Was the luxman pd-121A ever released outside of japan?

[TrevorBarten]

As per the title I am wondering if the updated version of the luxman pd-121 was ever released outside of japan. I cannot find anything online.

 

[RubberDuck52]

I bought my PD-121S (European version as I understand it, where the U version is for the US) in Denmark in 1979.
But what do you mean by 'updated version'?

 

[TrevorBarten]

I bought my PD-121S (European version as I understand it, where the U version is for the US) in Denmark in 1979.
But what do you mean by 'updated version'?

The pd-121a is supposedly quartz lock and has a different motor design more akin to the pd-441. I have since imported a pd-121a from Japan. Don't have a normal 121 to compare to though

 

[TrevorBarten]

I bought my PD-121S (European version as I understand it, where the U version is for the US) in Denmark in 1979.
But what do you mean by 'updated version'?

Luxman PD121 on thevintageknob.org

vintage Luxman audiophile 1970s turntable with Luxman looks, built by Micro Seiki

www.thevintageknob.org

This write up makes it seem like a significant upgrade. How noticeable this is in reality though? No clue. I am happy with mine....

 

[RubberDuck52]

I only know that My 121S has no quartz lock motor, but a DC Servo. Which models use what type, I have no clue. But I understand that one of the models was upgraded with what's quoted as 'a slightly upgraded motor'. It might be the 121A...

 

[Benihana242]

The 121A has the motor from the PD-44X series and is a significant upgrade as one of the few motors with the load free spindle. What that did was reduce the platter weight by roughly 80% (Using magnets) and allow the quartz lock corrections to be more gentle/subtle. This did a lot for reduction of cogging and gave the turntable a very natural sound rather than forcing a lock or die type of quartz lock mechanism.

I don't think it was ever released outside of Japan - and isn't the same as the S or U (I'm not 100% sure on this though) the load free motor was made my Hitachi (I think) and a similar design was used in the Kenwood L-07D.