Grundig PS-1020 (1978)
The Grundig PS-1020 is a direct-drive turntable, built in Germany around 1978. It is a semi-automatic model with a brushless DC motor and a heavy 30.5 cm platter. The original manual says it was designed for accurate speed and minimized wow and flutter. The model name, "Direct Drive Plattenspieler PS 1020," already tells you the drive system.
Surviving documentation is thin. The most complete source is the original manual hosted at audiomuzeum.hu, which confirms the drive system, the platter size, and the design intent. Radiomuseum.org lists the production year as 1978 and notes 10 semiconductors. A Catawiki listing gives dimensions of 44 × 36 × 16 cm, a weight of 7 kg, and 33/45 rpm speed adjustment. Catawiki dates the unit to 1979, which conflicts with the 1978 Radiomuseum date, and that conflict is not resolved. No source gives numeric wow-and-flutter, speed-accuracy, tonearm, or cartridge specifications. One dealer notes the PS-1020 used the Shure M 95 G MM cartridge with a recommended tracking force of 1.5-2 g.
There is no documented product family positioning and no original price. The only reception is a single eBay seller's remark that their PS 1020 a was "the best I have ever touched." The Vinyl Engine confirms there are no user reviews on file. Spare parts, including tone arm lock levers, appear to be available from at least one specialist. The difference between the "PS 1020" and "PS 1020 a" designations is not documented.
Known specs, such as they are:
- Direct drive, brushless DC motor
- Semi-automatic operation
- 33/45 rpm speed adjustment
- 30.5 cm platter
- Dimensions: 44 × 36 × 16 cm; weight 7 kg
- 10 semiconductors
- Shure M 95 G cartridge (per one dealer)
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