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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
mr_gray
188 posts
 

yes i was inspired by Herb to be sure.  it is really him that's gotten me into a vinyl switch it up mindset rather than "ultimate system" type thinking.

i am using a cheap SUT with the Delos that i picked up for 375 USD.  total expenditure something like 650 USD for cart and SUT.  it is a once in blue moon event but cheap thrills in high end audio!

 

i have a silvercore SUT coming in 1:10 so we will see if that improves on the 1:14 winding i am currently using via AT 670T

ledoux1238 OP
421 posts
 

@mr_gray Having now owned cartridges from over $10,000 to vintage MM at $ 375, I, too, subscribe to HR’s approach, as you say a ‘ switch it up mindset’. The MM I have, Audio. Technica AT-170ML stylus in a AT-180ML body, was also TOTL during the 80’s and you learn / hear different qualities from this cartridge. And most certainly it is enjoyable and a keeper. 

What phono stage are you using?

mr_gray
188 posts
 

delos with silvercore is a home run.  early days but sounds great.

i have a Audio Note M6 as my RIAA.  it plugs into my integrated amp.

things almost perfect with my turntable setup.  only thought left now is toward an isolating base.  would radically increase expense of project but :

1. i have a footfall issue.  even walking away after dropping needle i might make a skip happen.  not good.

2. everyone says the la platine really does well on a platform like vibraplane etc.  

i guess i would have the la platine on platform and motor not on the platform.  

the main features i find of the la platine that might distinguish it are:

- continuity - no feeling of effort or mechanical intrusion.  with the 401 for example or tt3, one can hear the intense "push push" of the setup. this is nice in some ways. but it seems more pure when it is not there

- silence - small sounds and large sounds occur on a very soundless back ground.  it is as some say "just the music"

i do not have any speed issues nor any w/f issues.  i am on thread and it is excellent.  i might give it one more crack with the cms footers.

 

ledoux1238 OP
421 posts
 

@mr_gray Which Silvercore SUT are you using?  1:10 ratio with the Delos? have been interested in this German brand for a while. 

I stumbled  into a vinyl setup that is the opposite of yours regarding cartridge and phono stage choices, using entry level phono stages matched with higher performance cartridges. I know you have used higher level cartridges, but choose to dip into more entry level ones to experiment. The tube phono stage, SunValley EQ 1616D was introduced by HR, and with Telefunken ecc83s’ and  Millard ecc83, does not sound like an entry level preamp. 
 


 

 

mr_gray
188 posts
 

i have a silver 1:10.  i think it is the pro version.  i wanted the largest silver cans i could get my hands on.  it wasn't cheap unfortunately.  

what i like is to listen to other gear so i can get a sense of how good the good gear is.  i feel it helps with system insights and comprehension.  plus fun.

the silvercore keeps getting better.  very dynamic, very quiet, on solid state it would sound dry i think or crisp - but that's probably just as it burns in.  it is a great match with the delos.

i can well imagine good carts and less decorated gear.  i can also well imagine a relatively cheap tube based RIAA doing a very good job as i did have an Abbas EL84 riaa before the m6.  having said that, the m6 is kind of amazing when compared to the Abbas, so you do get something for your money.

i am sure if i had it all over again there are better ways to skin the cat.

i have an iogold/s9 combo and i eventually the iogold will be repaired and i will get to listen to that in context of say silvercore/delos.  it will be interesting as the iogold/s9 setup is around 7 times more expensive.  i did previously listen to the s9/iogold combo but not when my la platine was so sorted and also prior to understanding how critical setup of cart was and so without benefit of analog magik and smartractor.

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