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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
pindac's avatar
pindac
3,889 posts
 

In a Past Life as a ID TT Owner, I had a 9 Stone in weight Granite Plinth.

Granite of a substantial weight not necessarily at 9 Stone is a 'young man's sport', managing it as a material, requires quite careful considerations.

Today I still use Granite in Sub Plinth Designs as a Tier in a assembly of materials, but this is static in the selected position and is not intended to be worked with. The design that is in use for my Power Amp's has a Granite piece in use that weighs approx' 56 Stone. 

For the TT, when tinkering with adjustable feet, the devices shown in the Link will do a good job of taking weight and making the working with the Footers more simplified. The method extends favourably to all TT's with feet that are adjustable.

For the actual Footer used, the Audio Technica AT 616 might prove to be ideal.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mounting-Cushion-Lifters-Pneumatic-Installation/dp/B0DRNP2MG4?ref=pd_sl_95bd26f8710d400cad219f96d9d90a6e_e&hvcampaign=116739&hvadtype=1&hvdev=desktop&appid=1014&l=1&tag=uktextadsdes-21

In the world of TT's Supporting Structures such as a Plinth/ Plinth Chassis, changes have occurred in how a TT is designed. Designs are now in place that are no longer recognising Mass only as being of value. Especially when a Mass Material is with very poor intrinsic properties relating to a Damping Factor and Dissipation.

ledoux1238 OP
419 posts
 

@thekong 

I found Track audio through a local dealer. Yes, these footers very nice though I could not find their load capacity?

And thanks for the pointers for not sending items.  I guess with all your input, I am running out of excuses for not doing a new granite plinth!!
 

And yes, the Jasmine motor is DC, my bad. 
 

@pindac 

Those air bags are great! And the AT 616 footers are nice as well..up to 60kg of load capacity!

 

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,889 posts
 

AT 616 are today in Japan found at a cost typically between £30 - £50 

I have imported quite a batch over a period of Years.

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/v1213577180/ 

The Air Bags are also great, and also lend themselves quite nicely, if one wants to create a cheap trial into deciding if Suspension Support is to create something worth pursuing further. If a individual is willing to periodically give the Bag a few puffs of air, these might prove themselves to be worthy of being a permanent footer, offering a large percentage of the performance of what much more expensive alternatives can produce. 

 

thekong
251 posts
 

 @ledoux1238 , for use under the TT, I will be using this version with delrin insert and short spikes. By looking at their construction, I don’t think you have to worry about their weight capacity, I believe a set of 4 can handle a 100kg TT easily.

https://avantgardehongkong.com/products/turntable-isolator

ledoux1238 OP
419 posts
 

@thekong 

This is the one, 140kg load capacity for four.

 

@pindac 

I am able to source these locally. Thanks!

 

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