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
frankmarsi, we may be similar in age, although I expect I have a couple of years on you.  But like Lew, I was left wondering about the purpose of your post.

In fact I suspect these audio sites are the playground for far more folks in the second halves of their lives than for younger ones.  For interest in "antique" systems you might like to visit the Vintage section at Audio Asylum.

For myself I built Dynakits for ST-70, PAS-3 and FM-3 in 1966 as part of my first stereo.  That included a Dual 1009.  Today there are still those who admire that Dual but I can't say I'd ever seek one out again.  Still, I just ordered new tweeters to upgrade a mint pair of Dyna A-25s I intend to set up in the den/office after I move.  I'm also looking at current upgraded versions of the ST-70 to drive them.  So again like Lew, there are many who have not forgotten the merits of quality older components.

Oh yes, I'm also awaiting a Dual 1229 from a friend who bought it new but no longer uses it to install in that den system.  I'll reserve my Technics SP-10 Mk 2A for my main system. 

To "pbnaudio":

Hi Peter,

I received the CU-180 clone platter mat. It fits the SP-10 MK2 platter and damps ringing very, very well. I'm keeping my TTWeights carbon fiber/kevlar/cork mat atop it, as both mats are not too thick (6mm together) and sound a bit better than either alone. What I notice most is how resolving and textured the music is at modest volume.  

I've not turned it into a MK3 platter, but I am most happy with the result.  Thanks again for posting the link a few weeks back!
Have any of you gentlemen used any of the top German made Dual direct drives in your projects ?. I understand Dual made a very good motor but please correct me if I'm wrong, Thank you 
I bought a 731Q with intentions of doing so but never have. I have seen some online though. I believe the 701 to be the best one.