Lewm- Yes it was literally the SAME arm and cartridge (-:
Do top Idler drive tables fall short to top belt drives in any particular area.
In the current Reed table thread, a user makes mention that he compared running it in Idler mode, and then using a belt. He goes on to write, the belt was superior with decay, and I believe more organic sounding as well. Please don't fault me if I used the wrong word, but that's what I got out of reading it. Certainly it's tough to generalize, since there are always more variables than the turntable itself. I auditioned the Brinkmann Bardo and Spyder tables last year. I understand I'm talking DD vs Belt in this case, but please stay with me. I easily preferred the Belt driven Spyder, to it's DD counterpart. I found decay to be one of the areas where the Spyder won out. It was more organic, and I heard subtle spatial cues that were not as discernable with the Bardo. Now that I'm considering a Garrard 301 in a well implemented wood plinth, this all has me curious to say the least.
- ...
- 12 posts total
I've had a Thorens 124 for 2 months now. I rebuilt and restored what I could, took it to an expert and dropped some money on a motor rebuild and an SME 3012/2 refresh and rewire. I put it in what I think is an original Thorens rigid Baltic birch plinth and it sits on a wall shelf. I've been back in the turntable game since 1998 pretty hard. I've owned LP-12s, Orbes, Amazon tables, etc. but I have to say the 124 is by far the most satisfying vinyl experience I've ever had. With regard to the sound, maybe just maybe, I'm giving up a little air vs some of the belt tables I've used. In exchange I've gotten way better pace and bass and soundstage. Just as important, the experience of using the 124 is just way more enjoyable than any other I've owned. I like the clutch... not having to turn off or snatch changing records. I love that it switches speed easily and gets up to speed in a revolution or two. It's beautiful too! I wouldn't hesitate if I were you to go idler. http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/42994550/IMG_0117.jpg |
I must point out the Reed drive system is a different genre from the traditional idler drive turntable like Garrard 301 or EMT 930. The idler wheel is part of the pulley and motor on Reed, whereas in a Garrard the motor shaft drives the idler wheel to drive the platter. The Garrard rubber idler wheel is the interface in between and keeps the metal to metal relationship, which is the system I prefer. The Reed or TTW or Teres Versa "direct couple" approach I suspect is prone to speed issue if the wheel is not perfectly round or smooth. The Garrard style is more forgiving. Sound wise, let your ears decide. |
Listen to a well restored Lenco L75 or GL78 some time. Also "different" from all the rest in how the idler works. Hiho, I don't see how the Garrard geometry alleviates the issue of out-of-round wheels. If its interfacing rubber wheel goes out of round, you would have speed instability just the same. |
- 12 posts total