So many great golden era DD tables out there, what do you recommend for $1000?

@Uberwaltz                                                                                                                               
I read that some QL7 owners inserted Dynamat-type damping material in the empty spaces under the plinth, significantly improving the sound of the turntable.
Pay close attention to the 4 feet of the plinth, the rubber will probably be compromised and broken after all this time as well as the damping rubber between the barrel and the counterweight of the arm .... I managed to save all 4 feet with a job of patient restoration.  This after the rubber repair:
https://i.postimg.cc/GpX3yCp6/DSCN6033.jpg                                      https://i.postimg.cc/yYnR7k4z/DSCN5962.jpg

Vegasears.
Think I said I was underwhelmed with a couple of my DD TT purchases early on, lol. But you are likely correct, nobody likes to admit they were wrong!

Bestgroove.
The rubber for counterweight is a question I asked the seller and he confirmed was in good shape and pictures show it sitting level not drooping.
Feet may well be a different story but can always use aftermarket isolation feet possibly.

We will see.

Raul.

Cannot buy them all and on this go round I chose the QLA7.
No sleight intended to fans or advocates of any other table.

Reviewed the service manuals on TT-81 and TT-101. The main differences that I found:

-TT101 is coreless servo motor, TT81 is servo but not coreless motor
-2 dB lower noise for TT101
-2 kgs heavier for TT101
- rotational speed performance about the same, very very minor differences

.@uberwaltz : I'm not fan of any TT. I go with the facts.

As I said your choice. The importat issue is that you stay satisfied with your choices.

R.

Raul
We are Audiophools and are rarely ever satisfied for long...lol.
Nature of the game!

Time will tell