Turntable Details
Drive
Idler
Motor
Induction
Wow & Flutter %
Rumble [dB]
-30
Speed
33, 45, 78
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
1953
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
$270 (1953)
Additional information
Drive System and Motor
Idler-wheel drive with a neoprene-tired idler for torque transmission, paired with a hysteresis synchronous motor (115V AC, 60Hz) for speed stability.
Three-speed operation (33⅓, 45, 78 RPM) via rotary selector with intermediate "Off" positions to prevent idler wear.
Platter and Bearing
16" cast aluminum platter, dynamically balanced with strobe markings for speed verification.
Single-ball thrust bearing for low-friction rotation.
Tonearm and Playback
Crystal pickup (standard on RT-43C), optimized for 78 RPM playback but compatible with microgroove records.
Retractable 45 RPM adapter integrated into the platter hub.
Construction and Features
Housed in a portable leatherette-covered plywood case (LP-743 variant) with a hinged lid.
Flush-mount capable for studio/broadcast use, with deck dimensions of ~16" × 16" × 7.5".
Polyphonic Selector (Rek-O-Kut’s proprietary circuit) for tailored frequency response at varying volume levels.
Performance Metrics
Noise level: ~40 dB below average recording level (similar to P-43 series).
Wow/flutter: Unspecified but likely <0.15% based on comparable idler-drive models.
Context
The RT-43C is part of Rek-O-Kut’s Recitalist line, targeting schools and institutions needing portable, high-fidelity playback.
Distinguished from the RT-43VM (variable speed) and P-43M (magnetic pickup) by its crystal cartridge and fixed-speed operation.