kfoss99 Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 So, I am need of a second TT. My current one is hooked up to the computer to duplicate and archive some of my LP collection. A friend gave me an old Yamaha YP-211 that needs a new belt and, probably, an upgraded cartridge. I was also looking around in my mother's basement and found the old Realistic Direct Drive turntable that I used as a kid. It stopped working properly over ten years ago. I like direct drive tables and am interested in bringing it back from dead. How much is it get one of these fixed up, if needed. Also, if it will cost as much as a new TT, are these 1970s vintage tables worth it? Thanks for your assistance, Karl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CallMeJoe Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 '70s and '80s vintage turntables can be well worth owning; I have a Garrard Zero 100, a Technics SL-D2 and a Harman Kardon T35C (my favorite). That said, I don't know that I would spend the money fixing up a Realistic turntable, though that could just be my tech snobbery showing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Some direct drive turntables have very complicated electronics and parts may no longer be available, especially in the case of a Realistic model. If the problem is not something obvious and easy to fix, you'd be better off looking for a Technics SL, a 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 or 1800 in good working order. You should be able to find one for less than $200. If the Yamaha just needs a new belt, get it running and see if you like how it sounds. That, plus the price of a new cartridge, may be all you need to spend on a turntable this year. A Shure M97xE or an Ortofon 2M Red should meet your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CallMeJoe Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 I should have asked; what is wrong with the Realistic? If it's speed instability, it could be as simple as hitting the pitch pots with some FaderLube or reluricating bearings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djk Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 The Yamaha YP-211 will probably sound better, buy a belt, and a new cart if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollar bill Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Sorry to be late arriving, but I agree with all the above. New belt $8, new cart and styli $45 and up, would sooner put that money towards a Technics in the SL or if you are lucky SP series, Mk II's and beyond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Fix up the Yamaha. Don't bother with an old direct drive table. The belt drive will almost always sound better (from my experience anyway). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyrc Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I still have a belt drive Thorens TD 124 from 1964, with a SME tonearm and an extra Ortofon arm (not mounted). I'm considering reviving it, but don't today's cartridges require a lower mass arm? My digital camera is broken, so here is a picture with the turntable and the Ortophon arm taken in 1967, during the Summer of Love --- can you tell? [scroll down past blank -- can't seem to get rid of it] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollar bill Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 TD 124 &SME?Legendary turntable & arm combo, worth doing whatever is needed to enjoy it again. Garymd, Technics, Denon and a few select others, are in a class of their own, when it comes to some of their Direct Drive models. Perhaps these are models you haven't experienced yet(but should). While the Technics arm is not perfect, it is much better than the one on that Yammie. That said, given only the two choices I would revive the Yamaha, not because it is belt over direct and not because of the Radio Shack name, but the Yamaha is the better built model over all, in my experience, which includes both models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEvan Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 GREAT PHOTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Garymd, Technics, Denon and a few select others, are in a class of their own, when it comes to some of their Direct Drive models. Perhaps these are models you haven't experienced yet(but should). While the Technics arm is not perfect, it is much better than the one on that Yammie. I owned a Technics SL1800 for 25 years. The first $100 Thorens TD160 I bought blew its doors off. Maybe I had a sub-par unit but no matter what cart I tried, it always sounded thin and lifeless in comparison. I've been a Thorens supporter ever since. What can I say? Garyrc - Awesome phone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollar bill Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 The TD 160 is great, 'specially the ones upgraded to any of the SME 3009 arms. With the right "tweaks", is right up there with the Linn LP 12 in my opinion, but then again I am the guy who has been punishing himself with extreme P.A. for 20+ years, so what do I know, or what can I still hear?LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfoss99 Posted November 16, 2009 Author Share Posted November 16, 2009 Thanks to everyone who replied, For a total of $15, I got a new belt for the YP-211 and with a little effort got the platter off and the new belt put on. It has a blue Audio-Technica cartridge on it and it plays very nicely. The cart should get me through the holidays and I'll pick up a Shure sometime in the new year. Craig from NOSValves just finished restoring a Fisher 500C for me and I think this pair hooked up to my RF-82s will give me years of enjoyment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.