Turntable Details
Drive
Idler
Motor
Induction
Wow & Flutter %
0.98
Rumble [dB]
-35
Speed
33, 45, 78
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
305.0
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
1953
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
$130 (1953)
Additional information
The Rek-O-Kut P-43VM is a professional 16" transcription turntable from the 1950s, designed for broadcast and studio use.
Drive System and Motor
Features continuously variable speed control (25-100 RPM), allowing precise playback of archival recordings and non-standard discs.
Uses an idler-wheel drive system with neoprene tires for torque transmission, paired with a hysteresis synchronous motor for stable speed regulation.
Platter and Bearing
16" cast aluminum platter, dynamically balanced with a heavy rim for inertial stability.
Single-ball thrust bearing for low-friction rotation, a hallmark of Rek-O-Kut’s professional models.
Tonearm and Playback
Equipped with a 16" tonearm optimized for magnetic cartridges, compatible with both microgroove and 78 RPM records.
Supports dual-stylus operation, accommodating steel needles (78 RPM) and magnetic pickups (LP/45).
Performance Metrics
Noise level: Rated 40 dB below average recording level, comparable to other Rek-O-Kut idler-drive models.
Wow and flutter: Unspecified, but similar models (e.g., B-16H) achieve <0.1%.
Construction and Features
Housed in a leatherette-covered plywood case with a hinged lid.
Includes a strobe disc for speed verification.
Designed for flush mounting in broadcast consoles, with a low-profile chassis.
Context and Variants
The P-43VM shares core design elements with the P-43M (fixed-speed magnetic pickup) but adds variable speed functionality.
Often paired with external preamps (e.g., Rek-O-Kut Mk IV) for RIAA equalization and broadcast-grade signal processing