Technics SL-1700
Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Automatic Turntable - mkI Servo control (1977-78) - mkII Quartz locked (1979-81)
Description
The SL-1700 offers the famous Technics direct drive system with the added convenience of semi-automatic operation.
Once the tonearm is manually positioned over the lead in grooves, the automatic mechanism will lower the tonearm onto the record when the lever is flicked, and automatically return it to the arm rest at the completion of play. The unit is then automatically shut off.
This handy feature frees the user from rushing to the turntable at the end of record play and also saves wear on your stylus.
At any time during play, flicking the stop lever will cause the tonearm to automatically lift up and return to the arm rest.
Specifications
Type: semi-automatic turntable
Drive method: direct drive
Motor: servo DC motor (mk1), brushless DC motor (mk2)
Platter: 330mm (mk1), 332mm 2kg (mk2)
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS
Rumble: -73dB (mk1), -78dB (mk2)
Tonearm: universal s-shaped tubular arm
Effective length: 230mm
Overhang: 15mm
Offset angle: 21.5 degrees (mk1), 22 degrees (mk2)
Weight: 8.8kg (mk1), 10kg (mk2)
Downloads
instruction/owners manual (en)
instruction/owners manual (fr)
mkII instruction/owners manual (en)
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Technics SL-1700 / SL1700 owners manual, service manuals and schematics are for reference only and the Vinyl Engine bears no responsibility for errors or other inaccuracies. The PDF files are provided under strict licence. Reproduction for financial gain is strictly prohibited. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Technics.
User Reviews
After months of turntable scouring and research I settled on the 1700 MK I. Wonderful build quality, classy looks, and beautiful sound coming from this turntable. Feels like it might out live me. Coming from a Numark TT USB the sonics are noticeably more rich and fuller in range. Wow, couldn't be happier. The auto return feature is splendid as well.
10/10 by s6139
The only big difference on this model compared to top of the line is the lack of Qurtz control and a tonearm that is adjustable in height. The 1700/1710 is due to my opinion the player that places itself in the category Value for money
Quality in each piece and a very reliable mechanical controlled automatic system. I bought mine 1978 and it has being used almost every day since that- now I've upgraded to SL1410MK2 and will separate from this one as I managed to refurbish the 1410 Mk2 (Note that almost all MK2 models needs a very difficult repair work of the armlift )
9/10 by Ljud Ankan
The tonearm definately IS adjustable in height. (RTFM) Their is a screw on the right side in the lift assy. Push down the lift as the screw is a hex that needs to be un-locked prior to adjustment. Then adjust height of arm with screwdriver: clockwise is lower, anti-clock is higher.
10/10 by Berre
Comments
sl-1700 speed
I discovered I have an sL-1700 in my attic. I plugged it in and hooked it to my amp but the speed is way fast. What do I have to do to slow this down. And I was told if the cartridge is ceramic or magnetic it may not work with my amp. I am not getting any sound now. Any comments?
1700 mk2 cueing down problem.
I have a small problem with my 1700 mk2. When the arm returns to it's rest after playing a record, the arm wants to fly towards the centre of the platter instead of dropping down to it's rest. The same happens when you press the cue down button to start playing a record. Cue up is working perfectly. Any ideas? I have just moved home and it was working perfectly well at my old home !!!!
Check the two points:
Are you sure that the table is perfectly level ? Also check the anti-skating adjustment, maybe it's at zero.
Yes, the deck is level and
Yes, the deck is level and the anti-skate is on 3 gram. I have a feeling that it is the anti-skate at fault, put it on zero and it still does have the problem. Any idea how the anti-skate works on this model?
remerciements
Bonjour,
Je voulais vous remercier sur la qualité de votre site : mode d'emploi, forums, réponses tout ce qui fait un très bon site sur un sujet qui nécessite des professionnels.
Encore merci
Bonne continuations
Salutations
BF
manual SL- 1710
can anyone help me with the manual for SL- 1710?
txs
ane
MkII Pitch lights
Hi!, This is my problem. I have one Technics SL-1700 mkII and when the pitch is in the center the led is OK, but when I move the pitch, no matter what direction, the lights go to the "-6" light in the pitch led bank. What could it be the problem?
Same Problem
Hello Irwin,
I have the same problem on my SL-1700 MK2.
Did you received any information about how to fix this ?
Thanks,
Lexus.
Speed is too slow for 33rpm
Hi
I purchased an used 1700. It was working fine on 33 as well as 45 rpm records. Earlier my daughter slapped the tone arm and then I tried a 33rpm record, the arm was slipping. I thought it is a cart issue so replaced the cart.
Now the 45 rpm plays perfectly fine.
On 33 rpm - the speed it VERY slow. Initially when I turn the table on it rotates at varying speeds. Then after playing for a min or so, it settles for a painfully slow speed on 33 rpm setting. If I swtch to 45 rpm record, with setting changed to 45 rpm, it plays just fine.
What could be wrong? How can I fix it?
Edit - More can be seen in this thread - http://www.hifivision.com/phono-turntables/6983-technics-sl-1700-my-first-turn-table-6.html
This post talks about my adventures in trying to fix - http://www.hifivision.com/phono-turntables/6983-technics-sl-1700-my-first-turn-table-6.html#post122831
speed control
I am having speed issues with my spare SL-1700 on both speeds, later today I am going to disassemble the deck and clean all the pots (speed selector and both pitch controls). I have been told that will fix it, if not I am going to order a new selector. I'll post again and let you know how it goes.
speed issue fixed
^^^ I am also interested in the answer to the post above.
I got the speed issue fixed. Pots were replaced by a repair person. Now I am looking to mount a new cart m97xe. Please help with the steps needed.
regards
Lubrication for SL1700 Direct Drive
Does anyone know the type or where I can get the lubricating oil for this mid-70s Technics direct drive turntable?
Also, crazy request, but I could also use a new dust cover for it. Anyone know a source?
Thanks.
Mitch
Old School Radio DJ
what all to lube?
is there something I can offer to the tone arm, pivot etc?
Fuse
Hi guys,
I need to change the Fuse of my SL-1700, and I saw that it is DEEPLY inside...
Do I really need to open everything (some fears of doing that...) or is there any other "shortcut" to reach the fuse?
Thanks!
Technics SL-1700
Hello U out there,
can anyone supply a service manual for SL-1700/1710 (1st edition - Mk1).
Thanks in advance!
bernhard_m
SL1700 MK2
I'm also looking for a SL1700 MK2 intruction manual. Only a brochure is availble above. Hope somebody shares his manual. TIA
re: SL1700 MK2 manual
Hopefully, the first one that finds one will upload it. I need one as well.
Service manual
Did you ever find a service manual on the 1700 MK2?
I'm needing one too.
Sam
Technics SL-1700
Just for your information.
I was looking for a manual for my SL-1700. The instruction manuals listed are not the manuals for the SL-1700 turntable I have.
Eddie.
SL1700 MK2
Eddie,
I have the manual that was posted here as well.
I am no expert, but I am guessing there may be a difference between the SL1700 and the SL1700 MK2. Several obvious things are very different.
Amos
1700 and 1700 mk2
Yes they are different animals, the service manual here online is for the 1700. The mk2 uses the same arm, platter and motor as the SL-1200MK2 models so many parts are still available. I found a mk2 service manual online for US$15, it seemed good value.
Ted
SL-1700 MK2 Service Manual
Ted:
perhaps you could scan and post your Mk2 manual?
I'm trying to figure out why the tonearm lift controls aren't working correctly on mine.