Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?

Hi Henry,
According to VintageKnob, the TT81 does not have the double bidirectional servo. The 101 has a second quartz locked servo outside of the drive to compare phase. Looking at absolute speed, it doesn't seem to make much difference?

I think there's something to be said for a 20.lb platter on a DD. Can't say I've heard the VPI Direct, but I wouldn't dismiss it on that basis.
On the other hand, $30K would buy a bunch of Victors.
Regards,

Hi Fleib,
According to Vinyl Engine and the Victor TT-81 Service Manual....

Servo system: Quartz-locked positive and negative servo control

Vintage Knob appears to be wrong.....

I think there's something to be said for a 20.lb platter on a DD.

I haven't heard anything said that is supported by solid evidence...?
If you're going to monitor and control a platter as swiftly and effectively as possible, it seems sensible to make it as light as possible whilst accomplishing its other duties.
That's what Victor has done within its design objectives whilst Technics chose another with their SP10 MkIII and Kenwood yet another with their L-07D and Pioneer another with their Exclusive P3.
The fact is that there are so many good and great vintage DD Japanese turntables still in existence that anyone wanting to hear what one can do for his system, need not wait (possibly in vain) for the next great modern iteration of this drive choice.
It will almost certainly not be better than those mentioned whilst almost certainly will cost multiples more.

Halcro and Fleib,

I have not had a need to check the V/E web site in regards the the service manual because I received the original manual with my TT-81. It does state what Halcro has repeated from the V/E site.
Regards,

Halcro and Griffithds,
They both have bidirectional servo, but the 101 has an additional servo to compare phase - double bidirectional. Why else are the electronics so much more complicated on the 101?
You're saying this is incorrect?

A massive platter imparts solidity to the sound, viable if and only if correct speed can be maintained. That's why so many belt drivers w/heavy platters sound ponderous IMO.

I'm not making claims about VPI Direct. Brinkman makes a couple of DD's also. Anything new is going to cost. Not everyone can deal with their 35 yr. old table breaking down.
Regards,

Fleib.

I also have a VPI Aries. I sent an email to VPI asking them for the price of an arm board for this Aries table so that I could mount a Lustre 801 arm that I have an opportunity to own. I was told by a return email that they no longer provide arm boards for the Aries!
How are people suppose to deal with NEW tables that they can not get parts for?
Yes, I could get some aftermarket outfit to make an arm board, but is that any different that getting someone to fix a 35 year old table?
No dealer support is "no dealer support". No matter how old it is!
Regards.