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Speed problems with Pro-Ject Debut III

Okay, I am new here, so be gentle. I have a problem: I recently moved to the US from Denmark, and brought my Debut III (purchased in Denmark) with me. I plugged in, and set it up, and noticed that the speed was much too slow. Aha, I thought, this is because in Denmark the mains voltage is 230 V, but in the US it is 120 V. So I bought a voltage transformer, and powered the turntable through that. It definitively helped, but now the records play slightly faster than they should. My questions are:

a) Why would this be? Could it be because the frequency is 50 Hz in Denmark and 60 Hz in the US?
b) Would buying a new power supply solve the problem?
c) If not, would buying a new motor solve the problem?
d) If not, would buying the speed box solve the problem?

An answer to any of these questions, or any other suggestion would be appreciated. Just don't tell me to buy a new turntable, because that's what I am trying to avoid. :-)
peterock
ekobesky
259 posts
 
A voltage converter will probably play hell with a turntable that has an unregulated power supply.

I would contact Pro-Ject and see if they can supply you with a US-spec motor since this would solve the problem.

Pro-Ject also offers a Speed Box (outboard power supply) that *might* solve the problem and offer an upgrade in performance as well. I'm not sure whether it bypasses the motor controller circuitry in the table or not.

Aside from that, well...the Debut III is a very basic, entry-level turntable and so it would be more sensible to sell it to an overseas buyer than to sink too much money into making it work here.

Those are just a few "maybe" solutions that you can raise with Pro-Ject's US distributor, which is Sumiko.

You could probably also get a quick answer from Music Direct, Needle Doctor or Acoustic Sounds.
palasr
526 posts
 
It appears the table's power supply is configured for either European or US mains voltages - with a nominal output of 16 volts AC, which one would guess drives an AC synchronous motor directly. AC synchronous motors derive their speed based upon frequency, not voltage. Since one needs to change only the outboard power supply (seemingly) from the European to the US version of the turntable, one would assume the power supply generates the same output frequency regardless of input voltage and frequency (else you'd have to change the motor or pulley (like on a Linn)).

My guess is that damage may have occurred from using the 240V/50Hz supply here in the US with our 120V/60Hz supply. While the output voltage may be OK, I'm guessing something has gone awry with the output frequency. I think you need a new outboard power supply.

-Richard
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