The Technics SL-1300 is a great example of what I refer to as classic direct-drive decks from the golden era of excellence in the engineering and manufacture of turntables.

Technics made a range of decks and this was one of the best of the consumer models. With a nicely balanced 2.5kg platter, aluminium chassis, Technics’ proprietary one-piece motor and platter arrangement and nice automation of start, stop and play functions, this is one deck to watch out for. Add in that the deck includes a good tonearm and perhaps a Shure M97xE to get you started and you just can’t go wrong.

My customer’s deck had some speed control issues which were fairly easily resolved by cleaning and lubricating the speed control potentiometers on the chassis and on the control board. I also lubed the spindle bearing with synthetic bearing oil and of course, set up the arm and cartridge to Technics specifications. Technics specify a particular overhang for their arms and carts, including this Shure M91ED, and I am happy to go with that.

After a clean and lube of on-board controls, mechanical linkages and connectors, this deck came up perfectly and will live to play many more records for years to come.