The year 1970 marked a significant turning point in the history of audio equipment, particularly when it came to turntables. Vinyl records were still the dominant medium for music playback, and manufacturers were fiercely competing to produce the best turntables that could deliver the ultimate analog listening experience. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of turntables from 1970 and explore what was considered the best turntable of that era.
The Vinyl Revolution of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade characterized by the continued growth of the music industry and the enduring popularity of vinyl records. Turntables were at the forefront of this cultural phenomenon, as music enthusiasts sought high-quality equipment to extract the best sound from their LPs. Manufacturers responded with innovative designs and features, resulting in a range of iconic turntables that are still revered by audiophiles today.
The Best Turntable of 1970: Technics SL-1200
The Technics SL-1200, released in 1972, is often regarded as one of the best turntables of the 1970s, even though it came slightly after the turn of the decade. Its impact on the industry and its timeless design make it a standout choice.
Key features of the Technics SL-1200 included:
- Direct Drive: The SL-1200 featured a direct-drive motor system, which was a groundbreaking innovation at the time. This design eliminated many of the issues associated with belt-driven turntables, such as speed stability and maintenance.
- High Torque: The turntable had a high-torque motor, making it ideal for DJ use. Its quick start and stop capabilities and pitch control made it a favorite among DJs and music professionals.
- Robust Build: The SL-1200 boasted a rugged and robust build quality, ensuring durability and longevity. Its heavy plinth and vibration-damping materials contributed to its stability and resistance to external vibrations.
- S-shaped Tonearm: The turntable featured an S-shaped tonearm, a design that minimized tracking error and ensured precise tracking of the record grooves.
- Adjustable Counterweight: The SL-1200 allowed users to adjust the counterweight and tracking force, providing flexibility to accommodate a wide range of cartridges and stylus options.
- Iconic Look: The turntable’s iconic design, with its silver tonearm and distinctive pitch control sliders, made it instantly recognizable and sought after.
- Diverse Usage: While it gained fame as a DJ turntable, the SL-1200 was also appreciated by audiophiles for its exceptional sound quality.
Other Notable Turntables of the Era
While the Technics SL-1200 stands out as one of the best turntables of the 1970s, it was not the only notable option during that era. Other manufacturers also produced noteworthy turntables with their unique characteristics:
- Pioneer PL-12D: Pioneer’s PL-12D turntable was known for its reliability and consistent performance. It featured a belt-drive system and a high-quality tonearm.
- Dual 1219: The Dual 1219 turntable was celebrated for its precision engineering and ease of use. It offered a semi-automatic operation and an anti-skate mechanism.
- Thorens TD-160: Thorens’ TD-160 turntable was celebrated for its exceptional build quality and audiophile-grade components. It featured a suspended sub-chassis design to reduce vibrations.
- Garrard Zero 100: The Garrard Zero 100 was known for its innovative linear-tracking tonearm, which reduced tracking errors and improved playback accuracy.
Conclusion
The best turntable of 1970, the Technics SL-1200, remains an iconic symbol of the vinyl era. Its pioneering direct-drive technology, robust build quality, and timeless design continue to captivate audiophiles and DJs alike. However, it’s essential to recognize that the 1970s offered a diverse array of high-quality turntables from various manufacturers, each with its unique features and strengths.
Today, vintage turntables from this era are highly sought after by collectors and audio enthusiasts, showcasing the enduring appeal of analog playback and the enduring legacy of these iconic devices. The Technics SL-1200, along with its contemporaries, played a pivotal role in shaping the audio landscape of the 1970s and left an indelible mark on the world of music and hi-fi technology.
