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Yamaha YP-701 Turntable

For early Japanese belt drive turntables, this has to be one of my favourites.  Those who know me know that I am not a huge fan of suspended belt drive turntables because they are quite finicky and require a very solid surface.  However, I am quite impressed by this Yamaha turntable.  I've had AR turntables and Thorens and when it comes down to sound quality, it does remind me of the Thorens.  It's also built really well.  Design principles are much different than the usual suspended platter turntables and more in lined with the Thorens.

There is a sub chassis that holds the platter and tone arm, just like the more known Thorens.  As well the motor (hefty sized too) is also isolated with it's own suspension.  The arm is also well designed with a set screw that can adjust for VTA.

The drive system itself is also different than the more common belt drive turntables that it's almost a rim drive table. 

Nonetheless, this is a well built and well engineered table.  Plinth is wood veneered over plywood wood base.  The sub chassis is metal as well as the top of the plinth.  The arm is your typical medium mass tone arm.

The Yamaha YP-701 is a 2-speed, semi-automatic turntable.  It is also fully serviced with a new belt and a new Audio Technica AT-110E stylus.

If you are looking for more information, take a look at the YP-700.  The name difference could be due to where the turntable was sold.

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/yamaha/yp-700.shtml
http://www.thevintageknob.org/yamaha-YP-700.html

Overall, it's in pretty nice shape, there are a few nicks on the plinth.  But, this is still a very sharp looking turntable.

 

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