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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
ledoux1238 OP
419 posts
 

@lewn Your point about the difference between ‘tight’ and ‘loose’ DD motors is interesting. It certainly bears on the discussions of the previous posts regarding the  varies motor options for the Verdier, in particular, and BD in general - the  issue of servo vs non-servo in BD TT. And I tend to agree that the  precision with which a motor can regulate 33.3 rpm, with advanced technology, may not necessarily lead to better sound quality.
 

I have been following an Italian site, audio antiquary.com.There is now a beautifully refurbished Kenwood L07D mk 2 on sale. I know you have this TT, but mk1? And an even rarer Denon DP100 on sale as well. You mentioned that cordless vs iron core DD motors sound different. Would you say more on this?

 

@thekong Thank you for the link on the special motor. However, I do not have a FB account. And I tried to use my wife’s account, but was unable to see the actual motor with the link provided. 
 

@dover “when I reassembled the system, when I set and tested the speed there is no difference whether the stylus is playing or not. Clean power can make a substantial difference to turntable performance.” I assume your motor is the non-servo type, so no stylus drag detected? 

 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,703 posts
 

@ledoux1238  interesting thread which i must admit i only sample every now and then - Nyquist would give a failing grade… Some thoughts mostly in agreement w Lew last few inputs only that i would say there is  imo a 3rd and imo fantastic DD architecture: see Brinkmann Bardo…

The Italian shop you mention ( a true audio candy store ) sold me my Denon DP-75 in a custom plinth. Small world, eh… You can see photos of the Bardo and Denon in systems.

A caution, the Denon has a very unique split platter which needed rebuilding….

dover
2,498 posts
 

@ledoux1238 

I assume your motor is the non-servo type, so no stylus drag detected? 

No speed change detected with stylus drop as tested with KAB and Shakenspin 2.

AC motor is driven with sine & cosine wave generators feeding stereo power amp. No servos other than the AC motor itself.

thekong
251 posts
 

@ledoux1238 , basically it is the same motor / controller used in their own TT, only now they offers it as a separate unit!

https://www.hornsolutions.de/the-q-
 

 

mr_gray
188 posts
 

@ledoux1238 in being inspired to replace your platine plinth with granite surely the original platine (granito) is a more proximate model to be emulated than the SOTA (although i get the point).  i see numerous terrazzo versions (A23) on audio-markt and one relatively inexpensive the other day.  i have a granito version that was made later in the day as a special thing for the asian market i believe.  

Keith A from A23 was said to believe the heavier plinth version really made the Platine operate at a level he could get behind.

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