Hitachi HT-500, Good table?
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TerryMarmite
Active Member
Not much info about it but for what it's worth I love my Hitachi table. Going strong after some 2000 hours on it. Many say Hitachis are some of the last bargains because they are a bit unknown. Some cast aspersions about the direct drive motors for reasons that annoyingly they never expand on. Something about lack of torque or developing interference noise. The motor in mine is made by Matshushita though, ie Technics, so should be reliable.
Vinylengine says the arm is light. Which would indicate that it prefers higher compliance/lower tracking cartridges. I know that for my table and others similar by Hitachi I've found what lots of others have found - a Shure cart is way better than others. Though it was originally supplied with a rebranded Audio Technica which I haven't tried.
Just clocked your post count after writing that. You probably know all this anyway.
Vinylengine says the arm is light. Which would indicate that it prefers higher compliance/lower tracking cartridges. I know that for my table and others similar by Hitachi I've found what lots of others have found - a Shure cart is way better than others. Though it was originally supplied with a rebranded Audio Technica which I haven't tried.
Just clocked your post count after writing that. You probably know all this anyway.
HamboneF18
Super Member
I’ve got 4 Hitachi tables, all very good. The 1970 PS-10 belt drive, ‘77 HT-460 and 463, and a linear tracker. All work great. The 460 is my test table for carts/styli. It’s been in near constant operation since 1978; I’m the second owner. It got a rest from 2005-2010 after the original owner passed away.
The 500 was a premium table when it debuted. It competed with the Denons and JVCs, minus the servo arm. Very high quality.
The 500 was a premium table when it debuted. It competed with the Denons and JVCs, minus the servo arm. Very high quality.
I had one and sold it, and still kick myself in the rear. It was an excellent table, the arm especially. Was a better table than the Denon tables I had as well. I have been looking for another one for a long while now. And it not having the servo arm didn't hurt it at all. The arm was lined with magnesium to counter feedback.
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I think we all have done that. Several times.
I literally just went on the auction site and saw one there and bought it just now,lol.
Cool. One with original box from Canada? Good luck with it.
yes, it needs the screw to hold the headshell on though, also bought a headshell as it was missing it. Cover needs a little work on it as well, but for the price,it's worth it.
HamboneF18
Super Member
My HT-460 has 40 years of constant use on it. I’ve cleaned and lubricated the spindle bearing. That’s all. Excellent arm. Quiet, accurate.
This one has an AT shell, not the Hitachi original.
You could minimize it with a little color-matched fiber-filled wood filler, but that would require sanding and refinishing both of those faces. If it were mine I'd leave it as is. Some would re-veneer the entire thing. I would only ever consider that if it were a long-term keeper or a 'dream machine' of mine. I personally kinda like some war wounds on old used gear and don't tend to pursue the like-new look on gear. Choices, choices!
Still, a great looking machine just as it is. Nice job again!
Still, a great looking machine just as it is. Nice job again!
RemoWilliams
Addicted Member
I bought one locally a few months ago that came with the Ortofon OM series cartridge. Very good condition overall and works like a charm. I paid 350.00 and felt it was a reasonable price, the Seller was being lowballed which is not surprising but knowing that it is a very decent performing turntable I was glad to have found it.
