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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.
halcro
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Happy Days......🎁🎉
I picked up my TT-101 yesterday....all fixed 😀
After 3 months of tracking down 5 ICs from around the world (which weren't needed), and then removing and testing over 40 of the 100 or so transistors in the circuit boards (they were all good).....my Tech re-soldered all the joints in the Control Panel ICB.
Even though he had removed and re-soldered every single joint 18 months ago.....because this was an intermittent speed-related issue, he had a hunch.....and lucky he did...😜
It all appears to be working correctly. Fingers crossed..✌️

The good news for all TT-101 owners (and other vintage DD owners also) is that all the ICs and transistors he removed and tested were perfect.
It seems most of the problems with these old dames is in the ancient solder joints.
Find a good Tech and have him remove and replace all the solder joints BEFORE looking for more complex problems.
Oh....and if there is an intermittent problem (are you listening Lew)....re-do the joints again...👺
griffithds
852 posts
 
Halcro,

Good to hear your 101 has once again, a 'clean bill of health'! Who would of thought it could have possibly been a solder joint. You got a good tech. I will keep this information close to heart if something goes wrong with either of my TT-81's.
Regards,
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Yes Griff,
I have a really good Tech.
I don't think you have so much to worry about with the TT-81s as they are so simple compared to the TT-101.
But you're right....if ever you DO have a problem.....look at the solder joints first...😜
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Ebm style answer: No we're not.
banquo363
371 posts
 
Whoa. Congratulations, Halcro. Did your tech miss a joint on the first go around? Or did an already resoldered one break anew?

When my tech redid mine, he said he had to very carefully inspect each joint with a magnifying glass.

Get your magnifying glass out, Lewm.
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