Technics SL-Q3 (1979–1980)
A fully automatic, quartz-locked direct drive turntable built for precision and ease of use.
Overview
The Technics SL-Q3 is a direct drive full-automatic player system introduced in 1979, designed for audiophile listening with high rotational accuracy and low wow and flutter. It features a quartz phase locked control system and a brushless DC motor for stable playback at 33 1/3 and 45 rpm. The turntable uses a universal S-shaped static balance gimbal suspension tonearm and is compatible with MM type stereo cartridges within a specific weight range.
Specifications
| Drive system | Direct drive |
| Drive motor | Brushless DC motor |
| Control system | Quartz phase locked control |
| Turntable | 31.2 cm Aluminum Die-cast |
| Number of revolutions | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
| Starting torque | 1.0 kg / cm |
| Start-up characteristic | Constant speed at 0.9 seconds (33 1/3rpm) |
| Load variation | 0.7 kg / cm or Less, 0% |
| Rotational speed deviation | Within ± 0.002% |
| Wow and flutter | 0.025%W.R.M.S(JIS C5521) 0.012% W. R. M. S (Rotating Part Only) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78dB(IEC98A weighted) |
| Tone Arm Format | Universal S-shaped Static balance Gimbal suspension system |
| Rotational axis sensitivity | 7 mg (horizontal and vertical initial motion sensitivity) |
| Needle pressure adjustment range | 0 ~ 2.5g |
| Shell Weight | 7.5g |
| Applicable Cartridge Weight | 6g ~ 9.5g 3g ~ 6.5g (When Using Shell Weight) |
| Cartridge Type | MM Type Stereo Cartridge |
| Cartridge Dead weight | 5.6g |
| Exchange needle | EPS-207ED (Elliptical Needle, ¥ 6,000) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 6W |
| External dimensions | Width 430x Height 130x Depth 375 mm |
| Weight | 7.2kg |
Design
The cabinet is made of precision aluminum die-cast with a two-layer structure using TNRC, an acoustic material with high anti-vibration properties, for both the bottom base and upper part. A large insulator made of spring and viscoelastic material connects directly to the cabinet to prevent howling. The turntable uses a front operation method allowing all controls to be used with the dust cover closed. Rotation speed is detected via a unique all-around detection F/G system for higher accuracy, and it includes an oil dump type queuing mechanism. An LED strobe illuminator synchronized with a crystal oscillator enables precise speed adjustment. The motor is an integrated direct drive motor unique to Technics.
Market
The Technics SL-Q3 originally sold for ¥49,800 around 1979 and currently has a market value between $300 and $500.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ TECHNICS SL-Q3 May 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $937 Latest $256 │ │ Median $837 Trend ▼ Down │ │ Low $256 Volume ~3/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $1,000 ┤ │ │ │ . │ │ │. │ │ $657 ┤ . │ │ │ . │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ $200 ┤ .│ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-02 2026-03 2026-04│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.