Not much talk about Yamaha turntables.


I've been wanting to jump into the analog world for years, but for a lack of experience and/or knowledge about the equipment, I haven't. There's plenty of talk here about the big names in analog and I was surprised the other day browsing around somewhere that Yamaha has turntables.  Are these any good?  What do they compare to in terms of other more well-known analog names?  I'm not asking about their $8,000 models.  I will never be able to afford that.  I'm asking more about their sub $1k models.  

Thanks!
shtinkydog
Vac, If you are asking where I saw a nice used Yamaha GT 2000L most recently , it was at Audio Union in Ochanomizu. I buy LPs across the street at Disc Union. Our son lives in Tokyo as a permanent resident, and we visit him at least once a year. But sadly we canceled our trip in April, because of the coronavirus. For new stuff, I have been buying mostly at Yodibashi Camera in Akihabara, just because they have such a huge selection.
Speaking of GT-2000L, I've read somewhere that the Yamaha GT series of DD turntables were built by Micro Seiki. Can anyone confirm this is a true story?

That would suggest they were also responsible for the GT-2000X, which is generally considered one of the Japanese top turntables, on a par with Sony PS-X9, Technics SP-10mk3, Pioneer Exclusive P3, Kenwood L-07D and perhaps even Denon DP-100.

This begs the question why Micro never built DD turntables at this quality level under their own name. Apparently they were capable of doing such. The Micro DD series had a good reputation, but they were decidedly mid level. Anybody know why?


lewm

"4-30-2020 4:31amA nice GT2000X will be about double the cost of a GT2000 or 2000L. The X version is rare and very desireable, about $4k to $5K, last time I looked. Has bigger motor and heavier platter and better standard tonearm, compared to the GT2000, plus an outboard PS, but some or all of those upgrades were also optionally available on at least the GT2000L. It’s a bit confusing on Vintage Knob. I’d rate a fully equipped X version up with an SP10 Mk3 or Pioneer Exclusive P3."

Lew, please ignore the TVK entry on the GT 2000 series. Forever. Once again the TVK entry is leading you to propound "facts" which are (in fact) unfactual.

It would appear getting straight the information about the GT 2000X and the optional accessories is becoming a regular bete noir for you. So let me remind you, once again, of the fact that the GT 2000X came standard with the same platter as the GT 2000 and GT 2000L. They all came standard with the 6.3 Kg aluminium platter. Pleased consider this fact. Please cease repeating otherwise.
The optional power supply was just that. It did not come standard with any of the 3 2000 models. It was an additional order to getting any 2000. Please consider this fact. Please cease repeating otherwise.
The optional 18 Kg gunmetal platter was just that. It did not come standard with any of the 3 GT 2000 models. It was an additional order to getting any 2000. Please consider this fact. Please cease repeating otherwise.

There was NO option to upgrade ANY of the motors on ANY of the GT 2000 models. Please consider this fact. Please cease repeating otherwise.

Lew, I have outlined clearly these facts on this board more than once for your sake specifically due to your erroneously putting forth fantastic fiction, repeatedly. Please consider these facts. Please cease repeating otherwise.

@theophile I don't know what's your problem, but I sense a certain discomfort in your words. Repeating 'please cease repeating...' five times? 

Anyway, Hifido in Japan offers GT-2000 models for sale on a regular basis, usually priced around $2k. Recently they had the much rarer  2000X on sale at over $6k, which sold immediately. At 3x the price of the 'regular' 2000, one might assume there is a 'difference' to justify this, no?

BTW as you are so keen on having all the facts, can you confirm these tables were built by Micro? Or is TVK entry wrong here as well? Inquiring minds want to know....


but I sense a certain discomfort in your words.
With good reason @edgewear.....This has all been discussed multiple times over the years but obviously to no-one's benefit.
@theophile is frustrated and it's not only this Subject that keeps raising itself endlessly....
All your questions have been answered previously.
Please do a Search...🧐
Just to summarise a few points:-
  • Micro Seiki did most of the build on the deck and tonearms
  • Yamaha lured the designer of the Victor TT-81 motor from JVC
  • Yamaha commissioned him to design the motor for the GT-2000 based on the Victor TT-81 with its Bi-Directional Servo Control
  • The Yamaha GT-2000 motor is essentially a coreless version of the TT-81
  • The motor is the same for all the GT-2000 variations