Hackjob

Back in the early to mid-eighties Technics began revising their core consumer turntable lineup, creating the MK2 series of SL turntables. These were, and often still are, regarded some of the highest quality and most feature rich turntables ever built. While the lineup has largely been overshadowed the monumental success of the MK2 SL-1200, there's one model that's held in nearly as high of regard: the MK2 SL-1600. Here's how I got along with one.

  For anyone under the age of 30, Technics probably isn't a name that comes to mind when thinking about headphones. They're mainly known for making outstanding turntables and stereo equipment, but not so much for speakers. Anyone who bought a Technics rack system back in the day will probably tell you that the giant floor speakers it came with are either best suited for the garage - or the dump. So, does a storied turntable manufacturer with a not-so storied background for speakers know how to make a decent pair of noise cancelling Bluetooth earbuds? Let's find out.

  About two months ago, I scored two direct drive turntables for $60: a Pioneer PL-518 and a Technics SL-1600 MK1. Either one of these decks alone would've been a steal at the price, and a huge upgrade from the old Garrard 770M I was spinning LPs on prior. Unlike the Pioneer (which has been such a nightmare that it deserves it's own post), the Technics managed to survive it's two decades of horrible storage in relatively great shape. It just needed a little love.