VPI Speed Problem

The strobe is a must. You can then figure out how slow you are. With the SDS you should be able to bring it up to the correct speed. However, if a strobe says you're way way off, then it's best to find the reason for being so slow. Since you've got the dual motor flywheel, make sure the flywheel is lubricated. Make sure both motors are spinning (take the belts off to verify this). Make sure both pullies are tight. Make sure the motor is not too close to the table. Too close and you'll have no belt tension. I think mine is about 1/4 inch away (i have the rim drive, however). Finally, make sure nothing is coming into contact with the platter and slowing it down with friction.

If speed checks out, then you might need to check your cartridge, tonearm wire and phono pre-amp. Is there any possibility that your cartridge got damaged? Cartridge pins on tight? Is the lemo connector inserted correctly and seated?

Boy, I'm tired. Maybe CD IS the way go?

By the way, I just listened to the new "Astral Weeks" reissue. Spectacular! (Although it's the first vinyl edition I've ever owned. My only comparison is to the really incredibly shitty sounding CD that I bought in the 1980's.)

Cheers.

It could be your phono stage or preamp also. Check this by letting your turntable run for a while then play the record if it still happen then it is else where in your system and not your TT. This happened to me in the past and found I had a problem in my phono stage.

Okay, I took all the belts off, and took the spindle off of the motor and the platter off the TT base. Everything appeared in good working order, so I put it all back together. I tried another album and it sounded much closer to right, though still not quite right.

So, apologies for basic questions - I am pretty new to this - but what oil or grease would you use to re-lubricate the spindle the motor pulley goes on and/or for the center of the turntable platter? I think the combination of lubrication of both places may fix the issue, but don't want to put something incorrect on the table.

I don't have a strobe to check speed, but ordered one today and will be able to check speed later this week.

Thanks again to all the help - I really appreciate it.

VPI sells the proper lubs Call them, they are very nice.

If you have the VPI Strobe disc alls’ you need is a regular light that would be plugged into an AC outlet. It cycles at 60 Hz. Maybe not as accurate as a strobe you ordered, but will surfice until that one arrives. The TT bearing grease recommended to me by HW of VPI is white lithium grease. You can get it at any auto parts store for a few bucks. Clean out the old grease before putting in this fresh dose.