2020 update : JC Verdier La Platine

I’ve tested wow&flutter of lots of high end turntables (each around 20000-50000 USD) and lots of vintage direct drives in the last few years.
I used Analogmagik software mainly for the tests but I also used WFGUI, platterspeed and RPM.
all of them have different standards and gives different readings but the best and professional one is Analogmagik software with dedicated test record.
I also tested some of the test records and found out Analog Productions test record is not very accurate (not related with subject but especially it is not accurate on azimuth either) on the other hand Analogmagik and Ortofon test records are very accurate. I don’t know how Hi-Fi News test record performs.
anyway I ended up using Analogmagik software and AES standard.
according to my test results most high end decks measure around %0.07-0.09 (AES).
vintage high quality direct drive decks measure around %0.08-%01 (AES).
La Platine Verdier turntables in good condition measure %0.05-0.06 (AES), better than all of the decks I’ve tested including top models of Techdas, SME, Da Vinci, Thorens, Kronos, Thales, Transrotor etc.
one La Platine Verdier even measured at %0.0460 but it’s lower and upper magnets are centered inside their magnetic rings and perfectly aligned to face each other. it uses standard Philips motor and Transrotor large belt. motor is placed as close as possible to platter. additionally platter might be statically balanced to further improve this already good measurement.

speed consistency is another issue but you can never get precise readings with strobe discs or other stuff like that. you need Analogmagik or platterspeed kind of program and test record. RPM is also good but needs calibrating with a test record.
the main problem with speed consistency is temperature changes in the bearing. when temperature changes viscosity of oil in the bearing changes and so the brake force. if your turntable has an encoder or ac motor the control mechanism will readjust motor’s speed. if don’t you need to check it with a basic tool such as RPM for every 2 hours of playing.
in order to get exact speed first of all you need to adjust it with a precise tool. after obtaining exact speed then you can use simple tools to correct it when needed.

@ledoux1238

Adding additional surge tanks, help enormously to smooth out air fluctuations, improve air flow and hence SQ.

even the big ones come with surge tanks don’t measure better than %0.07 with Analogmagik.

@ledoux1238

1. On the La Platine that measured .046%, you mentioned that the magnets are centered and perfectly aligned. Aren’t all La Platine like that? And the pneumatic suspension has been defeated with a static suspension? 

yes La Platine comes as magnets aligned but magnets are not screwed or fixed. they can move during transportation or removing and installing platter.
magnets need to be moved inside magnetic ring/case in order to perfectly center. additionally lower magnet should be placed on the plinth at the exact center with spindle. in order to achieve this space between inner magnetic ring and aluminum base that holds spindle must be equal on all sides.

Sorry, but I don’t understand the nature of that particular La Platine.

it was a regular La Platine but carefully aligned.

@ledoux1238

2. Regarding speed stability, are you in favor of a servo speed controller, like the Roadrunner ?

No I’m in favor of basic DC motor controllers and DC motors. all servo controllers make some kind of cogging effect. I don’t know if the term is right but what I mean is servo controllers may always ensure perfect 33.3 rpm but prevent super smooth rotation.

@ledoux1238

3. This question is an aside. I am wondering about the use AnologMagik to optimize SRA / VTA. I have fallen into the camp where VTA is adjusted for every record played as the Trans Fi Terminator allows for VTA on the fly. Adjustments on the AnalogMagik is a one time thing. How does it account for record thickness, hence variations in SRA?

I simply adjust VTA using a 180g record and don’t change it for other records. yes thickness of a record effects VTA and thus the sound but tonearm’s coupling to armboard and being rigid on base/fixing bolts is effecting sound much more. if you can achieve same rigidness on your tonearm’s base and when you change VTA the tonearm’s azimuth, zenith etc. alignments don’t change then it’s ok to adjust VTA according to record thickness.
Analogmagik is a great software. it’s very useful but it takes a lot of time to learn how to use it because a bad reading on one alignment such as VTA, azimuth, anti-skating etc. may be the cause of another. that’s why if you are not very sure what you’re doing Analogmagik can lead to a bad alignment and it can give more harm than good.

@ledoux1238

What does your analog setup consists of ?

-EMT TSD15N SFL, EMT TMD25N, ZYX 100 ultimate, BENZ ACE SM cartridges,
-La Platine Verdier turntable.
-SME V and SME V-12 tonearms. Kondo SL-115 silver headshell wire, Kondo KSL silver internal wiring, Kondo Ls41 silver tonearm cable
-Kondo SFZ silver SUT,
-Kondo GE-1 phono,
Kondo Overture int. amp,
-all power cables inc. La Platine Verdier’s motor are Kondo KSL silver ACZ,
-interconnects are Kondo silver Ls41.

thank you @ledoux1238

I wondered what is your thinking on using 'entry' level cartridges?

because unlike other equipment cartridges are consumable products (at  least that's what I think). their life is about 500 hours. it will extend to 1000 hours only if you're lucky (doing the right things like cleaning records, gruv glide etc.) retip cost is very high if the cartridge is expensive. I installed 5 Kondo IO-M cartridges for my friends in last 8 years and it sounds terrific if you can afford it.
on the other hand EMT TSD15N SFL may not have top price tag but I won't call it entry level. 

And I have decided to keep it. Any advice on how to optimize the arm with the TT?

I think that's a good idea. I changed my SME V's internal wiring with Kondo 11 years ago and I never regret it. stock van den hul silver internal wiring is terrible. Kondo silver wire definitely transforms SME V. 
if you ever do change it with Kondo please consider owning SL-115 headshell cables and Ls41 armcable too. a friend of mine has a Kondo tonearm and it is actually a modified SME V-12 with Kondo wiring all over.

@dover
I can not agree more.

the suspension of a cartridge usually lasts for 5 years like car tires. when it deteriorates it will change the compliance of the cartridge. most people may say that "I’m using a cartridge older than 5 years and it sounds great so the suspension is ok.". actually it is not. you need to measure cartridge-tonearm resonance and if it matches the calculated resonance than it’s ok. if it doesn’t there is a high possibility that your cartridge’s suspension is gone.

@ledoux1238

I surely did not mean to imply disrespect for the classic TSD 15.

I didn’t take it as a disrespect. that’s perfectly alright. on the contrary I don’t want to give the impression like I’m obsessed with my equipment.

ZYX and EMT are different than alike. EMT is a dynamic and lively cartridge ZYX is a smooth and full bodied one.

One of the project right now is to seek out a vintage cartridge, something like an Ortofon MC 2000, to pair with the SME V.

I had a chance to use Ortofon MC2000, MC3000, MC5000 and 75th anniversary cartridges more than 10 years ago. all together at the same time. I used them not too long but enough to get their sound signature. they all need their dedicated SUTs and none of them can match today’s good MCs let alone top ones.

vintage cartridges from the 70’s and 80’s are comparable in quality to the some of today’s more expensive offerings.

you got a point cause I have seen poorly build expensive cartridges but incredible good built ones too.
old cartridges’ build quality may be better than today’s ones but I don’t think their sound is better.

Also, I am quite interested in how you ended with the La Platine ?

I was always looking for a robust heavy turntable and La Platine was one of the candidates. when a friend told me that he is going to sell his La Platine I made my decision about buying his.