Technics SL-1500C - Direct Drive Turntable System Manual

Features

Coreless direct drive motor to achieve high precision, stable rotation and high reliability

• Stable rotation is achieved by combining the coreless direct drive motor that reduces minute vibration during rotation with the motor control technology that switches the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor.
• In addition to providing superior performance, the direct drive motor requires no parts replacement or maintenance.

High-precision bearings for highly sensitive tone arm

• The machine-cut, high-precision bearing used in the tone arm bearing with gimbal suspension allows for high initial response sensitivity and accurate record tracking.

Auto lift-up function to automatically lift up the tone arm

• This unit is equipped with an auto lift-up function to automatically lift up the tone arm as a record finishes playing.

Complete package, including the following, to enjoy playing back records

• Built-in phono-equalizer amplifier compatible with a wide range of devices.
• High-quality MM type cartridge.

Accessories

In order to prevent damage during shipping some of the equipment has been disassembled.
Please check and identify the supplied accessories. (Some accessories parts are supplied in a bag.)

• The model numbers of the accessories are as of February 2019.
  They are subject to change without notice.
• Keep the packaging materials after taking out the goods.
  You will need them when carrying the product over long distances.
• Follow the local regulations when disposing of the product.
• Do not use any other AC power supply cord, PHONO cable and PHONO earth lead except the supplied one.
• Keep the cartridge, auxiliary weight out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
• Illustrations and figures in this manual are of the silver main body.
• The stylus is a consumable item. When replacing, purchase ortofon "stylus 2M Red".

Parts Name

Front

Back

Putting the player together

In order to prevent damage during shipping, some of the equipment has been disassembled. Put the player together in the following order.

Attention

• Before setting up, put on the stylus guard to protect the stylus tip, return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp.
• Do not connect the AC power supply cord until set up is complete.
• When fitting the turntable, prevent foreign material from getting in between the main unit and turntable.
• Do not touch or scratch the board.

Before fitting the turntable

Remove the magnet cover from the turntable.

• There is a magnet and its cover on the back side of the turntable.
  Remove the magnet cover before fitting to the main unit.
  

Attention

• Keep any magnetic-sensitive object such as a magnetic card and watch away from the magnet.
• Prevent the turntable from hitting the main unit or falling off.
  Prevent dust or iron powder from adhering to the magnet on the back side.
• Do not touch the fixing screws (three locations) of the turntable. The rating performance cannot be guaranteed if they are out of position.

Fitting the turntable

Slowly set the turntable on the center spindle.
Attention

• Be careful when handling the turntable, as it is heavy.
• Keep your fingers from being caught.
• Wipe off fingerprints or dirt with a soft cloth.

Fitting the turntable mat

Lay the turntable mat on the turntable.

Attaching the head shell

Fit the head shell with the cartridge into the tone arm. Keep the head shell horizontal and tighten the locking nut.

• Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.

Attaching the balance weight

Attach the balance weight to the rear of the tone arm.

• Attach the included auxiliary weight to the rear of the tone arm according to the weight of your cartridge.
  For adjustable cartridge weight ranges, see "Applicable cartridge weight range".

Note

• The inside of the balance weight is greased.

To remove the turntable

As shown in the figure on the right, set your fingers in the two holes on the turntable, hold the center spindle down and remove the turntable upward.

Connections and installation

• Do not simultaneously connect both the PHONO terminal output and external output terminals to a connected device (pre-main amplifier, component system, etc.). Connecting simultaneously may cause noise and/or popping sound.
• Turn off all units and disconnect the AC power supply cord from the socket before making any connections.
• Do not operate the external output switch and connect or disconnect cables with the unit turned on.
• When connecting the PHONO output terminals, be sure to connect the PHONO earth lead. Otherwise, mains hum (buzzing noise) may occur.
• Refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device.

Connecting to an integrated amplifier or component system

Connecting the external output terminals

1. Turn off the unit and the connected device, and disconnect the AC power supply cord from the socket.
2. Connect the PHONO cable to the external output terminals of the unit and the external input terminals of the connected device.
   • When connecting the external output terminals, do not connect the PHONO earth lead.
   • Connecting to the PHONO input terminals of the connected device produces abnormal output, loud and with distorted sound quality.
3. Set the external output switch to "ON".
4. Connect the AC power supply cord.
   • Confirm the wattage of the AC outlet on the connected equipment before using it for this unit.
     For the power consumption of this unit, see the specifications.

