AKAI AP-Q80C (1980) | Unitorque Discolith

 

The AP-Q80C was introduced by Akai in 1980. This turntable features a robust die-cast chassis house with two motors, one of which regulates the speeds with quartz precision, and one for arm movement. The AP-Q80C turntable also features a microprocessor that will eliminate many manual steps. Regardless of the record size, it reliably selects the exact starting point and automatically switches the appropriate playback speed. Including the Ortofon LMB 12 cartridge, all the prerequisites for the most careful handling of your record collection are met. Operating errors are a thing of the past. If you want to listen to hi-fi music continuously, the repeat function is there for you. And if you want to fine-tune the record speed to your listening preferences, you can do so via the pitch control. To control it's functions there are a series of touch sensitive controls and a Digital display for selected speed and it's accuracy. Specifications: Full Automatic | Drive: Quartz Direct Drive Unitorque Discolith motor | Tonearm length: 220mm | Size (W/H/D) 440x140x403 | Weight 11kg | Original sale price in Germany 1150 DM 

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JVC L-E22 (1983)

 

The JVC L-E22 was the smallest linear tracking turntable in the 1983 lineup. It was a compact (340x87x340 mm) fully automatic belt drive turntable featuring the MD-1045 T4P type cartridge mounted to a statically balanced linear arm. In order to play a record, you must close the top cover. All the functions can be controlled via the small pushbuttons placed on the front panel.  

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DUAL CS 627 Q (1981)

 

The Dual CS 627 Q is a fully automatic, Quartz-PLL direct-drive turntable introduced in June 1981, representing Dual’s advanced engineering direction of the early 1980s. Available in elegant Satin Metallic finish, the CS 627 Q was housed in the company’s specially developed HDC (High Damping Compound) plinth, designed to minimize structural resonance and external vibration. Four integrated, height-adjustable shock-absorbing feet further enhance isolation and stability. At its core lies the electronically controlled EDS 502 direct-drive motor, governed by Quartz PLL speed stabilization for exceptional rotational accuracy. When Quartz lock is disengaged, the turntable offers a generous ±11% variable pitch control, allowing precise speed adjustment. The CS 627 Q was factory-equipped with the Ortofon TKS 55 E cartridge featuring an elliptical stylus, mounted in Dual’s newly developed U.L.M. (Ultra Low Mass) tonearm system. This ultra-light arm design minimizes....

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ONKYO Integra CP-1057FB (1987) | Double Suspension

 

The CP-1057FB is a 2-motor, Fully Automatic Direct-Drive Turntable with AT-UL3 MC Cartridge. High-quality technology in a triple-protected sub-chassis against footfall and feedback. Direct drive with quartz-controlled PLL DC motor, microprocessor-controlled functions, separate tonearm motor, and repeat function. Low-mass, straight tonearm with ADC connection, complete with AT-UL 3 moving-coil cartridge and replaceable elliptical diamond stylus. Gold-plated 330 mm platter with heavy antistatic mat. Operation with the dust cover closed. Available in black only. Specification: Quartz locked direct drive fully automatic turntable | 2-motor micro-computer design | Platter 330mm aluminum die-cast | Motor - Quartz locked direct drive brushless DC motor - Separate motor for arm movement | Wow & flutter 0,023% (WRMS) | Tonearm - Statically balanced straight type -226mm | Size (W/H/D) 442x160x410 mm | Weight 8,8kg | Original sale price in Germany 990 DM | Optional remote RC-5T 120 DM

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PIONEER PL-L1000 (1979)

 

The PL-L 1000 Linear Arm Direct-Drive Turntable was introduced by Pioneer in 1979. This is a full automatic electronically controlled turntable with all controls, including arm lift, operable from front panel with dust cover closed. Platter is driven directly by Pioneer's finest quartz-controlled Hall motor for unbeatable ±0.035% (DIN) wow and flutter. Unique Pioneer-designed tangential arm powered by a direct-drive linear motor allows stylus to be literally pulled along the record groove and across the record in a straight line. Result is lower tracking error, lower cross talk and distortion due to virtu-ally insignificant lateral pressure, less resonance due to shortness and rigidity of arm, and truly exceptional S/N ratio of 78 dB (DIN-B). Tone arm height is adjustable by ± 3 mm. Insulated cabinet has a 3 mm thick aluminum die-cast panel for mounting of tone arm and platter motor. This turntable was also available as Phase Linear Model 8000 Series Two during the time Pioneer owned Phase Linear. Specifications: Size (W/H/D) 494x154x456mm | Weight 12kg | Original sale price in Germany 1498 DM.

