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
Apparently they did, which still leaves my second question: why didn’t Micro build DD tables of this quality level under their own name?

It is an interesting question.
Micro Seiki also built Luxman PD-444 Direct Drive 


why didn’t Micro build DD tables of this quality level under their own name?
I don't think Micro Seiki were big enough to invest vast sums in the DD Motor technology that Panasonic, Victor, Pioneer, Kenwood or other Japanese 'Giants' could.
Bear in mind that Yamaha used a Victor DD motor.....🤗
It is an interesting question.
Micro Seiki also built Luxman PD-444 Direct Drive
Well again.....Luxman got their motors from Mitsubishi whilst Micro-Seiki did the 'cosmetics'. A total 'sub-contract' package.....😝

I think that Micro's heart was really in its belt-drive technology which led the world IMHO.
@halcro If they used motors from outside sources to build DD turntables for other companies, they could have done the same thing for DD tables under their own name.....

They didn’t, so I guess you are correct to assume that their heart was with belt drive technology. Even if it didn’t rule the world back then, DD did. Apparently they still do, as the designer of the big Micro tables (can’t remember his name) started TechDas after the rebirth of vinyl. These are again belt drives with more then a hint of the ’old’ technology of tables like the SX-8000mk2. They now seem to have access to vast investment sums, with the AirForce Zero costing a grand or more......