Technics SL-BD22 Stereo Audio Turntable

Rating:
Summary: good
Review: I ordered this unit from Amazon and am very happy with it. I have no experience with any other turntables. This unit is a p-mount cartridge system, and therefore your options for needles are limited. I ordered a Shure p-mount cartridge to go with it. This unit does NOT come with a cartridge (needle), and another reviewer implied (the other reviewer bought his/hers used). Also note that when buying from a 3rd party from Amazon, you assume that company's return policy, NOT Amazon's return policy. When I ordered this from Amazon, Amazon turned the order over to Office Depot, who would not accept this item as a return (as per their policy). Watch out. Having said that, I think this unit sounds great, and have not heard the buzzing sound other reviewers have noticed. Just make sure you connect the ground wire.

Rating:
Summary: Technics SL-BD22 - reliable turntable
Review: I recently acquired a Technics SL-BD22 turntable used. It replaced a mid-1970's Dual 1237 belt driven table that finally gave up and begged to be retired. Looking for an affordable replacement and being familiar with Technics reputation for fine quality turntables, I naturally turned to eBay.

I'll be honest - I gambled on the SL-BD22 auction and couldn't be happier. I'd read a couple reviews in advance that detailed a "swishing" or static noise separate from the standard needle on vinyl sound. I haven't heard the sounds described. My unit plays perfectly and is silent during quiet musical passages or breaks between songs. One recommendation that may have helped is to upgrade the needle cartridge. Mine came with a low grade Audio Technica cartridge which was quickly switched out.

This table is a gem. It's not fancy and does not have the bells and whistles that some may require in a turntable. Still, it seems to be a reliable component for a great value. I paid $66 in an online auction. I highly recommend it.



Rating:
Summary: Not Technics' Best Table...
Review: Operation of this turntable is smooth with regards to accurate pitch and speed adjustment and the auto-return tone arm mechanism is flawless.

However, the downfall of this Technics turntable is an annoying audible static -like intermittent noise heard on quiet passages of music. I made absolute sure the ground wire was well secured and I even tested this 'table on another stereo system and still the annoying noise was present. Apparently, it may be something inherent in between the belt-motor and the output wiring. I tested another Technics table of the same model number and, yup, you guessed it...that same noise is there. It could have something to do with a design flaw or something that is just inherent with a non-direct drive frequency generated turntable...On a consumer electronics web-site another owner/reviewer of the SL-BD22 had the same exact problem ! So, it could be very much a problematic theme with regards to the designing of the table motor mechanism.

After this experience, I upgraded to the Technics SL-1200M3D. WOW ! A major world of difference. It didn't come cheap but the quality and durability is something to behold and so what if it's not an automatic (one less thing to break down) !

The SL-BD22 is basically a no frills 'table and will play records nicely. BUT, if yours comes with a static or humming sound no matter how much adjusting you do, it's a possibility it could be that design flaw...