Connecting the PHONO output terminals

1. Turn off the unit and the connected device, and disconnect the AC power supply cord from the socket.
2. Connect the PHONO cable and PHONO earth lead to the PHONO input terminals of the connected equipment.
   • Adequate volume and sound quality cannot be obtained when connected to the external input terminals of the connected device.
3. Set the external output switch to "OFF".
4. Connect the AC power supply cord.
   • Confirm the wattage of the AC outlet on the connected equipment before using it for this unit.
     For the power consumption of this unit, see the specifications.

Attention

• Tighten the PHONO earth terminal using a Phillips head screwdriver.

Note

• Although the AC power switch is in the "OFF" position, the unit is not completely disconnected from the mains. Remove the plug from the main electrical outlet if you will not be using the unit for an extended period of time. Place the unit so the plug can be easily removed.

Installation

Install the unit on a horizontal surface protected from vibrations.
Keep this unit as far as possible from speakers.

Adjusting the height to make the unit horizontal

Raise the main unit to turn the insulators and adjust the height.

• Clockwise: Reduces the height.
• Anti-clockwise: Increases the height.

Attention

• Do not turn the insulators too far.
  Doing so may cause them to come off or damage them.

Fit the dust cover

Hold the dust cover with both hands and insert it into the dust cover fitting parts on the player.

• To remove the dust cover, keep it open and lift it straight above.
  

Attention

• Return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp before you attach or detach the dust cover.
• Remove the dust cover while playing.
• When inserting the dust cover, prevent the tip of the hinges from hitting and damaging the main unit.

Notes for installation

• Before you move the unit, turn the unit off, pull out the power plug and disconnect all connected devices.
• Ensure the unit is not exposed to direct sunlight, dust, humidity, and heat from a heating appliance.
• This unit may pick up interference from a radio if there is one nearby.
  Keep the unit as far as possible from a radio.
• Do not install the unit on a heat source.
• Avoid a place with large temperature variations.
• Avoid a place with frequent condensation.
• Avoid an unstable place.
• Do not put an object on the unit.
• Do not install the unit in a confined space such as a book shelf.
• Install the unit at a position well away from walls or other devices to ensure effective heat radiation from the inside of the unit.
• Make sure the installation location is sufficiently strong to withstand the total weight of the unit and system.
• Note that the unit may be damaged by cigarette smoke or moisture from an ultrasonic humidifier.

Condensation
Think of taking out a cold bottle from a refrigerator. If you leave it in a room for a while, dewdrops will form on the bottle surface. This phenomenon is called "condensation".

• Conditions causing condensation
  • Rapid temperature change (caused by moving from a warm place to a cold place or vice versa, rapid cooling or heating, or direct exposure to cooled air)
  • High humidity in a room with much steam, etc.
  • Rainy season
• Condensation may damage the unit. If it has occurred, turn the unit off and leave it until it adapts to the ambient temperature (approximately 2 to 3 hours).

Adjustment

Horizontal balance

Preparation

• First, remove the dust cover.
• Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp.
• Lower the cue lever.
• Turn the anti-skating control to "0".

Free the tone arm from the arm rest and adjust horizontal balance by turning the balance weight.
Hold the tone arm and turn the balance weight in the arrow direction to adjust the balance until the arm is approximately horizontal.

• Take care not to allow the stylus tip to touch the turntable or main unit.

Stylus pressure

Preparation

• Return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp.

1. Turn the stylus pressure control until "0" comes to the center line of the rear of the tone arm.
   
   • Hold the balance weight still during doing this.

Note

• Stylus pressure of the supplied cartridge: 1.8 g
• When using a separately sold cartridge, refer to the user's guide for your cartridge for the appropriate stylus pressure.

2. Turn the balance weight to adjust to the appropriate stylus pressure for the cartridge.
   
   • The stylus pressure control will turn together with the balance weight.
   • Turn until the center line points to the appropriate stylus pressure.

Anti-skating

Turn the anti-skating control to adjust it to the same value as the stylus pressure control.

Note

• For stylus pressures 3 g and above, adjust anti-skating control to "3".

Tone arm height

Make this adjustment only if the cartridge you are using makes it necessary.

Preparation

• Put a record on the turntable.

1. Release the arm lock.
   
2. Adjust the height with the armheight adjuster.
   Adjust the arm height until the tone arm becomes parallel to the record.
   1. Use the chart below as reference to find the appropriate position mark for the height of your cartridge.
      (For supplied head shell)

      	Cartridge height (H) in millimeters	Height control position
      	14 15 16 17 18 19 20	0 1 2 3 4 5 6

      • Height of the accessory cartridge H = 18 (mm)
        (Height control position: 4)
   2. Hold the arm-height adjuster and slide it up or down to align the position mark with the index line. 0 to 6 mm are marked on the arm height adjuster.
      
      • When checking the index line of the Armheight adjuster, check with your eyes on the same level.
        

