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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
larryi
3,974 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!
harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
Heh, I better concentrate on lawn moving again, it´s relaxing and expands mind
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 

I invested in a Jean Nantais Lenco, Idler drive, $10k.

In comparison: CD's are unlistenable, SACD and Hi-res aren't bad, DSD downloads are better, vinyl eclipse all of the above, and not by a little bit.

Your miles will not vary. But, stay away from re-issues.

bobheinatz
721 posts
 
I own a Artisan Fidelity Lenco Idler drive and it put to shame my modern belt drive table.  Go listen to a well restored idler drive table and make your own decision.

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