2020 update : JC Verdier La Platine

@mr_gray I have written two emails requesting a quote on the Eclipse + Vpi motor pod + custom spindle and have yet to receive a reply. Christian did mentioned that it would require some wait time before my order will be filled due the production time of the spindle. I  expect  a 6 month lead time, at least, , so will report back with updates. 
 

I have yet to play with a Denon 103. And for a second arm I would go different route than the classic fr 64 s, something contemporary like a Korf arm. I have read good things about this heavy arm mating with the 103s.
 

Speaking of cartridges, I have been playing with two very fine LOMCs, a Transfiguration Proteus ( retipped ), and aTOTL ZYX Ultimate Astros. And with the Proteus seemingly having  broken in this week, I was finally able to properly take measure of the two, And  even though the Proteus is discontinued, it is a wonderful cartridge. Rereading Fremer’s review from ten years ago, I am finally hearing the dynamics, transparency, and  the ‘get-out-of -the -way ness’ while still with the Jasmine motor. For double the initial retail price of the Proteus, the Astros gets even more out of the way, with some warmth. This was the outcome of two great listening sessions this weekend. 
 

the ZYX brand intrigues me.  Someone described it as a modern SPU sound.  I had a great time listening to an old Shindo SPU-A for three months near the start of my vinyl thing.  anything like that seems very good.  what do you use for a SUT for the carts @ledoux1238 ?

last night i tried silk thread instead of my now standard silk suture.  a single silk thread.  not even looped!  well this just reinforces my feeling that "Speed" issues with the Verdier (variability of speed intra note) just don't exist anymore.  it is ever since i put the platine on the wall shelf and got it off the credenza.

i sometimes wonder if it was a change of perspective from me, or an actual change in circumstances with respect to this "issue".  i am quite sure the latter though.

the ball bearing is so great.

@mr_gray I use a Audio Tekne permalloy SUT with 2 tabs, 10 Ohm 1: 60 and 100 ohm 1:20.

 I found this on sale on Audiogon,a Steve Dobb modified La Platine. Only the platter, magnets and bearing are retained. The platter is  multi-layered with isolation footers. And it comes with a Dereneville motor. It looks like a mod that combines most of the wish lists of what the previous posts had discussed. Very interesting!

Together with the Dereneville motor and lab DC power supply, that modified La Platine seems very reasonably priced, as long as you like the styling ! 

@thekong It is indeed not pricey for what is on offer. However, your comment on styling is a reminder, at least for me, of how the aesthetic component of the La Platine is often  left unsaid. Its 'functional' industrial deisgn is one of the most appealing qualities. The Dobbs mod reminds too much of the Garrard / Lenco Variety. And Frankly, a La Platine in white just does not do it for me. 

Just look at how beautiful these custom arm boards from Magna Audio are! Made from ebony and bronze, they are proportionally pleasing, as with the entire la Platine.