,” says European Technics product manager Frank Balzuweit. “The demand for this high-quality ‘plug’n’play’ turntable – having exceeded our own expectations – is still undiminished even to this day. However, there is still a strong appetite from the market to deliver a similarly attractive package at an even more affordable price.”

Technics’ SL-100C will be available in June 2021 exclusively from Amazon at a price of £799, which is £100 more affordable than its older sibling, the SL-1500C.