Description
Retro Review: Realistic LAB-2100 Turntable 11The Realistic LAB-2100 also features a linear tracking tonearm, though with a mechanism that differs significantly from that of the Technics, not least in that it is affixed to the base of the turntable as opposed to residing within the lid. This results in an effective arm length of 165MM (slightly longer than the Technics), though it still uses the T4P P Mount cartridge system. Tracking force is preset to 1.5 grams, 0.25 grams higher than the P mount specification but the recommended force for the rebadged AT102P cartridge supplied with the deck. The tracking force can be adjusted via an adjustment at the rear of the arm, accessible when the top shell is removed.The LAB-2100 features a servo controlled brushless DC direct drive motor, spinning a 295MM, 0.6KG die-cast aluminium platter. Unlike the Technics which surrounds a magnet fixed to the underside of the rotating platter with a set of coils to form a functioning motor, the LAB-2100s self-contained motor spins in short bursts at a controlled frequency and speed, relying on the inertia of the platter to rotate the record at a constant speed of 33 or 45 RPM. Despite this and its lack of quartz control, not to mention the lightweight platter, the LAB-2100 manages the same 0.025% wow/flutter measurement as the Technics, with a signal to noise ratio of 75DB. 33.3 RPM and 45RPM speeds are selectable via the front panel, and a strobe and pitch control with a range of +/-4% allow further fine-tuning of the platter speed.Unlike many similar linear tracking turntables, the speed and record size are independently controlled. A control on the front panel switches between 12” and 7” record sizes while 10” records must be manually cued. This is a welcome addition, allowing 12” singles to be played at 45RPM and the occasional 7” to be spun at 33.3 without confusing the turntable’s logic.Further front panel controls include play/cut, repeat, cue and controls to move the arm back and forth over the surface of the record. There’s also a hard power switch and LED indicators for speed, record size and repeat.Build quality is excellent, with thick plastics forming both the lid and top shell and the base of the turntable to which everything is mounted being pressed from a thick steel plate. This makes servicing the turntable extremely simple. As found, my example required a complete overhaul and re-adjustment of the linear tonearm mechanism involving some trial and error as I have yet to find a service manual for this model. As you can see from the below pictures, the linear mechanism of the LAB-2100 slides along a pair of guide rails, pulled by a steal cable wound around a motor-driven drum. The tonearm motor drives a pulley via a small belt, which in turn drives the drum and the arm itself via a couple of small gears.With the turntable now reassembled, the next step in its restoration was to find a suitable cartridge. Since T4P-compatible turntables have become rare since the late 90s, the choices for new cartridges have significantly dwindled. Fortunately, Audio-Technica still offers a P Mount option with their AT92E cartridge, which I managed to obtain from Amazon. The AT92E features a 0.3 X 0.7MM elliptical stylus and boasts impressive channel separation, balance, and frequency response specifications, making it one of the best cartridges ever manufactured for the P mount system. During playback, once a side is finished, the arm will rise and return to the rest. The arm also rises if the power is cut, the cue button is pressed, or the forward/reverse buttons are pressed during playback. There is also a manual cueing option by pressing the forward control while the arm is at rest, allowing it to move out across the record while causing the platter to rotate. The set down and return positions for the arm are fully adjustable, with accessible adjustment screws even with the top shell installed, which requires removing small rubber plugs located at the base of the arm. In terms of sound quality, the LAB-2100 exhibits the typical characteristics of a linear tracker. It delivers largely distortion-free sound across the surface of the disc with excellent channel balance, thanks to the absence of bias compensation. One common issue with aging linear trackers that use a motorized servo system is the audible sound of the mechanism nudging the arm across the record, but this was not the case with the LAB-2100. The arm traveled almost silently, indicating a properly serviced example. In reality, the notion of servo-assisted linear tracking turntables being excessively noisy or vibrating is somewhat of a myth. With proper maintenance and quality components, they should not produce enough noise or vibration to be transmitted by the cartridge. In summary, the Realistic LAB-2100 is a well-engineered turntable with a carefully considered set of features and minimal gimmicks. However, its sound quality doesnt quite match up to its closest competitors, falling short compared to later offerings from brands like Technics during their heyday. Nevertheless, it remains a fine piece of engineering, an intriguing conversation piece, and an ideal choice for those who prioritize convenience over audiophile-grade sound quality.
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