[simoon]

This was their flagship suspended, belt drive table from the late 80's.

I think it was thought of quite highly, but I question that twin tubed arm.

I've seen these pop up on Ebay for cheap. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Luddite]

Have had a couple, as well as the slightly less capable, but nearly identical PF-800 (lighter flywheel under the platter and lower quality ICs). They are 'OK', but nothing to get terribly excited about. I used with several cartridges (Shure V15IV, M97xE and even a Kontrapunk b). Sound was decent with all of them, but putting the Kontrapunkt b back in the SME 309 on the HW19 MkIV definitely showed the lack of sophistication of the Yamaha. It does have pretty decent build quality for the price level. The cuing mechanism is likely its weakest point. Consists of serrated rod running through a plastic sleeve and over the years it gets dry. Just add a bit of the 100,000 centipoise(?) damping fluid and run it up and down a few times to get some fluid back in there and it will likely be good for another 20 years. All-in-all a decent mid-fi table worthy of a $200-300 cartridge.

[orthobiz]

The three posts on the top remind me of the three spring suspended Linn configuration. Wonder if it is a tricky twitchy suspension after all these years. Pure speculation, I have never seen one in person.

Paul

[simoon]

Thanks for the responses.

Luddite, I believe your description is probably pretty accurate.