Technics SL-10 versus SL-7 - a VERY brief review

[Idlewithnodrive]

I've now done hours and hours of AB comparisons between my Technics SL-10 and SL-7 decks.

I’ve been using the same carts (Technics EPC-202c, Ortofon OM20, ADC PSX-40, Technics 310MC) same music, kit (see signature below), room etc and to my ears, there is no doubt about it; other than with the 310MC cart, the SL-7 is the better sounding deck. Not by a massive margin but definitely better.
Just a touch more open, more cohesive, even a quieter background. A bit of a surprise, but that is how I hear it.

With the 310 cart though, the tables are reversed a bit. I guess the SL-10 was built, primarily, to be optimised with the 310MC. As they are virtually unobtainium at sensible money, it seems a bit of a non selling point now.

The SL-1O looks nicer though.

End of mini review.

[montesquieu]

I've now done hours and hours of AB comparisons between my Technics SL-10 and SL-7 decks.

I’ve been using the same carts (Technics EPC-202c, Ortofon OM20, ADC PSX-40, Technics 310MC) same music, kit (see signature below), room etc and to my ears, there is no doubt about it; other than with the 310MC cart, the SL-7 is the better sounding deck. Not by a massive margin but definitely better.
Just a touch more open, more cohesive, even a quieter background. A bit of a surprise, but that is how I hear it.

With the 310 cart though, the tables are reversed a bit. I guess the SL-10 was built, primarily, to be optimised with the 310MC. As they are virtually unobtainium at sensible money, it seems a bit of a non selling point now.

The SL-1O looks nicer though.

End of mini review.

I can't see how it's technically possible (let alone commercially desirable) to optimise a deck for a specific cartridge.

Are you sure what you are hearing isn't just the synergy/compliance match between Technics cartridge and arm, vs mismatch/less synergy?

I would expect the SP10 with a truly top flight arm and cartridge to come well ahead of the SL-7 under almost any circumstances.

[Idlewithnodrive]

It's an SL-10 Tom, not an SP10 :)

Yes, I too would expect an SP10 to comprehensively trounce an SL-10 or SL-7

[Johnny nocash]

Hi Mike, can you tell me which interconnects you're using between the 10 and the pre in comparison to the fixed ones from the 7?

[Idlewithnodrive]

Hi Richard,

Klotz MC5000

Mike

[montesquieu]

It's an SL-10 Tom, not an SP10 :)

Yes, I too would expect an SP10 to comprehensively trounce an SL-10 or SL-7

If all else fails read the thing properly! :doh:

[Yomanze]

If all else fails read the thing properly! :doh:

Must admit I also read that as SP-10 just then. :P

[Idlewithnodrive]

Must admit I also read that as SP-10 just then. :P

Sorry, couldn't have made it any clearer :)

[Macca]

I had an SL6 for a while. It was quite impressive especially for £75 off ebay. I like a linear tracker.

[Yomanze]

Sorry, couldn't have made it any clearer :)

Touché!