
( Brand: Western Electric ), ( Model: 109A ), ( Part Type: Turntable ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
Introducing the Ta-7481 Western Electric Transcription Turntable, a masterpiece of vintage audio technology that will transport you back in time while delivering an exceptional listening experience. This turntable, featuring the iconic 109A reproducing arm and 9A/9B cartridge, is a testament to the Golden Age of sound.
The Ta-7481 Western Electric Transcription Turntable boasts a sturdy, cast-iron platter that ensures smooth, consistent rotation for superior sound quality. The platter is driven by a heavy-duty synchronous motor, which provides precise speed control and minimizes vibrations for optimal playback. The platter's speed can be adjusted to 33 1/3 or 78 RPM, catering to a wide range of vinyl records.
The turntable's standout feature is its 109A reproducing arm, a hallmark of Western Electric's engineering prowess. This arm features a precise, multi-spring suspension system that minimizes the transfer of unwanted vibrations to the cartridge, ensuring crystal-clear sound. The arm is equipped with a counterweight and adjustable azimuth control, allowing for precise and stable tracking of vinyl grooves.
The Ta-7481 Western Electric Transcription Turntable comes with a pair of high-quality 9A/9B cartridges, each offering superior tracking and frequency response. The 9A cartridge is ideal for lighter records, while the 9B caters to heavier vinyl. Both cartridges are designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction and maximum detail, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of your favorite albums.
The turntable is also equipped with a built-in phono preamplifier, which ensures a direct and clear connection to your audio system. The preamplifier also features a switch to select between the 9A and 9B cartridges, offering you the flexibility to switch between the two depending on the record you're playing.
The Ta-7481 Western Electric Transcription Turntable is a beautifully crafted piece of audio equipment, boasting a vintage design with modern functionality. Its solid construction, precision components, and attention to detail make it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a truly immersive listening experience. Whether you're a collector of vintage records or a connoisseur of high-fidelity sound, the Ta-7481 Western Electric Transcription Turntable is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.
Pros of buying a Western Electric Ta-7481 Transcription Turntable:1. High-quality sound: The Ta-7481 is known for its excellent sound quality, which is ideal for serious audiophiles and music enthusiasts who appreciate the richness and clarity of vinyl records.
2. Durable construction: The turntable is built with high-quality materials, including a cast-aluminum platter and a heavy-duty steel chassis, ensuring it can withstand regular use and last for many years.
3. Versatility: The turntable is compatible with both 78 and 33 1/3 RPM records, making it a versatile option for collectors of various types of vinyl.
4. Adjustable speed: The turntable's speed can be adjusted, which is useful for fine-tuning the playback of older records that may require a slower speed.
Cons of buying a Western Electric Ta-7481 Transcription Turntable:1. High price point: The Ta-7481 is a high-end turntable with a correspondingly high price point, making it an investment that may not be within everyone's budget.
2. Lack of modern features: Compared to some newer turntables, the Ta-7481 lacks some modern features, such as built-in preamps, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth compatibility.
3. Requires additional accessories: To fully utilize the Ta-7481, you may need to purchase additional accessories, such as a phono preamp and a stylus, which can add to the overall cost.
Conclusion:The Western Electric Ta-7481 Transcription Turntable is a high-quality option for serious vinyl enthusiasts who appreciate excellent sound quality and durability. Its versatility and adjustable speed are also attractive features. However, its high price point and lack of modern features may make it a less attractive option for some. Ultimately, whether or not the Ta-7481 is the right choice for you depends on your budget, priorities, and listening preferences.
Recommendation:If you are a serious vinyl enthusiast with a significant budget and a desire for excellent sound quality, the Western Electric Ta-7481 Transcription Turntable is an excellent choice. If you are looking for a turntable with more modern features or a lower price point, there are other options available that may better suit your needs. Ultimately, it's important to research and compare different options to find the turntable that best meets your needs and preferences.
The turntable was set up in our basement and a speaker living room. One has an internal 5a designation. This disc may be used for broadcast purposes remains the property of associated music publishers inc. He commuted to NYC where was involved with the Western Electric BLT sound reproduction and broadcasting studio stylus which serves as a wrapper for contents.
NY they appear to be dance music of the Heres a list of approximate weights: turntable - 50 lbs records tone arms playback heads 5. 25 w 45th st. We must have heard it over and dozens of times.
The motor and internal Electrical components have Western Electric labels as shown in photos. This is heavily marked up and was probably used in the manufacture maintenance of unit. That song is on one of these records. Three playback heads, also of Western Electric manufacture.
The belt drive is missing and power cord needs replacement. See below link to a Western Electric manual that offers technical and specifications for this hardware. Studios: vertical recording - wide range Western Electric sound system.
The records are mostly in diameter but a few. Included in this box is a small piece of paper with my fathers handwriting that says. The 2nd head is in a small cardboard box that has rag handwritten on outside.
Some of these items are heavy. That's my guess as to how this stuff came into his possession.
The labels read: made for associated program service by Electrical research products inc. The 3rd head has a Western Electric label with 9b stamped on it. Produced by assoc. An original,Western Electric sound systems TA-7481 reproducer panel assembly drawing dated when the co.
Archive-catalogs Western-Electric we-reproducing-group. 81 transcription recordings. I only recognize a few of the recording artists. Being the pack rat that he was, I would bet money rescued this unit, records and associated playback accessories, from studio while things were dismantled junked.
Back in those years, my father was a member of bell telephone laboratories technical staff. A list of the recording artists is included in photos. The head in tan box with snap catch has a Western Electric label that reads 9a reproducer. Music publishers inc.
The other has no designation but support bracket tied to it 711a in raised letters. In our teens, my brother and I fabricated another tone arm to utilize the rpm records recording playback technology popular back Outside start rpm. Western Electric company 109A reproducing group - make an offer a 16 diameter, 2 speed transcription turntable mounted in temporary, makeshift base.
Two Western Electric manufactured tone arms.