Technics SL-DL1 1980's Linear Legend Turntable Electrolytic Recap

Technics SL-DL1 1980's Linear Legend Turntable Electrolytic Recap. Vintage precision meets timeless sound.

The original electrolytic capacitors listed in the Technics SL-DL1 service manual are no longer available. Suitable modern replacements have been selected based on equivalent capacitance, voltage ratings, physical size, and performance characteristics. Recommended replacements include high-quality audio-grade capacitors such as Panasonic FM, Nichicon ES (Muse) bipolar, Nichicon FG, and Elna Silmic II. Some substitutions were made due to specific voltage and space constraints.

 

Technics SL-DL1 service manual original list of electrolytic caps

Cap	Part Number	Voltage	Capacitance
C3	ECE-B1VS102	35V	1000µF
C4	ECE-B1CS102	16V	1000µF
C5	ECE-A1VS330	25V	33µF
C6	ECE-A1ES470	25V	47µF
C7	ECE-A0JS471	6.3V	470µF
C101	ECE-A1AS101	10V	100µF
C102	ECE-A1ES101	25V	100µF
C104	ECE-A1AS470	10V	47µF
C107	ECE-A1AS470	10V	47µF
C111	ECE-A25Z4R7	50V	4.7µF
C114	ECE-A1CN101S/B	16V	100µF NON-POLAR
C115	ECE-A1CN101S/B	16V	100µF NON-POLAR
C301	ECE-A1CS330	16V	33µF
C305	ECE-A16Z33	16V	33µF
C308	ECE-A50Z1	50V	1µF
C309	ECE-A1CS330	16V	33µF
C319	ECE-A1ES101 / ECE-A0JS471	25V / 6.3V	100µF / 470µF
C401	ECQ-E2A473MZ0	450V	0.047µF Polyester Film

My list from HiFi Collective . (Selection depends on matching original voltage(or higher) and capacitance ratings.)

Each bag was labeled with the capacitor value and number, and as capacitors were replaced, the old ones were placed in their corresponding bags for easy reference or troubleshooting later.

For ease and to avoid straining wires, it’s best to remove the entire board. Before removing the PCB from the turntable, feed a cable tie through the existing holes near connector CN101 —this provides a grip to safely separate the fragile phenolic PCB from the direct drive PCB without damage.

C401 (450V 0.047µF polyester film) tested good, so I left it in place.

It’s good practice to mark all capacitor numbers on the silkscreen with a red marker before starting, clearly indicating which ones to remove. The capacitor polarities are also shown on the silkscreen.

Since axial capacitors weren’t available, I bent the leads downward and drilled a new hole for the positive lead to fit the capacitor properly, with a dab of hot glue.

Capacitors C3 & C4 old + pad location to the new + pad location

Brass standoffs were used in all PCB mount holes to protect tall components from damage when the PCB is flipped.

The fully recapped board

Regarding the Technics SL-DL1 Disc Detection Logic:

This explanation assumes you are familiar with the turntable’s disc detection shutter mechanism in the lid.

If you’re troubleshooting disc detection issues like I was, understanding the underlying logic can be very helpful.

The phototransistors (SVTPH101 NPN Darlington) are located in the lid, while the light source LEDs are positioned beneath the platter, shining through the mat holes. These components can be tested in strong ambient light or by using a torch. By holding the lid switch while the lid is open, the tonearm will activate and move toward the "read disc" position — even when no disc is present.

Be aware that the lid logic can be misleading. Once the disc shutter position is detected, the tonearm will always move to the last recorded shutter position, regardless of any issues or the auto mode, until the lid switch is reset by releasing it.

Also, the momentary lid switch is not a simple on/off switch; it has six pins and features both normally open and normally closed contacts.

Future Modifications:

• Replace existing trailing power and audio cables.
• IEC mains inlet socket (for detachable power cord).
• L/R RCA connectors for line-out audio.
• Ground post for proper grounding, especially with external phono stages.
• Add an internal phono preamp to provide line-level output.
• Integrate Bluetooth transmission capability for wireless audio output to speakers or headphones.
• Illuminate the record surface near the tonearm to make it easier to see track gaps when manually skipping ahead.