Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?


I have just acquired a 32 year old JVC/Victor TT-101 DD turntable after having its lesser brother, the TT-81 for the last year.
TT-101
This is one of the great DD designs made at a time when the giant Japanese electronics companies like Technics, Denon, JVC/Victor and Pioneer could pour millions of dollars into 'flagship' models to 'enhance' their lower range models which often sold in the millions.
Because of their complexity however.......if they malfunction.....parts are 'unobtanium'....and they often cannot be repaired.
128x128halcro
To "pbnaudio":

Hi Peter,

I received the CU-180 clone platter mat. It fits the SP-10 MK2 platter and damps ringing very, very well. I'm keeping my TTWeights carbon fiber/kevlar/cork mat atop it, as both mats are not too thick (6mm together) and sound a bit better than either alone. What I notice most is how resolving and textured the music is at modest volume.  

I've not turned it into a MK3 platter, but I am most happy with the result.  Thanks again for posting the link a few weeks back!
Have any of you gentlemen used any of the top German made Dual direct drives in your projects ?. I understand Dual made a very good motor but please correct me if I'm wrong, Thank you 
I bought a 731Q with intentions of doing so but never have. I have seen some online though. I believe the 701 to be the best one.