Technics SL-1500C Semi-Automatic Direct-Drive Turntable: Audiophile Package Features Built-In MM Phono Preamplifier, Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, and Push-Button Operation

The Technics SL-1500C is more than an award-winning semi-automatic direct-drive turntable. Designed for set-it-and-forget-it operation and worry-free ease of use, it arrives as a complete audiophile-quality package with a built-in MM phono preamplifier, pre-installed Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge on a removable head shell, and push-button operation. SL-1500C also features an auto lifter function embedded that automatically raises the tonearm when it reaches the end of an LP. Requiring no motor power, it avoids any electrical or vibrational impact on performance, and does not prevent any movement of the supplied nine-inch, universal static balance tonearm with gimbal-suspension-constructed bearing. You get the best of all worlds: Convenience without any consequence. Indeed, every aspect of SL-1500C emphasizes simplicity, relaxation, and sound punctuated by clarity, depth, focus, and formidable low-end extension.

True to Technics' tradition in analog, the 21.2-pound SL-1500C provides aurally engaging playback. By skipping any frills and focusing on high-quality parts and proven engineering, SL-1500C offers serious value and the continuation of an established turntable heritage. Regarding the latter, SL-1500C comes equipped with a coreless direct-drive motor that borrows technology from the mechanism found on the flagship SL-1000R model. Responsible for incredible speed stability, the motor works in conjunction with a precision-based electronic speed controller, aluminum die-cast platter with a resonance-defeating rubber backing, and two-layer chassis comprised of die-cast aluminum, ABS, and glass fiber. For added dampening, Technics also devised a spring and rubber insulator.

Compatible with 33, 45, and 78RPM LPs, SL-1500C includes four buttons in the left front corner of the plinth for hassle-free control. A dedicated power supply for the phono output terminal isolated from the gold-plated line-level outputs, dust cover, record mat, 45RPM adapter, balance weight, auxiliary weight, and phono cable help round out this plug-and-play marvel. Our 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guarantee gives you total peace of mind.

"The SL-1500C package, as supplied, is one of the best sounding we've heard at this price. It has a clean and precise presentation, one that defines the leading and trailing edges of notes with impressive skill."
—What Hi-Fi?, five-star review and Best Turntable Under 1K Euro Award

"I'm thinking Technics engineers took everything learned in the design and production of the more costly turntables and [squeezed most of it] into the SL-1500C at a far lower cost. That's how good this 'table is."
—Michael Fremer, Analog Planet

"The SL-1500C is meant to be a no-fuss, no-muss deal. Easy to set up, easy to use, easy to love... Budget-conscious shoppers can get started using its internal phono stage, so we are talking about a complete plug-and-play solution that sounds nicely balanced and incisive, capable of communicating the essence and importance of listening to records. Careful, one may just change your life."
—Michael Lavorgna, Darko Audio

"This isn't the most out-and-out accomplished turntable you can buy in purely sonic terms, but it's not far off — and it's more robustly made, better specified and has greater cachet than any price-comparable alternative."
—Simon Lucas, Tech Radar

"All things considered, the Technics SL-1500C is an incredibly well-rounded, easy-to-use, well-built piece that should provide those fortunate enough to be able to afford it with years of worry-free vinyl enjoyment."
—Andrew Robinson, Home Theater Review, 4.5-star review

"[With] a modern direct-drive system, a fine-sounding Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and a more than capable built-in MM phono preamp, the SL1500C is almost a ‘no-brainer' purchase for someone who is looking for a turntable at this price point."
—Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

"Pacing and dynamics are spot on, tight, focused, laser-sharp, and just overall in that sweet spot. The SL-1500C is no fuss, no hassle, easy to use, easy to set up — a no-brainer recommendation."
—Drew Kalbach, The Absolute Sound

"Although priced like an original SL-1200 before it was discontinued in 2004, the SL-1500C is a very different turntable package–the very reasonable price includes arm, an Ortofon 2M Red and a built-in MM phono pre. You won’t find the DJ features such as the pitch control or the strobe, but you’ll find that the 1500 is is one of the finest 'record players' (just add powered speakers) you can get. Best of all, the sound quality is closer to the $4000 Technics SL-1200G turntables than the original 1200."
—Part-Time Audiophile, Best Turntables, Buyers Guide Summer 2024

"The deck’s coreless direct drive motor, isolated power supply, and included Ortofon 2M Red cartridge assure pristine sensitivity for performance that’s vibrant, smooth, and effortlessly detailed across your collection. A built-in phono preamp and EQ complete the package for a stylish and intuitive all-in-one system." 
—Ryan Waniata, Wired

Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge

The Ortofon 2M Red MM phono cartridge is as good as audiophile-grade moving-magnet types come at its price point. A recipient of The Absolute Sound's Golden Ear Award and a Stereophile Recommended Component, it features Ortofon's trademark split pole pins, an invention which enables moving-magnet cartridges to have flat frequency response, just like a moving-coil cartridge. 2M Red also uses an improved engine, which provides an increased output of 5.5mV. The 2M Red features a tipped elliptical diamond, engineered for precise and accurate retrieval of the information in the record groove.