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What's the deal with idler turntables and do they have a place in modern HiFi?

After going through a complete overhaul of an AR XA I've been tempted to take a step further back in history and restore an old Rek-O-Kut idler turntable. Can't remember the particular model number from Craigslist, but it seems like it may be an interesting project and far more customizable than the XA, especially when it come to the tonearm. The one I'm looking at comes with the original tonearm, but my guess is that it's even more garbage than the stock XA 'arm and I'd certainly replace it!

However, I don't generally become invested in something if it doesn't pay off. So if the sound is going to be dreadful because it's an idler, then I'll steer clear. But if the sound is bitchin' then I'll jump on the opportunity!
128x128mjperry96

Showing 1 response by andrei_nz

andrei_nz
192 posts
 
I would state this differently: no single parameter can be optimized without taking the entire whole into consideration. Any architecture will always have strengths and weaknesses. Intelligently optimized, varying architectures converge but ultimately still carry their basic DNA (the architecture's key attributes - their strengths and weaknesses).

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design 

What about this scenario:  Parameter is adding mass to (preferably the outside of) the platter.  Surely the only downside is the weight (and thereby friction) on the bearing.  If the bearing housing includes opposing magnets so that there is actually no weight on a thrustpad, then that parameter can be improved without any negative downside.  Or is there some other thing that will to some extent mitigate the inertia value of the extra mass?
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