When you don't know the cartridge height (H) or when you don't use the accessory head shell
Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp. Lower the cue lever, rest the stylus on the record and adjust the height control until the tone arm and record are parallel.

• If the cartridge height (H) is too small to make them parallel to each other, add a "cartridge spacer" (not supplied).
  

3. After arm height adjustment is finished, lock the tone arm by turning the arm lock knob.
   • Be sure to turn the arm lock knob to the end as shown in the figure below. You may need to apply some force to do so.
     

Attention

• Be careful not to damage the stylus tip.
• Do not use the product with the arm lock released.
• For finer adjustment, use a level (not included) to adjust the arm height so that the cartridge becomes parallel to a record.

Armlift height

Make an adjustment according to your cartridge if necessary.

Preparation

• Put a record on the turntable.
• Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp.
• Lift the cue lever and move the tone arm over the record.

1. Check the armlift height (distance between the stylus tip and record surface).
   If adjustment is needed, go to step 2.
   • The armlift height is factory-adjusted to 8 to 13 mm ( ⁵/₁₆" to ³³/₆₄").
     
2. Return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp. Turn the adjustment screw.
   
   • Turning the screw clockwise lowers the armlift.
   • Turning the screw anti-clockwise raises the armlift.

Playing records

Preparation

• Put a record (not included) on the turntable.
• Take off the stylus cover and release the arm clamp.

1. Press [] to turn the unit on.
   33-¹/₃ rpm is automatically selected and the indicator [33] lights.
   
2. Press [START-STOP].
   The turntable starts revolving.
   
   Attention
   • Do not press [START-STOP] when the turntable is removed.
     If you have accidentally pressed [START-STOP]
     • The indicator of the speed select button ([33] or [45]) starts blinking.
       → If it is blinking, press [] to turn the unit off, fit the turntable and then press [] to turn the unit on.
   • Turn the unit on or off with the volume on the connected device set to the minimum.
3. Lift the cue lever and move the tone arm over the record.
   
4. Lower the cue lever slowly.
   The tone arm moves down slowly.
   Play starts.
   

To temporarily stop play

Lift the cue lever.

• The stylus lifts off the record.
• To start play again, lower the cue lever.

When play finishes

1. After lifting the cue lever to return the tone arm to the arm rest, lower it completely.
2. Press [START-STOP].
   The electronic brake gently stops the turntable.
3. Press [] to turn the unit off.
4. Clamp the tone arm with the arm clamp.
5. Put the stylus cover back on (to protect the stylus tip).

Auto lift-up function

This function automatically lifts up the tone arm after a record finishes playing. It prevents the last groove from playing back repeatedly. (It does not stop the turntable rotation.)
This function requires the following setting to become active.
Setting: With the unit turned off, set the auto lift-up switch on the rear side to "ON".

• After an auto lift-up, be sure to perform the steps1 to 5 described above in "When play finishes".

Attention

• Depending on the record, it may take some time after the play finishes for the auto liftup to operate, or it may operate while the record is still playing. If the tone arm is lifted during play, set the auto lift-up switch to "OFF".
• The auto lift-up function may not operate normally. For the auto lift-up function to operate normally, the cue lever must be completely lowered after the tone arm is returned to the arm rest following the end of play.
  ロ ロ

When playing EP records

• Press the speed select button [45] ([45] lights).
• Fit the EP record adaptor over the center spindle.

When playing SP (78 rpm) records

• Press the speed select buttons [33] and [45] at the same time (78 rpm: [33] and [45] light).

When using a record stabilizer (not included)

• See the instruction manual of the record stabilizer.
• Maximum weight: 1 kg

Maintenance

Care of the parts

Thoroughly clean dust off the stylus and record.

• Take off the head shell with the cartridge and clean the stylus using a soft brush.
  Brush from the base to the tip.
  
• Use a record cleaner to keep your records clean.

Wipe the head shell terminals occasionally.
Wipe the head shell terminals with a soft cloth and fit the head shell to the tone arm.

Turn the amplifier volume down or turn the amplifier off before fitting or removing the head shell.
Damage to your speakers can occur if the head shell is moved while the volume is turned up.

Cleaning the dust cover and cabinet

Wipe the dust cover and cabinet with a soft cloth.
Do not touch the board while cleaning.
Otherwise, the player may fail.
When dirt is heavy, wring a wet cloth tightly to wipe the dirt, and then wipe it with a soft cloth.

• Do not use solvents including benzene, thinner, alcohol, kitchen detergent, a chemical wiper, etc. This might cause the exterior case to be deformed or the coating to come off.
• Do not wipe the dust cover when it is in place. Doing so may cause the tone arm to be attracted towards the dust cover as a result of the generated static electricity. Be sure the dust cover is removed while playing a record.

