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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
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Norm, 

If you need I have a US Voltage transformer for the TT101 - I don't think Ill make more then the one I have - I had three transformers made for them so I have stock should you decide to refurb yours

Good Listening


Peter
ddriveman
171 posts
 
Hi Peter,

I just bought a TT-801 from Japan. The vacuum suction mat is not working (rubber is gone) but otherwise it is unused unit with original box and all. Can you make a plinth and convert to 120V?
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Yes surely - if were lucky it use the same transformer as the TT101 give me a call on Monday

Good Listening

Peter



norm's avatar
norm
52 posts
 
Hi Peter,

Sorry for the late response. I like to resolve my hum noise first before deciding on a USA made step-down transformer. I will reach out to JP at a later date to see if he can help. Thanks for asking.

Norm 
kingshead
44 posts
 
For the most part belt drives are simpler, so I guess all of us spinning DD could be considered to be living on the edge. Complexity does come with its share of bugaboos.

Started my journey with an idler driven Dual back in 76 I believe. Then thinking like a lemming I jumped on the DD band wagon in 78 and a plethora of cheap tables followed in an attempt to get my lost music back.

Fast forward to the early 90s when I picked up an AR XA at a garage sale for the grand total of $15. Contacted AR, they still had replacement belts so I ordered two. Purchased a Grado Platinum, modified the headshell to accept a top mount cart and my music was back.

Later putting together a bedroom system I found mysdlf needing a table again. Purchased a Thorens TD166MKII, installed a Pickering XV15 1200E / D1200 cartridge stylus combo and thought I was set.

I’m not sure what happened to find me looking for another table, but for some odd reason I decided to give DD another go. Purchased the big Kenny, installed the Grado Platinum and was blown away by how much improvement I was hearing over both my other tables, both belt drives.

This lead me to my next Kenny table, the KD770D, and what a table it is. Currently running a Clearaudio Concept V2, nice quality cart I could live with, but it’s obvious the table cries out for more.

So, are we living on the edge with our vintage DD tables? I say, "who gives a flying ......" when they sound this good for just a song and a dance.
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