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Measuring Turntable Platter Speed

I have an older Rega P2 that seems to warble (for lack of a better word) when playing. It's not that it's fast or slow, but I can hear slight, quick, pitch changes when playing a record. I put a new belt on, but no change.

Is there a method or relatively inexpensive instrument that I could use to monitor small fluctuations in platter speed?

Thanks in advance - Jim S.

stilljim
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

Get the ap "RPM" on your phone. It measures platter speed and wow +flutter.

It will definitaly tell you if you have a problem. 

@lewm , The Roadrunner is excellent. You can see exactly what your turn table is doing as far as speed is concerned but, It will not give you a wow+flutter spec. It measures speed based on one entire revolution. You might see it if the wow + flutter is really bad.

billwojo
397 posts
 

KAB, the folks that cater to the Technics SL1200 crowd with parts and accessories sells a very nice strobe disc and lazer light. Amazing just how still my rebuilt Victor TT71 platter looks when using it. Anyway, disc and lazer is $109.00

https://www.kabusa.com/strobe.htm

The phone apps have plenty written about them, not super accurate but a good comparative tool. I use one as well, the RPM Speed and Wow app.

 

BillWojo

big_greg
6,623 posts
 

@stilljim Sorry, I think I just read the title of the thread and didn't read the entirety of your post.  I don't think the device I mentioned will help with that.  I'm not familiar with that table, but you say it's "older".  Ever changed the belt?

tablejockey
3,886 posts
 

The P2's performance could possibly be significantly improved by replacing the plastic subplatter. But it's $220. Perhaps not worth it. 

https://groovetracer.com/subplatter_groovetracer.htm

That was my experience with a P5. The Asylum forum may have additional insight.

You might find info of a less expensive alternative.

 

 

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

IF you had the worst case of WOW (slow then fast then slow) the RPM might be affected. But it would have to be way off. No record today would cause it unless the the hole is punched off center. I haven't seen any or had any for a LONG time, unless it's on UTube. 

Motor, Spindle, Spindle Well, pullies and belt. There nothing else to cause it unless you actually have an electrical contact problem in the motor or powersupply etc.

I've seen it in fractile motors for rem drives TT.. Washing machine motors.

Russco/Sparta/QRK and the ity bitty Garrards.. :-)

Regards

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