• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Rek-O-Kut N-33H - What's Going on Here?

P

Populista

New Member
I have an opportunity to pick up this dusty TT, but as a relative newbie, some of it is confounding me. First, the deck color.

full
Just about every N-33H I've ever seen was "two-tone" - with the metal belt cover painted a silvery gray. This one is black-on-black. The paint looks original, but is that possible? Also, the "on" switch is all black, which I've not seen before. FYI, the wood cabinet has definitely been re-painted black.

This looks like it has a Rek-O-Kut S-120 or S-160 tonearm. It doesn't appear to be marked. Any way to ID?

tonearm
The bright green stylus is marked "Empire". Does that mean the entire cartridge is an Empire as well? Can anyone visually ID it for me?

cartridge underside
On the front end it looks like someone added an Ortofon tonearm stand/lift.

Ortofone lift
I'm not exactly sure how the lift functions, but it seems desirable. Agree?

Finally, there is this black "pillar" device that seems to "receive" a black tonearm attachment at the rear of the tonearm. What is that; and is it desirable?

black pillar
Many thanks to anyone who can help me with these ignorant questions!
 
Register to hide this ad
Hi Populista and welcome to AK. I'm not a resident expert, but I can chime in on a few things based on my limited Rek O Kut knowledge. As for your paint job there, I would guess that it was done so by a previous owner. I've never seen that paint scheme prior to your example. I've seen a lot of them, but I haven't seen them all!

Your tonearm appears to be a S-120 - (S)tereo 12" in length. The S-160 is a stereo 16" arm.

As for the cartridge, there are others more knowledgeable and will hopefully chime in. Assuming it is an Empire is reasonable, based on the stylus. You can remove the two screws that hold it in the head shell and have a look at the top of the cartridge to verify.

The Ortofon lift is a nice addition for many, especially us older folks with the less steady hands! As for the black "pillar" device, I've never seen that before. I would guess it might be an end of record arm lift? Post some underside pics if you get the chance.

esotericsound.com is a good place to get parts

Good luck and enjoy!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom