Technics SL-P500 CD Player, Burr Brown DAC, Remote, Made in Japan

Technics SL-P500 CD Player, Burr Brown DAC, Remote, Made in Japan

The Technics SL-P500 is an exceptionally rare, first-generation compact disc player built in Japan in 1986–87, representing one of Technics’ finest achievements in early CD transport and DAC design. With a Burr Brown PCM54HP-K 16-bit digital converter, direct-driven disc motor, and linear motor drive for the optical pickup, the SL-P500 delivers one of the fastest access times and most reliable skip recovery of its era—design hallmarks that made these players prized by audiophiles and studios when new. The specifications are impressive even by modern standards: 102dB signal-to-noise ratio, 100dB channel separation, and a mere 0.0025% total harmonic distortion ensure exceptional transparency and detail retrieval from your favorite CDs. Frequency response of 4Hz–20kHz with ±0.2dB accuracy confirms the player’s ability to resolve everything a standard CD can provide. This unit has been thoroughly tested and verified fully functional; the transport loads, plays, and ejects reliably; the laser picks up discs cleanly; and audio output is clean and distortion-free. Cosmetic condition is good with light signs of age and careful use. Includes original remote control.

The SL-P500’s engineering reflects Technics’ commitment to precision and reliability. The Burr Brown PCM54HP-K DAC was a premium choice in 1986, known for excellent sonic character and low distortion—a specification that elevates this player well above budget CD transports of the era. The direct-driven disc motor combined with a linear motor drive for the optical assembly results in extremely fast track access (under 3 seconds typical) and remarkable reliability—the drive mechanism is nearly unbreakable, according to professional users and enthusiasts. The laser pickup design is robust and well-engineered, reflecting Technics’ reputation for building transports that outlast the competition by decades.

The front panel is elegantly minimal: power button, transport controls (play, pause, stop, skip, search), 10-key numeric input for direct track selection, and a high-resolution digital display showing disc information and elapsed/remaining time. Time mode buttons allow selection of track elapsed time, track remaining time, total disc elapsed time, or disc remaining time—useful flexibility for finding exact passages. A dedicated headphone jack on the front allows private listening with adjustable level control. The infrared remote control provides wireless operation of all major transport functions plus convenient digital volume attenuation in 2dB steps (0 dB to –12 dB), a feature that allowed some volume adjustment directly from the CD player without a preamp.

The rear panel includes standard RCA line-level outputs (not phono—must connect to a preamp or receiver’s CD/Aux input), proper RCA grounding, and 1/4-inch headphone connection. The all-metal construction, precision internal shielding, and thoughtful layout reflect Technics’ mid-1980s manufacturing standards when Japanese audio engineering was at a peak. At 4.6kg (10.1 lbs), the SL-P500 feels substantial and well-built, with smooth, tactilely satisfying control buttons and a satisfying mechanical precision in every operation—hallmarks of genuine quality that modern CD players rarely achieve.

Key Features & Specifications

Rare first-generation Technics compact disc player

Made in Japan (1986–87)

Burr Brown PCM54HP-K 16-bit digital converter (premium audiophile-grade DAC)

Direct-driven disc motor with linear motor drive for optical pickup

Frequency response: 4Hz to 20kHz (±0.2dB)

Dynamic range: 96dB

Signal-to-noise ratio: 102dB

Channel separation: 100dB

Total harmonic distortion: 0.0025% (1kHz, 0dB)

CD transport with excellent track access speed and error correction

Plays Redbook CD’s only (Not CDR’s)

Robust laser pickup design

10-key numeric track selector for direct access

Multiple time display modes (track elapsed, track remaining, disc elapsed, disc remaining)

Adjustable headphone output with dedicated front-panel jack

Remote control with digital volume attenuation (0dB to –12dB in 2dB steps)

RCA line-level outputs (connect to preamp or receiver CD/Aux input)

Thoroughly tested and verified fully functional

Transport loads, plays, searches, and ejects cleanly

Excellent sound quality with clean, distortion-free audio output

Good cosmetic condition with light signs of age and careful use

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions (Width × Height × Depth): 430 × 87 × 262 mm (16.9 × 3.4 × 10.3 inches)

Weight: 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)

The Technics SL-P500 is a genuinely rare, first-generation CD player that deserves a place in the collection of any serious audiophile, CD enthusiast, or collector of fine Japanese audio engineering. With its Burr Brown DAC, lightning-fast transport, and bulletproof mechanism, it represents the best of what Technics achieved during the early CD era—a time before cost-cutting and design compromises became industry standard. The SL-P500’s exceptional access speed and reliability make it as practical as it is sonically excellent. Whether used as your primary CD player or as a centerpiece in a vintage audio collection, this SL-P500 will serve faithfully for decades more.

Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence.

Asking $295 for this rare and sought after high quality single disc player with Technics remote.