Moving the unit

Repackage the unit in the packaging it came in.
Keep the packaging materials after taking out the goods.
If you no longer have the packaging, do the following:

• Take off the turntable and turntable mat and carefully wrap them.
• Remove the head shell and balance weight from the tone arm and carefully wrap them.
• Clamp the tone arm with the arm clamp and tape it in place.
• Carefully wrap the main unit in a blanket or paper.
  

Replacing the cartridge

The cartridge can be replaced with one of your preference.

Removing the supplied cartridge

1. Attach the stylus cover and loosen the locking nut to remove the tone arm from the head shell.
2. Loosen the cartridge mounting screws to remove the supplied cartridge from the head shell.
   • Use a commercially available mini flat screwdriver (4 mm [⁵/₃₂"]).
   • Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
3. Remove the leads from the terminals.
   • Be careful not to cut the leads.

Attaching the cartridge

1. Attach a cartridge tentatively.
   Follow the instructions of the replacement cartridge to correctly attach it to the head shell, and tighten the screws lightly.
   
   • If the mounting screws are included in the cartridge, use them.
   • When playing SP records, use a cartridge for SP records.
   • Use a commercially available mini flat screwdriver (4 mm [⁵/₃₂"]).
   • Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
2. Adjust the overhang.
   • Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
     1. Move the cartridge to adjust the overhang in such a way that the stylus tip is at 52 mm from the head shell mounting end, as shown in the figure below.
        
     2. The cartridge should be parallel on the shell head when viewed from the top and side (the illustration is the top view).
        
     3. Tighten the screw for cartridge.
        • Be careful not to allow the cartridge to slip out of place.
          

Attaching the head shell

3. Fit the head shell with the cartridge into the tone arm.
   Keep the head shell horizontal and tighten the locking nut.
   • Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
     

Attention

• Store the removed screws, washers and nuts in such a way that they do not get lost.
• This unit is for use with MM type cartridges. The external output terminals cannot be used when used with an MC type cartridge.

Troubleshooting guide

Before requesting service, make the below checks. If you are in doubt about some of the check points, or if the remedies indicated in the chart do not solve the problem, contact your dealer.

No power.

• Is the AC power supply cord plugged in?
  → Plug the AC power supply cord in firmly.

There is power but no sound, sound is weak or abnormal, loud and with distorted sound quality.

• Are device connections and PHONO or external output terminal connections correct?
  → Connect the PHONO output terminals with the amplifier's PHONO input terminals.
  → Connect the external output terminals to the amplifier's external input terminals.
• Is the external output switch correctly set?
  → When connecting the external output terminals, set the external output switch to "ON".

Left and right sounds are reversed.

• Are the stereo connection cable connections to the amplifier or receiver reversed?
  → Double check all connections.
• Are connections of the head shell's lead wires to the cartridge terminals correct?
  → Double check all connections.

Low, continuous sound (humming or buzzing sound), noise or popping sound is heard during play.

• Are there other appliances or their AC power supply cord near the stereo connection cable?
  → Separate the appliances and their AC power supply cord from this unit.
• Is the earth lead connected?
  → When connecting the PHONO output terminals, correctly connect the PHONO earth lead.
• Are both the PHONO terminal output and external output terminals simultaneously connected to the connected device?
  → Connect one or the other.

The indicator on the speed select button [33] or [45] blinks.

Perform the following operations when the indicator on the speed select button [33] or [45] blinks. The symptom may be improved.

1. Press [] to OFF.
2. Pull out the power plug, wait for three seconds or more, and then insert the plug again.
3. Press [] to turn the unit on and press [START-STOP] to rotate the turntable.

• If the indicator on the speed select button blinks again, check which one is blinking and contact our service representative.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
    
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Unit

• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
  • Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
  • Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this unit.
  • Use only the recommended accessories.
  • Do not remove covers.
  • Do not repair this unit by yourself.
  • Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

AC power supply cord

• The power plug is the disconnecting device. Install this unit so that the power plug can be unplugged from the socket outlet immediately.
• Ensure the earth pin on the power plug is securely connected to prevent electrical shock.
  • An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a power socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Unit

• Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on this unit.

Placement

• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
  • Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space.
    Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
  • Do not obstruct this unit's ventilation openings with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, and similar items.
• Keep your speakers at least 10 mm (¹³/₃₂") away from the system for proper ventilation.
• Keep any IC card or magnetic card such as a credit card away from the turntable.
  • Otherwise the IC card or magnetic card may become unusable due to magnetic effect.

The following mark and symbols are located on bottom of the unit.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

If you have any questions, visit:
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Canada: www.panasonic.ca/english/support
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