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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
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Hi Lewm

Great to hear your LO7D is up, running and sounding so good. That you prefer it slightly to the technics Mk3 is also interresting.

Me, still using the Pioneer Exclusive P3 most of the time and its sounding absolutely superb.

cheers
fleib
1,124 posts
 
An update on the lead under-mat project. I've determined the lead sheet I'm using is not completely flat. This is made from flashing for roofing. I don't know about other types of lead sheet.
I think casting a lead mat is the way to go, but I haven't started that project. A 2mm lead mat should weigh about 1Kg so weight might not be prohibitive? Combined with a 3mm top mat close to the mechanical impedance of a record, might yield great results.

Regards,
lewm
13,175 posts
 
Downunder, As the Krebs mod breaks in, the Mk3 pulls slightly ahead of the L07D. By the way, my L07D has never been a problem as far as getting it up and running. My lamenting has been in relation to the TT101. I've had two L07Ds and no problems with either one.
aigenga
131 posts
 
It's been a couple of months and nothing stands still so I wanted to note that I replaced the feet under my naked (to a point) TT-101 with Mapleshade Heavyfeet (I use 4, three supporting the edges of the tin-can bottom and one in the center of the can to damp it.

I was using smaller brass points and sorbothane and brass cups. The new feet go right into the mdf shelf of my Solidsteel wall shelf. Much better vibration control, almost no noise from a tap test to the mdf shelf. Results in a nice increase in transparency of sound-image.

On a totally different track: the forthcoming Technics DD turntables with advanced motors may be just the ticket for a worried owner of golden-age technology like me. I am hoping that there will be a better SP 10 unit in store. Does anyone have the inside scoop?
lewm
13,175 posts
 
Possible "scoop" on the new Technics: From the drawings, it appears to have a coreless motor, a la my lovely L07D and the cantankerous TT101. That would be great. Furthermore, the magnets appear to be attached to the underside of the platter at its outermost perimeter, with the coils in fixed position beneath them, which would tend to benefit torque. One can only hope the thing will not cost $50,000.
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