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Why Use Aluminum for a TT Platter?

Mass I am told is a good thing when it comes to TT platters. Lloyd Walker for one extolls it's virtues and as a rule some of the better turntables like to brag about their big ..Platters. Why then would aluminum, known for it's light weight (low density) turn up as frequently as it does as a platter material. I know it is easily machined but isn't there anything better and much denser.
mechans

Showing 3 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Nothing cogs like a DD. The mass of the platter has nothing to do with flywheel inertia.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Let me restate that. ;-) The mass is not there for inertia.

That flywheel affect that folks like to think about when high mass platters are mentioned with belt drives would only matter when the platter is accelerating or decelerating. Once the platter is up to speed the mass would make any sudden changes in platter speed near impossible.

This is also why so many DD tables have light-weight platters. The motor on a DD is designed to directly manipulate the platter in order to correct speed. The platter is supposed to have it's acceleration constantly manipulated.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
T_bone, very good post. This DD sub-topic came about after some general comments about dd/bd and mass, and thus my own generalized comments. It is most definitely a much more complicated discussion. I think if Chris starts talking about eddy current braking and such we'd soon leave the dj talk behind. ;-)
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