[Ron Ramirez]

Agree with John (Eliot). After all, a Technics TT is in a different league than, say, a BSR. I know the one I had about 20 years ago was a very high quality unit. I installed a Stanton 500 cartridge and I really thought I had something special...and, really, I did.

Edit: I think mine was an SL-D2. Direct drive (far superior to belt drive IMHO). I think your SL-1300 is probably a better turntable.