Upper Level Vintage DD Strenghts and Weaknesses


All of these tables have been discussed in some form or another here over the years. I have read quite a few threads on them, but its a bit difficult to nail this point down.

Basically I am looking for a non-suspended table to install a Dynavector DV505 arm on, and these tables can fit the bill.

The most widely available is a Denon DP 75 or DP 80 in a Denon plinth, and they are perhaps the most affordable also. Are there any of their plinths that are desirable, or are they just a veneered stack of MDF or plywood?

While more expensive I can find a Sony TTS8000 in a Resinamic plinth although shipping from HK is expensive. There is one thread I came across here where a member who restores tables says two of the three TTS8000 he has done had play in the spindle assembly which looked to be wear in the brass bushings of the motor. That does make me pause in concern.

The JVC TT101 is not only difficult to find, its apparently a bit of a bear to get serviced, so its not high on the list.

The Technics SP 10 MK II I have owned, and its a nice table but to be honest I had a Denon DP75 that I felt actually sounded better. Also the models that are out there are either abused or have a premium price tag attached to them. Also I don’t need instant torque, and I think the bi-servo designs might offer better speed control.

As I write this the Denon and Sony seem to be at the top of the list, unless there is another I should be looking at.
neonknight
I know, but you know Azden as Acutex because you're in America. 

In Japan the brand is Azden and Piezo is the name of the model with index 320X, it's IM cartridge. 

It's the same story as Vicor = JVC, Jeweltone = Nagaoka, Edison = Miyajima ... Azden = Acutex. 

  
I worked for an audio shop during my college years. Late 1980s, in Washington State. We carried the Azden YM series of cartridges. So they were available in the US too. 
So my table shipped on Thursday. If it clears customs in a timely manner I hope to have it next week. 
I worked for an audio shop during my college years. Late 1980s, in Washington State. We carried the Azden YM series of cartridges. So they were available in the US too.


Great. More about Azden/Acutex with pictures and scans of the catalog here.
The Transfiguration Proteus is a MC Cartridge I have been very curious about.
During the Xmas Break in 2020, I was a hair trigger from making a Purchase.
The seller was UK based but decided to keep it.

I am keeping up with a market scan to see if another shows at a reasonable asking price.

VAS NY Inc is showing that their service is able to keep these Cartridges in good fettle, which is good news for when buying used, and also for extending the length of time the Model can be used.