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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
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.

thekong
251 posts
 

For the replacement plinth, in addition to the usual suspects like granite, pensorholz etc., I am contemplating using this kind of optical table bread board: 

https://www.techmfg.com/products/cleantopopticaltopsandsupports/steel-optical-breadboards

It is easy to make, just need to custom order to have a few holes drilled! Will give the La Platine an even more industrial look :)

My friend has made a plinth with bread board for his Commonwealth idler drive  TT, and he is happy with it! 

However, one potential problem I see is that the top surface is made of ferromagnetic stainless steel, which I worry would interfere with the magnetic bearing of the La Platine.  I have consulted with mtemur on the Whatsbestforum, and he thinks there may be some small interference, such as the platter may sits a little lower, but probably would not have serious affect on the magnetic bearing’s operation! 

Since I have access to relatively low cost bread board from China, I think it is worth a try! 

dover
2,498 posts
 

@thekong 

I wouldn't want anything magnetic.

You should look at densified bamboo ply 40mm sheets. It's more dense and more rigid than rock maple. Two layers, if you want get creative put a thinner layer of carbon fibre or panzerholtz between them to break up resonances.

I used a hybrid of densified bamboo ply and birch ply for my Garrard and the results are excellent.

Remember that the Verdier plinth is the same weight as the platter - that's why they add steel plates to the bottom of the MDF plinth. This is for stability.

You need to ensure that the plinth is at least as heavy as the platter.

 

 

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