DECK FOR HALLS

A turntable and floorstanders set-up that needs a bit more room to shine

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Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that both of the deck-plus-amp-plus-speakers systems featured in this issue come in at about the same price.

What is it, then, that differentiates them?

First off, the Rega-based system on p38 uses standmounted speakers and is aimed primarily at those with a limited amount of space to play with, whereas the trio here features the excellent Q Acoustics 5050 floorstanders, which are better suited to larger rooms. Secondly, the two systems differ in sonic character; while some will warm to the particular merits of this combo, others will feel more at home with the more clinical emphasis of the Rega set-up.

The source for this system – the Technics SL-1500C turntable – has many talents and is a particularly good fit in this context. It is a simplified version of the high-end SL-1000R model that uses, like that deck, a coreless direct-drive motor with sophisticated speed-management circuitry and a hefty, well-damped chassis. It comes supplied with the well-respected Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and has a built-in phono stage too. Usefully, there is also a switchable auto-lift function that takes the stylus off the record once the end of the side has been reached, as well as an electronic speed change. The plinth uses a combination of aluminium, ABS and glass-fibre to achieve the optimum mix of rigidity and vibration control. Everything feels solid and well engineered, and it operates with a pleasing degree of precision. Its detachable headshell means you can upgrade your cartridge at a later date with ease, should you wish to.