Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?


I have just acquired a 32 year old JVC/Victor TT-101 DD turntable after having its lesser brother, the TT-81 for the last year.
TT-101
This is one of the great DD designs made at a time when the giant Japanese electronics companies like Technics, Denon, JVC/Victor and Pioneer could pour millions of dollars into 'flagship' models to 'enhance' their lower range models which often sold in the millions.
Because of their complexity however.......if they malfunction.....parts are 'unobtanium'....and they often cannot be repaired.
128x128halcro
I’m still chewing on the idea that the automobile did not eliminate the horse industry. I say “chewing”, because during my recent visit to Tokyo, I noticed that horse meat was on the menu In at least one restaurant. Let’s be honest, the automobile certainly did displace the horse as a major mode of transportation.

Halcro would be in the best position to answer the question about the TT 81 versus the TT 101. Every time I read about it, the newest info changes whatever was my preconceived notion. I think the motors may be the same per se, but the electronics are different. Or vice versa.

Shane, all I care is about it is even if my LP collection is worth zero, my family will get by financially without me.
@lewm 

I could only find the engine of a TT-81 but I do not want to throw money to the wind if I do not have the real certainty that it is compatible!
My advice would be to wait for one of the other guys to answer your question with some degree of certainty. Are you saying that you may replace the motor of a TT 101 with that from a TT81? Or what is it that you want to be “compatible”?
Are you saying that you may replace the motor of a TT 101 with that from a TT81?

Yeeees.... but only  if it were exactly the same!
Whilst the dimensions of the enclosing cage are identical.....to think that the TT-81 is in any way 'identical' to the TT-101 is a mistake...👅