Chakster, the TT101 is not above criticism, but your statement that it’s “too old” is ridiculous, especially coming from you, and especially since the alternatives you name are about the same vintage. Each of those other TTs you name has its own Achilles heel as far as repairs are concerned.
I meant only the expensive repair even to make it work, not everyone can pay $1000 or EUR 1000 + shipping just for the service to get TT-101 back to work, this is it.
I paid less for all my turntables and they does not require service at all, they are all fine, paid $1200 for MINT SP-10 mkII and never ever serviced this original. Everyone can read the dedicated thread about Victor TT-101 Repair to understand how difficult it can be, especially for those who are not in NYC, and even your own experience can prove it.
I am happy that one of my TT-101 is working, but another one is not.
The reason why i mentioned SP-10mkII, Denon DP-80 or Luxman PD-444 is because it’s very easy to find a MINT condition working sample, and even minor repair does not cost even close to the cost of TT-101 repair ($1k).
TT-101 is not for the amateurs to mess around with it.