Onkyo CP-1100A (1979–1982)

Name: Onkyo CP-1100A
Brand: Onkyo

That moment when the needle drops and the record starts to spin—this turntable was built for it.

Overview

The Onkyo CP-1100A isn’t a showstopper, but it’s the kind of turntable that earns quiet respect from those who’ve used it. Built between 1979 and 1982, it’s a 2-speed automatic-return turntable with a cueing lever—practical, no-nonsense, and engineered with more care than its modest profile suggests. Onkyo, already known for solid audio components by this era, didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, they delivered a reliable, well-damped belt-drive deck that does exactly what it should: spin records cleanly and get out of the way.

It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful. The automatic return function means the tonearm swings back and shuts off after the record ends—handy if you ever forgot to stay put for the final track. The cueing lever takes the guesswork out of lowering the stylus, which matters when you’re dealing with a low-mass tonearm that can be a little twitchy. And while it won’t compete with high-end manual decks of the era, the CP-1100A hits a sweet spot for listeners who wanted better-than-average performance without stepping into exotic territory.

This was a time when many manufacturers were cramming features into turntables—quartz lock, linear tracking, even early digital displays—but Onkyo kept it simple. No gimmicks, no overcomplication. Just a diecast aluminum platter, a DC servo motor, and a tonearm designed to track cleanly with the right cartridge. It’s the kind of machine that probably lived in a lot of living rooms, quietly spinning 45s and LPs through the early '80s, and now, decades later, still turns up in decent shape on the secondhand market.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Onkyo
Model	CP-1100A
Type	2-speed automatic-return turntable with cueing lever
Drive method	belt drive
Motor	DC servo
Platter	31 cm (12-1/4”) Aluminum diecast
Speeds	33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm
Wow & Flutter	0.045% WRMS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	66 dB (DIN-B)
Tonearm	Lightweight straight-line static balanced pipe tonearm with detachable headshell (ADC type connector) and counterweight with direct tracking force read out
Original cartridge	Onkyo OC-73M
Dimensions (W x H x D)	418mm x 128mm x 374mm (16-1/2" x 5" x 14-6/8")
Weight	3.0kg
Power Supply	AC 120V, 60Hz

Key Features

Belt-Drive with DC Servo Motor

The CP-1100A uses a belt-drive system powered by a DC servo motor, which was a step up from the basic AC synchronous motors found in many budget decks. This setup helps maintain consistent speed and reduces vibration transfer to the platter. The wow and flutter spec of 0.045% WRMS is solid for its class—quiet enough that you won’t hear speed instability on most records, even during sustained piano notes or quiet passages.

Low-Mass Tonearm Design

The tonearm is a lightweight straight-line static balanced pipe design, which Onkyo paired with the OC-73M cartridge from the factory. This low-mass arm responds quickly to groove modulation, which can enhance detail retrieval. But as owners note, it works best with a higher-compliance cartridge—something that can flex a bit to track the record without bouncing. If you’re swapping in a modern cartridge, that’s the sweet spot: compliant, lightweight, and not too heavy for the arm’s balance.

Automatic Return and Cueing Lever

The automatic return function is one of those conveniences you didn’t know you’d miss until it’s gone. Once the record finishes, the arm lifts and returns to its rest, then the motor shuts off. It’s not magic, but it’s reliable. The cueing lever is equally practical—just pull it down to lower the stylus smoothly, eliminating those nervous hand tremors when trying to drop the needle by hand. Both features make this a user-friendly deck, especially for casual listeners or shared systems.

Detachable Headshell and Tracking Force Readout

The tonearm uses an ADC-type connector for the detachable headshell, which makes cartridge swaps straightforward. And the counterweight includes a direct tracking force readout—no need for a separate gauge. You set the weight by aligning the indicator, which saves time and guesswork. It’s not lab-grade precision, but it’s close enough for most users and a nice touch for a turntable in this category.

Collectibility & Value

The Onkyo CP-1100A isn’t a trophy piece, but it’s far from forgotten. On the secondary market, it trades in the $40 to $60 range when sold as-is—like a recent Weschlers auction that closed at $40, or a PicClick listing that went for $60. But owners suggest it’s worth more in good condition: one Reddit user estimated $100 to $150 with a good stylus, which feels about right if everything’s working smoothly.

One of its strengths is serviceability. Replacement belts are still available from parts suppliers like Webspareparts, and the original OC-73M cartridge’s stylus—DN-73ST—is still in production at places like LP Gear and MrStylus for around $30. That’s a big deal for a 40-year-old turntable. Most decks from this era either had unobtainium parts or got Frankensteined with modern replacements. The CP-1100A avoids that fate, as long as you can verify the original cartridge hasn’t already been swapped out—something LP Gear notes is common after decades of use.

It’s not a rare find, but it’s not a dime a dozen either. If you’re restoring a period-correct system or want a dependable, no-drama turntable that won’t break the bank, the CP-1100A delivers. It’s not going to outperform a Technics SL-1200 or a Linn LP12, but it’s not trying to. It’s just a well-built, honest deck that does its job well.