Question Technics SL-1700 MKII or Pioneer PL-71?

[baratz]

Hello, I'm torn between purchasing these two turntables:

• Technics SL-1700 MKII (480 euros)
• Pioneer PL-71 (600 euros)

Aesthetically I'm more inclined to get the Pioneer, but I would like also to check with you guys which would be the best for my system:

• Cartridge: Benz Micro Ref S (got it at 800 euros)
• Preamp: Vincent PHO-701 (with Brimar Cv4003 tube)
• Amp: Technics SU-V8
• Speakers: Proac Studio 1 MKII

I listen mainly to rock/metal and instrumental jazz (more on the fusion/free side)

What would be your recommendation? I'm trying to find a turntable with adjustable VTA, as it can improve the sound of the cartridge quite a lot.

Thanks!!

 

[daytona600]

As both are 40/45years old Condition/Recent service important
£2,000 Benz might be overkill & Benz is Low 15cu compliance suited to Med/High mass arm
You might have to add mass to Tonearm Eg heavier headshell

 

[Al ears]

As both are 40/45years old Condition/Recent service important
£2,000 Benz might be overkill & Benz is Low 15cu compliance suited to Med/High mass arm
You might have to add mass to Tonearm Eg heavier headshell

That said he didn't pay £2000 for the Benz but that's certainly worth noting regarding the tonearm compatibility.
Note that the Pioneer arm is medium mass.
The Technics can suffer from speed adjustment issues and is semi automatic (something else to go wrong).
My money would be on a serviced Pioneer.

 

[baratz]

As both are 40/45years old Condition/Recent service important
£2,000 Benz might be overkill & Benz is Low 15cu compliance suited to Med/High mass arm
You might have to add mass to Tonearm Eg heavier headshell

I've done some math, I found that resonant frequency is around 8.76hz for the Technics and 8.06hz for the Pioneer. It should be good, right?

 

[Al ears]

I've done some math, I found that resonant frequency is around 8.76hz for the Technics and 8.06hz for the Pioneer. It should be good, right?

It should be yes.
that said if I had your cartridge I would be looking at putting it on a really good deck.
Some caution is required when buying decks of this age.

 

[Rui]

I would choose the technics as the PL-71 is older but a good turntables, it might be better the Technics as it is more evolved and easier to put any cartridge, i have a Pioneer like that but wasn't much in use , the technics is direct drive and the arm is common to several technics models, a good options compared to new ones of the same price, a lot better i'm using two 1977 models and one 1979, they sound very good with old or new cartridges