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Tested and fully operational Lafayette T-2000 transcription turntable.Manufactured in Japan by CEC (Chuo Denki), known for producing decks for Marantz and Sansui.• Performance: Spins steady at 33 & 45 RPM. Clean audio output.• Tonearm: S-shaped arm tracks properly; cueing is smooth and responsive.• Build: Solid plinth with walnut vinyl veneer in very clean condition.• Dust Cover: Original smoked cover — clear with light surface marks, no cracks.• Platter/Mat: Original rubber mat in great shape.• Cartridge: Installed and working (plug-and-play setup).Notes:• Fully manual operation (simple, reliable design)• “Transcription Turntable” model — desirable for vintage hi-fi setupsShipping:Platter will be removed and packed separately to prevent damage in transit. Tonearm will be secured.Open to reasonable offers—feel free to reach out with any questions.Seller is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the brand.
Lafayette’s better-known belt-drive decks from the CEC Japan era have a solid reputation for being straightforward, musical, and mechanically sensible. At US$249, this is right on the median of the recent used market, so the asking price reads fair rather than cheap or ambitious.
The value here is the combination of tested-working status and the appeal of an older, properly built transcription-style table, which can be a nice grab for someone who wants a dependable vintage platform without paying top-tier collector money. The upside is better if it’s complete, runs quietly, and includes the original plinth, headshell, or dust cover; at this price, those details matter more than hype.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Lafayette Radio Electronics stands as a pivotal figure in American audio retail history. Founded in 1931 as the branded division of Wholesale Radio Service Company—itself established in the early 1920s by Abraham Pletman in New York City—Lafayette evolved from a supplier of radio components for hobbyists into a comprehensive electronics retailer. Headquartered in Syosset, New York, the company operated until 1981, serving as an introduction to high-fidelity systems for generations of American consumers through both mail-order catalogs and company-owned retail locations.
Lafayette's product portfolio reflected its role as a democratizing force in audio. Beyond amateur radio equipment and citizen's band radios, the company embraced emerging formats with characteristic agility—from open-reel tape recorders to 8-track cartridges, compact cassettes, and notably, quadraphonic systems during the mid-1970s. Lafayette marketed its own branded components under the Lafayette and Criterion labels, sourcing heavily from Japanese manufacturers. Their retail stores featured dedicated sound rooms where customers could audition complete systems, a significant advantage in an era when hands-on experience was rare outside major urban centers.
Lafayette occupied the accessible mid-market tier rather than the high-end segment. The company's reputation rested on affordability, quality, and comprehensive selection—offering equipment from established manufacturers like Stromberg-Carlson, University, and Bogen alongside house brands. Their detailed catalogs and willingness to stock components unavailable through local dealers made them indispensable to serious enthusiasts and casual buyers alike. Today, Lafayette represents a nostalgic touchstone for vintage audio collectors and a testament to mail-order retail's influence on consumer electronics culture.
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