Yamaha GT-2000 from Japan or local TD-125?

I am in no way accusing the Vintage TT of any drive type as being a bad buy.

I am suggesting that when one is considering purchasing one there operational issues that will be discovered, but not in all cases.

One of my SP10 MK II's needed quite a thorough investigation to discover the electronics fault, but I don't usually refer to this, as the condition it was bought in for a pittance, meant what was discovered wrong with it was a result, as the parts and repair once known was proven to be straight forward for the SP10 Guru who is a friend. 

The OP is looking to spend over a $1K, I think the risk is for much less monies a TT can Pbe bought that has very similar operational issues. For a little more monies a Batch of Spare Parts are available if Won.

I have gone to the extremes of duplicate and triplicate TT's to ensure the Spares are readily available if other means are not suitable to repair.  

The OP is looking for their Dream Table, well at present that is fantastical as all info is off pictures, ones opinions or a Article featuring Info about the TT.

'The proof of the Pudding is in the Eating' - Caveat Emptor

I am happy to inform the OP, there is very good things to come, 'but', a little more might be required to get to that place. 

Hello Everyone, 

Just wanted to chime in as I haven;t responded in a bit.  Not too much more to add other than I've read all the posts carefully (thanks for the detailed responses lewm and pindac) and I'm taking everything into account.

As it stands, I'm pretty sold on getting GT-2000 fro Unisound.  I'm in talks with them now on eBay.   I'm not 100% sure how shipping would work if I won a bid on the From Japan/Yahoo website.   It almost seems like From Japan takes over the shipping for all sellers or something, and its also hard to find out how much it costs to ship internationally.  

Any vendor is obligated to reveal details of shipping to various parts of the world and cost. eBay requires that information to be displayed. So there should be no issue except to look at the seller feedback to see whether they have a history of careful packing, or not.

It is very easy to work out shipping, there is a small tool bar on the left side of the screen with a middle of three tool prompts looking like a calculator, this is the tool to work out the Shipping, but is is weight dependent, as a Timber Plinth TT is much Less Weight than a Lead Plinth or Resin Plinth.

Also the GT 2000 can be found with a 6Kg Plinth or a 18Kg Plinth.

Adding the YOP-1 standalone PS and a Phosphor Bronze Vacuum Platter Mat YDS-1 (4.5Kg) and any spare parts found will most likely add up to 10-15Kg to the Package.    

I have bought TT's with all Plinth Types and the Chassis Motor Only, obviously the Chassis Motor only will be the cheapest to ship followed by the Timber Plinth and then what is the next in the weight class.

I have worked out a 100000 Yen purchase - Shipped to the US, as a 30Kg (66lbs) - 24" x 24" x 8" Package with the shipping costs listed below.

I always add 25% to a Purchase Price to cover any import levy's added in the UK, I don't know about Imports Levy's on US imports.

You can't see under the hood in a Photo, and are at the mercy of another's honesty, or lack of experience in a TT's maintenance and needs to function optimally.

One individuals works OK, as a description, is in comparison potentially the antithesis of another's, where it is stating the same device is needing serious surgery.  

• FedEx Intl. Economy

  28,508 yen(≈ 156.80 GBP)

• FedEx Intl. Priority

  32,666 yen(≈ 179.67 GBP)

• ECMS

  33,854 yen(≈ 186.20 GBP)

• DHL

  34,564 yen(≈ 190.11 GBP)

• UPS

  52,511 yen(≈ 288.82 GBP)

• AirMail

  66,700 yen(≈ 366.85 GBP)

• EMS

  75,100 yen(≈ 413.05 GBP)

• Surface

  20,900 yen(≈ 114.95 GBP)

p.s

     Be very clear to any individual shipping, that the Platter Must be removed and Packed as a Separate Part in the Transport Package.

Not many will remove the Tonearm, a cheaper option and safer option might be to buy a TT without a Tonearm, this will remove the risk of receiving a damaged TA, but also remove the option for a potential TA resale.

If one really wants the TA that is mounted, then again very clear requests must be made for how the Tonearm is to be protected for the shipping.

I have no recollection of receiving a TT with TA attached I have a interest in.