Your turntable history


When did you get your first turntable and what’s been your turntable history since then ? 

zavato

Dual 1019. Yamaha B6. Thorens 320. Clearaudio Champion Level 2.  Had a B&O in there too. Still use the Clearaudio and Yamaha. At some point hope to get the Dual refurbished 

My turntable's history can really only be described as a 'sketchy past' until I took possession of it.

I received a Vintage Japanese DD TT which was with an unknown history. No knowledge of usage. No knowledge of Services. No knowledge of the conditions ot was kept in.

The fix was relatively easy; the TT was passed onto one of the UK's foremost specialists in working with this model of TT.

After a period, I received an assessment, which was good, as it was not the worst received to be returned to pristine function. 

After being informed of the electronics overhaul and the custom design for the Speed Control, the subject of overhauling the mechanical interfaces of the Main Platter Bearing was put on the table, which was authorised to be carried out.

The Chassis was passed to me, and I had a custom body shop produce a very aesthetically pleasing lacquered deep black and gold finish on the chassis. 

A Densified Wood Plinth was selected for the TT, and a custom design for a  Tonearm was also produced. 

A Cart' of 20-ish years vintage was also a donor for a full rebuild custom design.

The TT and ancillaries are no longer with questions about their being optimal in their performance. 

Not too long ago, a whole new design for the same TT was adopted to be used, which has a clean bill of health. This new design TT is with the Stator Housing and main bearing assembly interference-fitted into a densified wood plinth. This model has been on a long-term loan. 

I have another Brands VJDDTT undergone a similar invasive change, creating a quite different model to the original design.

I don't like a 'shady past', I like to think of my TT as 

Amazing grace! How sweet is your sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, out in the wilderness, but now am found,
Was blind, but with kindness doled, now I see and sing sweet melody to thee.      

,     

  • Dual 1226 (ca. 1975)
  • Thorens TD-125 Mk II / SME (bought used, ca. 1978)
  • Rega Planar 3 (ca 1985)
  • Linn Sondek LP 12 / RB300 (ca 1986)
  • Rega RP3 (2010)
  • Clearaudio Ovation / Universal 9" (2011)
  • Clearaudio Innovation Wood / Universal 12" x 2 (2023)
  • Clearaudio Master Innovation / Universal 12" x 2 + Tracer 9"  (2024 - current)

My first 'table was a RecoKut my father had built into a cabinet. It had an Audax 'arm and a GE mono cart.

When I got my first stereo, it included the entry-level Technics belt drive with Stanton cart, circa 1976.

When I was afraid turntables would go extinct, in 1984, I splurged on a Thorens TD-166MkII with two arm wands.  I still have this kit today. I had it modded in 2010 with better cables, adjustable feet, and damping on the underside of the platter.  

My wife found a derelict Dual 1229Q last year, and just had it professionally restored with an Audio Technica VM95SH cart.

With a belt drive Thorens and idler wheel drive Dual,  I just completed the trio with a direct drive Audio Technica LP8X with a soon to be upgraded Audio Technica cart.

An overseas relocation means I can only take the LP8X with me to a 220 volt, 50Hz country.