Realistic Lab total turntables

[jukeboxhero1]

Sorry to necro this but I happen to be able to snag a lab-400 cib for like 100 and was wondering if its worth it if I already have a lab-500. Not in the business of flipping so I only buy what I'm actually gonna use, and I see some people saying they think the lab-400 is a better unit?

 

[jqp]

You will not be able to tell the difference in sound quality between the 400 and 500. At least I can't. Speed on the 500 is always perfect, no adjustments to be made. If you have the room, buy the 400.

 

[Carbsandcaps]

I personally like full auto turntables so I would take the 500 all day. I’ve never had a 400 but there is a very obvious difference in quality from the 440 and 420 compared to the 500. Everyone I’ve seen had broken feet and broken hinges. I’ve since got rid of the 440 and 420 but still have the 500.

 

[Mitch Wright]

I personally like full auto turntables so I would take the 500 all day. I’ve never had a 400 but there is a very obvious difference in quality from the 440 and 420 compared to the 500. Everyone I’ve seen had broken feet and broken hinges. I’ve since got rid of the 440 and 420 but still have the 500.

LAB 400 is then mostly automatic, as per the implied definition. Tweaking the speed on the first couple of records isn't a big deal, in my view. Yes, the feet deteriorate (or have deteriorated by now). However, there are a number of options that provide better isolation and would be a worthwhile upgrade anyway. I'm not aware of hinge issues on this model - the hinges and cover on mine are original. Good condition or not, replacing the rubber mat is another nice upgrade.

FWIW, I had the dreaded auto-repeat issue, where the table would not stop after the arm returned to the armrest. I did finally identify the problem (documented here: https://www.vinylengine.com/turntab...sid=5f5ce59016951dbbb98d4aa0f323d2cf&start=12). Since that was resolved, the table has performed perfectly.

I highly recommend the LAB 400. My only quibble with it is the absence of arm height adjustment.

 

[hornbostel]

i really enjoy my 440 but it developed a hum as the arm approaches the spindle. no im not using grados. if i knew where to begin to fix the issue, id put it back in service.

My 440 had a similar hum. Fixed by replacing the RCA cable. No more hum.
Pic of the 440 in action in a small listening corner in the basement. Kenwood 4070 and KLH 6. Steely Dan never sounded sweeter!

Dan

 

[Old Guy8]

LAB 400 is then mostly automatic, as per the implied definition. Tweaking the speed on the first couple of records isn't a big deal, in my view. Yes, the feet deteriorate (or have deteriorated by now). However, there are a number of options that provide better isolation and would be a worthwhile upgrade anyway. I'm not aware of hinge issues on this model - the hinges and cover on mine are original. Good condition or not, replacing the rubber mat is another nice upgrade.

FWIW, I had the dreaded auto-repeat issue, where the table would not stop after the arm returned to the armrest. I did finally identify the problem (documented here: https://www.vinylengine.com/turntab...sid=5f5ce59016951dbbb98d4aa0f323d2cf&start=12). Since that was resolved, the table has performed perfectly.

I highly recommend the LAB 400. My only quibble with it is the absence of arm height adjustment.

I had to check my LAB400, when you mentioned no VTA adjustment.
In this Pic there's a screw on back of the column, in shadow. I have NOT tried loosening it. But looks like could be a clamping screw?
The manual doesn't mention VTA adjustment. But not a very detailed manual.
I have added a thin mat for VTA when needed.

I replaced the deteriated feet, with generic Chinese feet. And added self stick Sorbothane donut shape pads with cloth face underneath.

I'm currently using my LAB400 with a Grado ME+ mono cart for my old jazz mono's. It has a little Grado hum when close to spindle. But not bad.

 

[Mitch Wright]

View attachment 3430945
I had to check my LAB400, when you mentioned no VTA adjustment.
In this Pic there's a screw on back of the column, in shadow. I have NOT tried loosening it. But looks like could be a clamping screw?
The manual doesn't mention VTA adjustment. But not a very detailed manual.
I have added a thin mat for VTA when needed.

I replaced the deteriated feet, with generic Chinese feet. And added self stick Sorbothane donut shape pads with cloth face underneath.

I'm currently using my LAB400 with a Grado ME+ mono cart for my old jazz mono's. It has a little Grado hum when close to spindle. But not bad.

Checked and mine has the screw as well (no surprise). Hoping someone else has tried it and can reply to this thread. Turntable is working well and have the tonearm level using an extra mat. Therefore, not overly interested in experimenting with it myself.

I haven't found anything about the screw in the User or Service manuals, oddly enough. Very few mentions of VTA in the context of a LAB 400 and all say there is no adjustment.

 

[Old Guy8]

Checked and mine has the screw as well (no surprise). Hoping someone else has tried it and can reply to this thread. Turntable is working well and have the tonearm level using an extra mat. Therefore, not overly interested in experimenting with it myself.

I haven't found anything about the screw in the User or Service manuals, oddly enough. Very few mentions of VTA in the context of a LAB 400 and all say there is no adjustment.

Although I can't remember adjusting the VTA. I think I have in past to level it's Grado from original Shure M91.
There's no other reason to have a screw located there.

 

[Carbsandcaps]

You can always loosen it and see what happens. If I still had a 400 I’d be happy to try it. My 500 is completely different. Something tells me that’s just holding the plastic to the tone arm support, usually adjustment screws will be flathead. You could also try a cartridge spacer but that will add to the headshell weight.