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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
lewm
12,560 posts
 
I'll leave this to JP or someone else with more expertise, but I have to wonder whether using a power conditioner and not per se a step-down transformer could have anything to do with causing the hum that you perceive.  Obviously, yours is a standard 100V unit.

In the longer term, you would want to replace ALL the other electrolytics, as well as those on the Power Supply board.

jpjones3318's avatar
jpjones3318
148 posts
 
norm, 

Are you certain the Elgar unit is working correctly?  I see that it's advertised as having sine output.  I'd try a simple step-down as a sanity-check, à la https://amzn.com/B000WMK6QY.

According to the literature the transformer in the 101 is a potted toroid.  If that's vibrating, something is VERY wrong.

JP
 


norm's avatar
norm
52 posts
 
Dear PJ & Lewm,

A step-down voltage transformer is on order. 

Thank-you

Norm
norm's avatar
norm
52 posts
 
Tried a new step-down transformer. It is now 98% hum free. A BIG improvement over the Elgar. Which confirms I have a broken Elgar. With ear pressed against the platter mat, I am still able to detect a difference between on/off.

Would other TT-101 owners check this with their units if they can detect any difference between on and off?

Thank you.     
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Hi Norm,

Absolutely zero sound from my TT-101 and it's switched on 24/7....

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