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DUAL ULM & DLL (1983) | High Fidelity Germany

 

This must be one of the most iconic Hi-Fi system from Dual Germany. Shown components of this system from 1983 are: CT 1460 FM-Stereo Synthesizer tuner | CV 1460 2x95 W Sinus Integrated Stereo Amplifier | CS 741 Q Quartz PLL Direct Drive turntable | C844 2-Motor 2-Speed 3-Head cassette deck.

For more ULM see here & For more DLL see here

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Micro Seiki SX-8000II – The Pinnacle of Analog Perfection

 

Released in 1984, the Micro Seiki SX-8000II represents the ultimate achievement in high-end analog playback. Built as a modular turntable system, it allowed enthusiasts to combine components freely — the true definition of a separate player concept. At its core was the SX-8000II air-bearing turntable, an evolution of the 1981 SX-8000. Its precision air-film system (just 3μ thick) completely eliminated mechanical contact and vibration, ensuring ultra-quiet, high-resolution playback. The massive stainless-steel platter (28 kg) and 35 kg base offered outstanding rotational stability and an impressive 3.5 t/cm² inertial mass. The RY-5500 motor unit used a synchronous 8-pole motor with a two-stage 100V/50V drive to minimize vibration, while the AX-10G arm mount and MAX-282 tonearm provided exceptional compatibility and tracking accuracy. Enthusiasts could further enhance performance with the BA-600 air-floating stand, adding superior vibration isolation. Altogether, this complete setup weighed an astonishing 134.5 kg — a true statement piece for audiophiles. Even today, the SX-8000II remains one of the quietest, most precise turntables ever made, embodying Micro Seiki’s legendary craftsmanship and dedication to analog excellence.

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Nakamichi Dragon CT (1983) | Computing Turntable

 

The Nakamichi DRAGON-CT turntable was designed to conquer one of vinyl’s most overlooked flaws — record eccentricity. Using its unique Absolute Center Search system, it detects even the slightest misalignment between a record’s center hole and groove and then automatically adjusts the platter to achieve perfect centering. This results in dramatically improved stereo imaging, phase accuracy, and soundstage stability. Powered by Nakamichi’s Super Linear Torque Direct Drive motor, the DRAGON-CT delivers smooth, cog-free rotation with quartz-locked precision. The lightweight aluminum and glass platter assembly minimizes vibration, while the oil-damped straight tonearm ensures ideal tracking for high-compliance cartridges. A dual-layer cabinet with spring and rubber suspension isolates the system from external vibrations, preserving the purity of playback. The DRAGON-CT is a masterclass in engineering — combining innovation, elegance, and absolute precision for the true analog perfectionist. Designed by Junichi Okumura and built by Fujiya Audio. Dimensions: 546 x 230 x 421 mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 20 kg | Original sale price in Germany: 4500 DM.

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SONY PS-L99 (1983) | Time, Track, Programme

 

An Innovative Vintage Turntable from 1983. Is this the best turntable ever made? Definitely not—but it’s certainly one of the most innovative. Released in 1983, this remarkable piece of audio engineering introduced features that had never been seen before on a conventional turntable. At its core, the design relies on two proven technologies: a Direct Drive motor and a Linear Tracking tonearm. However, what sets this model apart is the way these elements were implemented. The front-loading construction allows the turntable to be placed in a stack with other components, while its compact size (355mm wide) made it ideal for midi systems, such as Sony’s Liberty series. What makes this turntable truly unique are the advanced functions it offered. After loading a vinyl record, the track numbers are displayed on the front panel. Once playback begins, the unit shows the elapsed time of the track—not as a real-time counter, but as a stopwatch function starting with the play command. Even more impressive, the turntable allows the user to program a sequence of up to 8 tracks from one side of a record, including the option for random playback. For vintage audio collectors and turntable enthusiasts, this model remains a fascinating example of how far manufacturers were willing to push the limits of analog playback technology in the 1980s. Original sale price in Germany: 850 DM.

