Onkyo CP-1100A (1979–1982)

The needle drops and the record starts to spin. This turntable was built for that.

Overview

The Onkyo CP-1100A is not a showstopper. Built between 1979 and 1982, it's a 2-speed automatic-return turntable with a cueing lever. It's practical and no-nonsense, and it has more engineering care in it than its modest profile suggests. Onkyo was already known for solid audio components by this era, and it didn't try to reinvent the wheel here. The deck is a reliable, well-damped belt-drive design that spins records cleanly and gets out of the way.

The automatic return means the tonearm swings back and shuts off after the record ends. That's handy if you ever forgot to stay put for the final track. The cueing lever takes the guesswork out of lowering the stylus, which helps with a low-mass tonearm that can be a little twitchy. It won't compete with high-end manual decks of the era. It does hit a sweet spot for listeners who wanted better-than-average performance without stepping into exotic territory.

Many manufacturers were cramming features into turntables at this time - quartz lock, linear tracking, even early digital displays - but Onkyo kept it simple. The CP-1100A has a diecast aluminum platter, a DC servo motor, and a tonearm designed to track cleanly with the right cartridge. It probably lived in a lot of living rooms, spinning 45s and LPs through the early '80s, and it 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. 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, and Onkyo paired it with the OC-73M cartridge from the factory. This low-mass arm responds quickly to groove modulation, which can enhance detail retrieval. As owners note, it works best with a higher-compliance cartridge, one that can flex a bit to track the record without bouncing. If you swap in a modern cartridge, look for one that is compliant, lightweight, and not too heavy for the arm's balance.

Automatic Return and Cueing Lever

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 just as practical. Pull it down and the stylus lowers smoothly, with no nervous hand tremors from dropping 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. The counterweight includes a direct tracking force readout, so there's no need for a separate gauge. You set the weight by aligning the indicator. It's not lab-grade precision, but it's close enough for most users.

Collectibility & Value

On the secondary market, the CP-1100A trades in the $40 to $60 range when sold as-is. A recent Weschlers auction closed at $40, and a PicClick listing went for $60. 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. The original OC-73M cartridge's stylus, the 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. You do need to 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. It won't outperform a Technics SL-1200 or a Linn LP12, and it isn't trying to.