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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
hiho
451 posts
 

Regardless of the accuracy of the Timeline as long as it is consistent then it still demonstrates there's inconsistency when the laser mark moves off target so there is a CHANGE due to stylus drag. It proves there is a change in rotation and it may or may not change the sound but the fact is that there is a change. What is so hard to get? If the Timeline cost only $50. Everyone would just get one and start questioning and addressing the speed issue of the turntable.

I love the KAB strobe and it's a useful device but it cannot show me stylus drag visually the way the Timeline does.

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halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Ahhh the vagaries of the Audiophile mentality?
Rather than question the accuracy of their calculators ( because they can't go to infinity 33.333333333333333333333....) or the accuracy of a Strobe which needs to flash at constant and repeatable frequency whilst aimed at a disc with lines printed by machines to an order of indeterminate accuracy......or question the actual speed of their turntables with sometimes primitive electro/mechanical interfaces......the majority seem to question the accuracy of a scientific instrument whose accuracy can be definitively proven?
And those appearing to do this are invariably those who do not have the Timeline nor have used it on their turntables?

There appears to be an element of fear and trepidation about these 'doubters' with 'denial' being the protection of choice?
lewm
13,309 posts
 
I am going to borrow the Timeline tomorrow.

But not all my turntables are in service, so it will take a while to arrive at a full report.
dover
2,262 posts
 
Dev - the Final Audio platter material is aluminium with very heavy copper mat. The thread runs on the aluminium part. I would have thought the copper is harder than aluminium and should be safe but not absolutely sure.
hiho
451 posts
 
Syntax: "Tweaking a dead cow to a horse is interesting, no doubt, but other Designers made better work."
That reminds me of an old Chinese saying, "ride a cow before you find a horse." For some people their turntable of choice is the cow... for the time being. :-) Or they think they're riding a horse? Or they are just "cowhide lanterns." :-D

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