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Quartz Lock D.D. (1981)

 

Pursuing zero resonance and zero vibration. Whether it's a car, a camera, or even audio equipment, people who get into it seem to end up settling on a manual machine. This is probably because, in addition to expectations for basic performance and reliability supported by simplicity, there is also the great enjoyment of controlling the machine. If a tool is simply a means to accomplish a goal, it should be fine if it can automatically and efficiently complete the job without any hassle. Playing with a machine means that our feelings are transmitted to the machine and a reaction is returned. This is nothing other than recognizing them as living beings. Living things evolve and grow, so it takes a certain amount of time for them to become adults. The Victor (JVC) manual player system QL-A75 is a product that was born 10 years after Victor first proposed the idea of ​​"no resonance, no vibration." By changing the arm pipe and cartridge, you can carefully tailor sound to your liking. There is only one automatic model in this range, and it has an incredibly convenient auto stop-up mechanism. Main specifications of QL-A75 type: Drive system : FG detection double servo quartz coreless DC direct drive | Wow and flutter: 0.008% (WRMS) | Signal to noise ratio = 80dB (DIN-B) | Tone arm type: Dynamic Q damp, pipe exchange system, new gimbal support | Dimensions (W) 495 x (H) 208 x (D) 419mm | Weight = 14.0kg | Original sale price Germany: 1648 DM.

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SONY PS-F9 (1983) | Flamingo Stereo Turntable

 

While the whole world strives for size, Sony like to go the other way, at least when it comes to the dimensions of Sony's mobile entertainers. An ambition that is always good for surprises. The smallest turntable with tangential tonearm is called Sony PS-F9 Flamingo. Now, the compact dimensions wouldn't be so noteworthy if this device didn't also astonish with unusual versatility: It works in any position, horizontally or vertically, it can be wall-mounted without vibration, is battery-powered (a power supply can be connected), and can be listened to directly via headphones or with the Sony APM-090 active speakers. It can also be connected to stationary hi-fi systems and radio recorders. The highlight, however, is the top-class technology that gives this Sony idea its sound quality, typical of Sony.

PS-F9

Tangential-Tonearm

Quartz-controlled direct drive

Linear Tracking

Fully automatic

Motorized record lock

Wow and flutter only ±0.14% (DIN)

Line Out

2 headphone outputs

108x263x73mm

1,7kg

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Technics SL-6 (1982)

 

No conventional turntable delivers the accuracy and control of this one: Technics SL-6 Programmable Linear Tracking Turntable. The problem with a conventional turntable tonearm is that it arcs across the record surface. So it is capable of true accuracy at only two points in its arc. Where the stylus is precisely aligned with the record groove. The Technics SL-6 Linear Tracking Turntable goes beyond that. It actually duplicates the straight-line motion of the cutting arm that originally mastered the record. This enables the Technics SL-6 to deliver true accuracy at every point on the record. First note to last. There is none of the tracking error, skating force error or distortion that accompanies a traditional tonearm. And the SL-6 ensures this accuracy with some outstanding technological advances. Including a microcomputer-controlled system that constantly monitors the stylus-to-groove angle and automatically makes corrections. But linear tracking is just the beginning. There's the precise control you get with the Technics random access programmable microcomputer. At the touch of a button, you can set the SL-6 to play any selections you want, in any order. You can even repeat or skip selections. There are still more features that help the Technics SL-6 perform so impeccably. A precision direct-drive motor. Sensors that automatically select the correct playing speed. Technics' patented P-Mount plug-in cartridge (EPC-P23 MM) system delivers optimum tonearm/cartridge compatibility along with simplified cartridge installation. And all of this technology has been neatly placed in a turntable about the size of a record jacket. Accuracy, control and musical pleasure beyond the conventional. Dimensions (WxHxD) 315x88x315mm | Weight: 4,7kg | Original sale price 699 DM in Germany. 

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