Victor TT 101 vs TT 81

Hi Harry,
Can you describe your "custom base" and what you feel it does for the sound of the TT-101?

Regards

This is the motor unit and electronics of the TT-101
http://i.imgur.com/T1gijMr.jpg
and this is the corresponding unit of the TT-81
http://i.imgur.com/fsVuGYu.jpg
If you are aware of some of the slight differences in specs between them, I think the main practical differences are the 'coreless' motor of the TT-101 and its complex ability to adjust pitch in 1Hz increments.
I have both units
http://i.imgur.com/Xp97BF8.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2zjzhtS.jpg
and cannot honestly say that I can hear the differences in sound.
For the ease of repair and ownership....I would recommend to anyone contemplating buying, to find a good TT-81. You won't be disappointed.
Here are two A'Gon Threads that you may find interesting....
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/vintage-dd-turntables-are-we-living-dangerously
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/nude-turntable-project

has the resonance structure of a sausage hitting a pillow.

Foam pillow or goose-feather?

Are there any parts you think are particularly important to acquire as spares?

I think for both the TT-81 and TT-101, every part (including chips) is available (just Google the part No.).
There is just one special power chip which is scarce and Lewm has snaffled up a bag-load of these, one of which he has kindly sent to Thuchan who needs it to complete his rebuild of a TT-101 I found him.
Will be interesting to see if he ever gets it going...👅

Halcro, besides the aesthetics, was there any value in removing the "base" from the turntable? BTW, I like the design of your arm pillars. Any reason you decided to go with your own design as opposed to using the steel column "legs with spikes" sometimes seen in Japanese auctions sites?

I didn't get a base with either of my Victors rgs.....just the motor units.
And I wanted the freedom of mounting ANY arm of ANY length and ANY design.....so I think separate arm-pods are the best way to achieve this.
I looked into buying existing arm-pods but their weight, height, design and cost were all inappropriate (most vintage arms have their wiring exiting their bases whilst most modern arms have their wiring exiting from above).
There are also arms with VTA adjustment devices which need to be accommodated under their arms so I designed my solid bronze pods to accomodate all the vintage and modern arms I could know about.
http://i.imgur.com/e3JxLkl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WU5k38M.jpg

VintageKnob is often an unreliable source.
You can download the Service Manuals for both TT-81 and TT-101 units from Vinyl Engine
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/jvc/tt-81.shtml
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/jvc/tt-101.shtml
which disclose that the 101 is coreless but not the 81.
They BOTH however, share the bi-directional servo control (a Victor patent) which IMHO is one of the secrets to their exceptional performance.

Hi rgs,

In the Vintage DD Thread, there are some Posts by HiHo
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/vintage-dd-turntables-are-we-living-dangerously?page=12
who is very knowledgeable about all the Victor models made only for the Japanese market, and we discussed the QL66F among others.

You started this Thread asking about the ’sonic’ differences between the TT-81 and TT-101.
To me, there appears to be none.
If, as it appears now....you are wedded to a Victor coreless motor.....that’s another kettle of fish altogether and I would strongly recommend that you wait for a good TT-101 to come along.
Good luck...👍😎