Many older records and some cartridge test records have a band of lines on the outer edge of the label used to check rotational correctness. Of course, that's assuming you live where the electricity is 60 cycles. Put the record on and turn on the turntable motor. Turn on the lights. If the band seems to NOT move, your turntable speed is correct. Also, most cartridge test records have an A440 test tone. If you have a tuning fork and the ability to hear the accuracy you can use that. If you have a friend that is a long time guitar player he likely has a A440 tuning fork and will help you with the check. I hope this helps.
Digital vs. Analog sonics
I had an incident occur this weekend that surprized me. I was playing Tracy Chapman on my Pioneer modded DVD transport with the Bel Canto DAC2 for a friend of mine. I wanted her to hear the Digital vs. Analog for herself and make her own conclusion. The analog rig is a VPI 19 MKIV with a ETII arm and Benz Gold cartridge. The preamp is the AI Modulus 3A Gold board, Bel Canto EVO4 amp NHT 3.3 speakers.
The differance was huge but different in a sense that doesn't seem to be reasonable unless one was wrong.
The digital seemed slow and dark compared to the open transparent and detailed Analog. Switching back and forth seemed to indicate a faulty speed, they were sonically too far part to have both be accurate. My understanding of the digital technology is it has to play and spin correctly to work therefore pointing to the analog as having to be too fast. The problem is the analog seemed correct. Could the Cd have been reproduced that poorly? How can I verify the VPI's speed? The VPI seemed more pace oriented than "too fast." I've not noticed any other deficiencies in my digital system and wonder if I would have noticed anything if I had not heard a direct comparison! Ideas?
The differance was huge but different in a sense that doesn't seem to be reasonable unless one was wrong.
The digital seemed slow and dark compared to the open transparent and detailed Analog. Switching back and forth seemed to indicate a faulty speed, they were sonically too far part to have both be accurate. My understanding of the digital technology is it has to play and spin correctly to work therefore pointing to the analog as having to be too fast. The problem is the analog seemed correct. Could the Cd have been reproduced that poorly? How can I verify the VPI's speed? The VPI seemed more pace oriented than "too fast." I've not noticed any other deficiencies in my digital system and wonder if I would have noticed anything if I had not heard a direct comparison! Ideas?