1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 155603-92835

2020 update : JC Verdier La Platine

A recent encounter with a JC Verdier dealer as well as a recent Audiogon discussion thread led to the start of this thread. He was in my house updating my La Platine which had been in storage for ten years with thread and oil. While he has high regards for the deck, his newer clients nevertheless prefer a Techdas iii than an 'old' La Platine. Given the proliferation of expensive decks in the past dozen years, La Platine has become very much under-appreciated. 

It's clear to me that the influence of the La Platine is everywhere to be found. Specifically, the magnetic suspension system that was employed 30+ years ago. Even SOTA offers their newer decks with mag. lev. features. And if you read this review: https://www.callas-audio.nl/Callas%20Platine%20Mod%20Kit%20Review.pdf, the Continuum Caliburn uses the same concept, which was not acknowledged in Fremer's review, albeit with more sophisticated , and expensive, execution.

It is also clear to me that there is much misunderstanding of the workings of the La Platine. I for one have contributed to this. The motor of the La Platine, for example, has been much maligned. The thread drive is another aspect of the turntable that have been described as inferior. With regard to the motor and thread drive, I have been set straight by Chris @ct0517 and Lyubomir @lbelchev. Experimenting with the different types of silk threads, the tightness to the platter  and a renewed understanding of the soundness of the Philips motor have been rewarded with better dynamics and transparency. 

The funny thing is that during the past two years of re-engagement with audio, I have questioned ownership of every components in my arsenal except the La Platine. It has always been a keeper. I wonder if La Platine owners would contribute to celebrating this 'old' deck with tales, advice, and insights?

Cheers!
ledoux1238
richardkrebs
438 posts
 

ledoux.

The motor I described is what I used in my design of the OMA K3 turntable. I found the constituent parts online after a 6 month search. I had to make the motor from these parts.  Being direct drive, I have optimised the motor for low speed. You need higher speed to suit the Verdier, but the same basic specs apply.  

The controller was also found after a 6 month search. The combined cost motor/controller is massive.  Ultra high count feedback adds $Thousands more. 

But there must be motors and controllers out there that are suitable. Look for 3 phase synchronous motor around 0.1 Nm or more torque, if you are intending to use thread drive and appropriate speed capability. A little higher torque and lower speed if idler.  Good motor manufacturers will specify torque ripple. Less is more.

I haven't researched the Eclipse controller but thekong mentions that it can drive a 3 phase synchronous motor, so that would be a good start.

 

ledoux1238 OP
425 posts
 

@richardkrebs Thanks, Ricahrd for your insight, torque spec. ..etc.  My exploits will most definitely not scale the heights of K3 territory.  But from your description of the motor / controller search, it was truly a project from the gound up. 

@phantom_av  Please take a look at the SOTA Eclipse. SOTA has recently developed its own power supply that will run both the Condor motor and the Roadrunner. 

For my part, after a brief search on motors,  I will as a first step embark on a project to convert the existing motor control  into a battery operated one. May be the mostcost effective option to improve on the SQ . 

richardkrebs
438 posts
 

Ledoux

Good  luck with your project. Keep us updated on how it goes

cheers 

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
329 posts
 

So i decided to downgrade my rooms, Actually im oving out from the current property to a smaller one.

As a result i put up some of my Field Coils Speakers, OTL Amps and Pre-amps for sale.

I also put up my SP-10R up for sale which i only spent less than 3 weeks with, I think it is an absuly musical machine ones you put down a 5kg Copper Mat on to the Platter. The sound changes compleatly. It sounds more relaxed and laid back  but with a locked in sound stage.

Having too many machines and its is costing me more on arms and catridges and i need to sell off stuff to fund other hobbies which are not audio related. I love Diving so im taking that on another level now.

 

Back to Audio, I have ordered 3 Motor System with a sensor lets see how this works., The controller is from Japan and the motor is from korea. Uses a senstor to constantly adjust, i will experiement later once i have relocated to a new room.

ledoux1238 OP
425 posts
 

@phantom_av Would you list the brands of the motor / controller? I would be interested. Thanks!

BTW, I saw your ad for the SP10R. I especially like the acoustand derilium plinth. It is beautiful!

More to discover