Rek-O-Kut R-34 (c. 1963–1966)

Name: Rek-O-Kut R-34
Brand: Rek-O-Kut

Almost everything that survives on the R-34 is Rek-O-Kut's own advertising, so the specifications below are manufacturer claims, not independent review findings. The model was introduced in late 1963 as a complete "playback system" - a two-speed belt-drive turntable with tonearm. The launch ad in High Fidelity (September 1963, p.105) suggested that spending a hundred dollars more elsewhere wouldn't buy better performance.

Rek-O-Kut kept returning to the same features in ads that ran through at least early 1966. The R-34 had a Papst hysteresis synchronous motor, normally found in more expensive units, a precision-ground "Rekothane" belt, and a one-piece cast aluminum platter. The ads also quoted measurements of 0.07% wow and 0.03% flutter at 33 rpm, better than the rated 0.08%. They claimed the R-34 produced no audible rumble even at high stereo levels, citing tests by United States Testing Co.

The other selling point was the five-year warranty. An ad in Audio (August 1965, p.57) led with the blunt claim that Rek-O-Kut wasn't afraid to put such a warranty on this model. Beyond those ads the record is thin. No original price, dimensions, or service history has surfaced.

Known specs (from period advertising)

Two-speed (33/45 rpm) belt-drive turntable with tonearm
Papst hysteresis synchronous motor
Precision-ground Rekothane drive belt
One-piece cast aluminum platter
Claimed wow/flutter: 0.07% / 0.03% at 33 rpm; 0.06% / 0.025% at 45 rpm (rated 0.08%)
Five-year warranty