Apan BRU 121

The Apan BRU 121, also known as the "Music Maker," is a vintage belt-drive turntable from the mid-1970s, primarily sold in Australasia. It is recognized for its solid build quality, semi-automatic operation, and use of a four-pole synchronous motor. The BRU 121 is often compared to contemporaries like the Technics SL-23 due to its features and performance.

Key Technical Features

• Drive System:
  Belt drive powered by a 4-pole synchronous motor, providing stable and consistent platter rotation.
  Fixed speed motor with no user-adjustable speed control, typical for synchronous motors.

• Operation:
  Semi-automatic operation: the tonearm returns automatically at the end of the record but requires manual start.
  Manual speed selection for 33 and 45 rpm.

• Tonearm:
  S-shaped tonearm with anti-skate adjustment.
  Designed to work with standard moving magnet cartridges.
  Includes a viscous-damped cueing lever for smooth tonearm lowering.

• Plinth and Construction:
  Large, heavy plinth designed to reduce vibration and resonance.
  Rubber-isolated feet for additional vibration damping.

• Additional Features:
  Automatic tonearm return at the end of playback.
  Anti-skating dial for improved tracking accuracy.
  CD-4 quadraphonic compatible wiring in some models.
  Often fitted with an Ortofon OM5E cartridge in recent refurbishments.

• Sound Quality:
  Comparable in performance to mid-1970s Technics models, offering good channel separation and low wow and flutter (~0.5% WRMS noted in similar models).
  Known for a solid and musical sound signature.