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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.
128x128halcro
totem395
390 posts
 

fleib
The Sony TTS-8000 and PS-X9 have a great reputation.

You would not have to twist my arm much to take either one.
I ended up with the very first DD Sony produced a TTS -2250 drive only, which was at its introduction marketed against the original
SP-10 . From that point on I have always appreciated the Sony's
in the subsequent series.

jb0194
476 posts
 
To "pbnaudio"

Hi Peter,

I decided to buy the Micro Seiko CU-180 Replica mat you referenced a few weeks ago. I'll let you know how it sounds once it arrives. 

John
fleib
1,124 posts
 

Fast_Mick,

I think the Kenny 9010 has a metal chassis, same or similar to the Canadian 990??  Yes, coreless motor and nice performer, but you might want to keep or rebuild the plinth.  I have a 770d - straight arm version with removable headshell like a Graham Robin.  It has end of record arm lift.  I'm not sure about the 9010 as to arm and auto functions. 

I've found that modifying the plinth can be a substantial improvement.  For less than TOTL DDs, bracing the plinth and adding mass can make all the difference.

BTW, I think the entire Sony PS-X series of tables has BSL motors. Some of these tables can be modified for very high performance.

Regards,

lewm
13,002 posts
 
Totem, I will let JP comment if he sees fit, but "Bi-directional servo" was apparently mostly a marketing gimmick, used by both Victor and Yamaha. The servo on the TT101 was well designed, according to JP, but really not different from or any more "bi-directional" than that used in the SP10 Mk3, for one example.  

I think I remember now why I was a bit down on the GT2000; I once saw some photos showing stress fractures in the tonearm, around the pivot point, arising from the fact that some key parts of it are actually made of plastic. But if it has a coreless motor....  Also, it appears to have a high mass platter.  There's a version called the GT2000X, which sports a large apparently metal brace around the plinth. I think it was an accessory which could be purchased as an option.  Anyone here know about that?  The GT2000X looked hot and cool! (Both good things.)

The Sony PSX9 seems to have a built-in phono stage.  Is that correct?  I wondered how it would otherwise differ from a TTS8000 or 8750.

pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
JB0194,


Excellent, looking forward to hearing your observations on the platter - it appears very well made.

Good Listening


Peter
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