Turntables that are still made in Japan?

Kondo, TechDas, Luxman, Technics (2 models) these i can think of.

Buy German.

Luxman is getting ready to offer a MK II version of their PD-151 (The unit was displayed at recent audio shows). It looks like Luxman is making their own tonearm. Along with their new cartridge, Luxman seems committed to Analog. I may have to consider a belt drive TT if the Luxman turns out to be a winner. The fit and finish (plus sound) of my Luxman L-595a integrated is amazing. 

Every Malaysian manufactured TT will be shipped at spec, eventually. But claiming that Malaysia can rival a steadfast Japanese manufacturing process straight out of the gate sounds bit over the top to me.

Value electronics has 1200g’s in stock according to their website

I've got a Technics SL-1200G that was built in Japan, though I'm sure that Malaysians can do just as good a job under Technics supervision...

@aberyclark ,

Got it. 

Stereo5

No matter how many parts. I'm talking management strength and its ability to set expectations and hold quality accountable. Much easier in Japan with their culture. My Toyota reference was attempting to show the "Worlds Best" can even have issues outside of the familiar, strong Japanese work culture. I'm not saying Technics/Panasonic does not have that ability. It's just something to consider. World class turntables can be assembled by hobos living under a bridge if proper management is in place. 

@aberyclark,

You do realize Tacomas are made by Toyota which is a truck and the Turntables are made by Technics?  A truvk has thousands of parts where a turntable is made of a couple of hundred parts at most.  More things can go wrong with with an item with thousands of parts made by different suppliers.  You are comparing two different things, why?

When I had a 2004 Tacoma, which I purchased brand new, it was made in Torrence, California. I had big problems with the radiator, it was replaced 3 times, water pump replaced twice, starter replaced twice, engine developed problems with 2 of the valves, Toyota service in Massachusetts said it was nothing to worry about until the engine made a very loud noise while doing 60mph on Interstate 95 and the engine was toast. Toyota at first refused the warranty saying I didn’t change the oil enough.  When the Zone Rep came to speak with me I showed him all the receipts proving my oil was changed religiously every 3500 miles by the Toyota Dealer  He immediately changed his tune and authorized the repair which took a couple of weeks.  Toyota wouldn’t give me a loaner vehicle though.  The day I got it back, I traded it in on a new Acura RSX Type S and never looked back.

Now, what were you saying about Mexico?

Rauliruegas

You are correct, however, Technics overseeing operations in Japan with the excellent work culture of all involved vs somewhere else plays a giant role. Even Toyota has issues with their Mexico made autos. The warranty repairs of Tacomas built in Mexico is huge over the US made California versions (thats even with US work culture). It's the managing of such that is the issue. I don not know Technics track record of managing outside their home country. 

Dear @aberyclark  : You ddon't have to worry where an audo item is manufactured at all, what you have to worry is whom is the manufactured/design of those audio items because , example, Technics can't permit that its audio items could be manufactured in China or in any other place out of Technics tolerances and QC made it by Technics.

So who really cares where the audio item is builded. No sense at all, the important issue is who is the entreprise/company who puts the audio item in the market.

Regards and enjoy the MUSICX NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

I’ll be curious to see reviews of Malaysia units. I would not be worried about the engineering aspect of the TT. As a former Manufacturing Manager, the big worries with much of the overseas assembly (In my case Mexico) was more to do with assembly tolerances. Are screws tight enough, pieces aligned properly, quality checks, Fit and finish, defective components thrown out and not used, etc. From my experience, missing internal screws and washers were the biggie. A part needed 4 screws, only two or 3 were used. Enough to hold the part in place for a while, but more likely to come loose over time. Having experience with Japanese assembly plants, those kind of mis steps are not tolerated. 

That's a total BS press release even if the factory produces high quality product. They probably hired a US PR firm to write that.

Kondo - u need deeeeeeeepppppppp pockets

I am glad my 1200G came from Japan, but I am sure the factory in Malaysia is perfectly capable as well.

Here ya go! Not made in Japan anymore!

Yes, my 1200G is made in Japan and it is an amazing piece of kit.

The new GR, G, and GAE Technics decks are still made in Japan, but the 1500C is made in Malaysia, I believe. 
@stereo5 Yes, I believe that’s true. It’s obviously easy to look up too. 

I'll have to keep an eye out. A DD, made in Japan Luxman would be ideal if not too pricey (above $10k)

The market is saturated with just about any Japanese table you would care to own. Pick one out, buy it, have it refurbished. Save yourself several grand.

Luxman just discontinued the PD 171-A and they are re-doing the 151. They are making their own tonearm w/the demise of Jelco. They have been doing Anniversary specials so maybe a direct drive TT is in the works.

Technics even moved their high end decks to Malaysia as well. 

TechDas

I believe the Sl1200G and the SP10 iterations  are made in Japan and the lower cost tables are made in Malaysia.  I could be mistaken though.