turntable speed control


VPI sds vs. Phoenix engineering PSU speed control

Ag insider logo xs@2x1litespeed

Showing 2 responses by melm

"Not incidentally, the question isn’t only, "Is it measurable?" but, "Does it create an audible effect?" I say that because we can measure some things that we cannot hear".

More importantly, I believe, we can hear things that we cannot measure.  That is why, despite the great (industry approved) measurements from relatively inexpensive direct drive TTs, most careful listeners know that belt drives (which may measure worse in some respects) sound better.

""If you even lightly touch the platter while it is moving, it will drop in speed"
Not necessarily. A light touch to a 22-pound platter doesn’t effect speed"

Well, I have a 20 lb.TNT platter + a flywheel and the reduction in speed when given even a very light touch is undeniable to all who can hear . . or measure.

If you're going to quote me, please quote enough for it to make sense.  What I wrote was:

"More importantly, I believe, we can hear things that we cannot measure.  That is why, despite the great (industry approved) measurements from relatively inexpensive direct drive TTs, most careful listeners know that belt drives (which may measure worse in some respects) sound better."

Problem is that it takes quite an expensive DD with a heavy and non-resonant platter to approach and even surpass well designed belt drives.  There are a few you can buy today, including the VPI.  But the run-of-the-mill DDs with lightweight and ringing platters just don't do it.