2. analog
  3. 125741-84439

What's the deal with idler turntables and do they have a place in modern HiFi?

After going through a complete overhaul of an AR XA I've been tempted to take a step further back in history and restore an old Rek-O-Kut idler turntable. Can't remember the particular model number from Craigslist, but it seems like it may be an interesting project and far more customizable than the XA, especially when it come to the tonearm. The one I'm looking at comes with the original tonearm, but my guess is that it's even more garbage than the stock XA 'arm and I'd certainly replace it!

However, I don't generally become invested in something if it doesn't pay off. So if the sound is going to be dreadful because it's an idler, then I'll steer clear. But if the sound is bitchin' then I'll jump on the opportunity!
128x128mjperry96
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
729 posts
 
Hi Gmjperry96,

Given your propensity to play and learn, I say go for it.  I think you'll learn as much about yourself as you will about idlers vs. belts.

I've been working on a new turntable for about 18 months.  It didn't start out as an idler, but the design constraints presented to this chassis layout led me down that path.

The Eiger is definitely a different flavor from our belt driven Gavias and Stelvios.  I'd expect an equal number of people to line up in favor of belts and idlers.  Different strokes and all that.

To don_c55, people were saying that vinyl is a thing of the past as well.  Belts are unquestionably quieter and you'll get a different presentation from a belt driven architecture.  As much as I've optimized my belt driven turntables (and people say that they're very idler like in their rhythmic presentation), the perception of rhythm with the Eiger is completely different.  People value different attributes, and no one is superior to the other.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello Thom,
I appreciate your intelligent and honest response. You are right regarding the different types of turntable drive approaches. Be it idler arm, belt or direct drive, each has its strengths and flaws. I wish you much success with your Eiger turntable.
Charles,
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
Vintage idler wheel drive turntable (Thorens 124, Garrard 301 and 401, Lenco) enthusiasts (including Art Dudley) cite the design's "forward momentum"/"rythmik drive" sound characteristic, supposedly a result of the high torque nature of idler wheel drive.
larryi
3,972 posts
 

bdp24,

As I stated above, I don't know why the idler tables I heard have the kind of "drive" that they do have, but, I suspect it has to do with the high torque motors employed.  I have heard the same sort of sound from the three motor Audio Note table and it is a belt drive table, but, it employs three massive motors, each of which supposedly is a 2 hp motor (three massive power supplies are also used to power the motors).

It would be interesting to hear what a modern idler table sounds like.  I would love to hear the Galibier table.

 

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
wow 6hp for tunetable??? 
it's larger than my darn lawn mower!
More to discover