I found this Yamaha YP-211 turntable while thrift store shopping in Atlanta today. It appears to be in good shape — electrical works, the motors move, and I hear audio coming into the amp. Nor is there any kind of physical blemishes to it.
It feels like a very solid turntable. It has a nice hardwood case, a metal plate, and its mechanics appear very responsive. Plus, the overall design has a nice modern look to it.
Unfortunately, I can’t use the record player yet as its belt was disintegrated. I ordered a new belt online today, but I’m concerned about the some of the residue from the old belt that is still on the metal plate. I attempted to clean it of with some cleaning spray, but there is still some material on the plate. Does anyone know if this residue will adversely affect performance of the turntable or cause an issue with the replacement belt?
I am also ordering a pre-amp for the turntable considering my modern amp does not have a phono input. Older amplifiers with phono inputs raise the output of phono devices so its sound is equal to that of other devices around the same volume. I’m considering the Art DJ II Phono Preamp.
I hope that it works so I can start to play records again and eventually rip them into MP3s!
Yamaha YP-211 Users Manual (PDF)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi there Bobby,
I just happened across your video. Have no idea how you young guys do all this computer stuff! Amazing!
I have one of these YP-211’s coming. I am knowledgeable of turntables (being over 50 years old!).
If you need any help with it, just write me directly.
I can tell you anything you need about set up.
I will need a manual. If you’ve found one, please let me know where I can download one for free, or send me a copy of yours please. I can pay for postage, etc. if it’s a hardcopy.
Yeah, I’ve got to buy a belt also. Always a good idea with vintage gear.
I have a serviceable phono cartridge I can send you until you get one. If you need it, just yell.
Regards,
Mark Williams
Sayre, PA
Hey, I was looking through your video and I was just given a yp-211 and it appears its belt also disintegrated. I was wondering if you could help me out and tell me what to check for to see if everything else is in working order and whether it would be worth buying a belt for it and all.
Hi John,
In my situation, the belt was literally sticking to the plate. Time had caused it to break apart, so it was definitely time for a new belt. If yours is in pieces, I would recommend gettinga new one for sure!
The YP-211 was similar to the other mid-fi Belt Drive simi-auto decks of the mid-late 1970’s. In fact, it was right there with the Sansui SR-232, Pioneer PL-15D and of course, the WAY overated Marantz 6100. Guess what…They were all made by the same company, CEC, and rebadged for their respective mfg. It was really a matter of brand preference when you chose one of these tables. Often, if you bought the receiver and speakers, you would get the table for FREE!!!
It’s an avarage table at best. Can sound really good if you take the time to properly mount and align the cartridge. The use of a proper alignment jig as well as a quality tracking force scale will make all the difference in the world. This is a Medium to High Mass arm so use carts requiering a Tracking Force of 1.75 grams or higher!!! Yes, 1.5 will work, but you’re best with a Medium Compliant cartridge.
Medium Mass arm = Medium Compliant Cartridge…
Joey