Turntable speed accuracy


There is another thread (about the NVS table) which has a subordinate discussion about turntable speed accuracy and different methods of checking. Some suggest using the Timeline laser, others use a strobe disk.

I assume everyone agrees that speed accuracy is of utmost importance. What is the best way to verify results? What is the most speed-accurate drive method? And is speed accuracy really the most important consideration for proper turntable design or are there some compromises with certain drive types that make others still viable?
peterayer
The turntable speed should be at least as accurate as the tape recorders used to record, master, and playback the tape.

Constant speed is "much more" important than absolute speed.

Just buy a strobe disc and illuminate it with a light bulb.

The 60 Hz AC frequency does not fluctuate enough to worry over.

Adjust the speed of your turntable, or AC input (if you have a variable frequency supply like VPI SDS) for the lines or dots to appear stationary or slightly vary around a fixed position.

This is simple and more than sufficient. Tape decks are not all that accurate, and do go out of spec.

On my VPI TNT the SDS AC line frequency is set within .01 Hz.

If your platter is heavy, playing a record will not affect the speed.
If your platter is heavy, playing a record will not affect the speed
Written by a man who has no verifiable proof.
TIMELINE
Halcro

Sutherland designs "CRAP" cold sounding phono stages!

They sound similar to HALCO amps!

The turntable in the video has a wimpy low torque motor drive system!!

Needle drag does not slow down well designed turntables!
Halcro

Sutherland designs "CRAP" cold sounding phono stages!

They sound similar to HALCO amps!

The turntable in the video has a wimpy low torque motor drive system!!

Needle drag does not slow down "Properly Designed" turntables!
Don_c55, try comparing a carefully tensioned cotton poly thread to the stock elastic band on your TNT. This will demonstrate the clearly audible difference between absolute and transient speed stability.