Technics announces new ‘low-cost’ turntable SL-100C

The model ships with an Audio-Technica VM95C built-in pickup cartridge.

Technics has launched a new turntable model called the SL-100C and it’s inspired by the Technics SL-1500C, a premium model that was well received by fans of high-quality sound and in the audiophile market.

This new turntable, which will cost around 1,081 US$ when it goes on sale next June, has the classic features of the best brand’s turntables, including the direct-drive motor without iron core and the aluminum arm in high precision S shape.

According to the brand’s European product manager, Frank Balzuweit, the success of the SL-1500C has shown how the company has hit the mark with its popular new range of turntables. ‘The demand for this high-quality ‘Plug-and-Play’ turntable exceeded our expectations. However, there is still a huge appetite in the market for an equally attractive package but at an even more affordable price,’ he commented.

To offer that more affordable solution without making major concessions, the new SL-100C ships with a built-in pickup cartridge, an Audio-Technica VM95C, which delivers sonic performance that Technics believes can meet the demands of audiophiles on a limited budget. The tapered needle of the VM95C cartridge offers precise tracking and detailed retrieval of vinyl grooves. The technical characteristics of the cartridge mean that it is compatible with most of the MM phono stages found in many popular hi-fi amplifiers.

The SL-100C will be available from June 2021.