Why Use Aluminum for a TT Platter?

02-09-11: Wntrmute2 wrote:
"Belt drives...in terms of speed accuracy, are clearly inferior to properly implemented direct drive tables."
Humm, proof, evidence to back this up?
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I was going to ask this as well, until I realized who the author was. Although I must ask - who's making a properly implemented dd nowdays? I recall people liking the Goldmund DD.

I think the key to an aluminum TT platter is to properly damp the aluminum to reduce resonance. This is often done within the platter and/or on top of the platter as in the case of SME. Mass does matter depending on the drive system and what problem the designer is attempting to solve.

Regarding the whole belt vs. DD discussion here, I agree with Dan ed, though this is far too complex a topic to discuss on this thread and I think we should stay away from gross generalizations regarding TT drive systems. It's how its implemented that counts.

Aluminum is used for several reasons. The first is that it is non-magnetic. This keeps it from messing with the cartridge. Aluminum is also relatively cheap, as it is one of the most abundant metals. Its also easy to machine.

An aluminum platter should be damped in some fashion for best results. If this is done it will keep up with any other material with no worries.

And this is why you as a consumer payed so much for the Goldmund to get it somewhat right. The reason I say get it somewhat if you took off the platter and watched the spindle spin it looked like paint can shaker at your nearby HD.