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Turntable power supply/motor’s role in SQ for belt drive TT

I’m trying to understand the ways that an upgraded motor/power supply can improve the sound quality of a belt driven turntable. 

OK - speed control that is more precise, I get that. But is there some inherent electrical noise from the motor that makes it way into the analog signal thus producing an audible distortion through the cartridge/phono stage?

I’m also curious about why an AC motor would be less desirable than a DC motor (for a belt driven turntable. 

Some back story: I am preparing to send my 35 year old Linn Sondek LP12 turntable out for servicing and upgrades. Linn has the promotion going on where you get the new Karousel bearing for “free” when you spend at least $4,000 USD. Kind of a gimmick, I know. But I would like to get at least the Lingo 4 power supply and am considering “Akurate” level “Radikal” power supply for more $$. I am looking forward to spinning my old vinyl again soon and hopefully with upgraded SQ as well. 

Thanks for any replies.
masi61
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
drive, its all about drive. More pace, better and more stable image, better bass, less surface noise, etc.. AC ones need more complicated power supplies to keep noise down but have more inertia and torque, bass weight, speed is not affected by line voltage, have some cogging (if you have 3 phase motor and supply this is eliminated) and last forever.
DC ones still need a sophisticated supply for speed issues, are more quiet have a refined upper region, leaner bass, no cogging, but are affected by line voltage and do not last forever (brushless motors are better here).
Which is the winner, both have their own merits and depends on the TT’s construction and the quality of power supply. My understanding is that If a motor is mounted on the plinth a DC one would have more benefits, and if fitted externally an AC would be preferable. For me the stronger moter is best. Bear in mind that both motors can vibrate but in a different manner.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
My table has gone through a whole bunch of iterations as it has evolved to where it is now. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 This was not a case of simple upgrades from one table to another. This was modifying or upgrading one tiny little thing at a time. Motor power cord. Motor. Controller. Controller power supply. On and on. Dozens of things. Over more than 20 years.  

You can debate "why" certain things work all the rest of your life. If it turns you on go for it. If you need a story take your pick. In the end, "why" does not matter. What matters is does it sound better. If the motor, controller, and power supply are better, it will sound better. Whether it is worth it or not only you can decide, and you will know only after the fact. And that's the end of the story.
cleeds
6,276 posts
 
masi61
... is there some inherent electrical noise from the motor that makes it way into the analog signal thus producing an audible distortion through the cartridge/phono stage?
There shouldn't be if it's a decent turntable and is properly setup. That doesn't mean that motor vibrations couldn't find their way into the audio signal, but electrical noise from the motor shouldn't be an issue.
I’m also curious about why an AC motor would be less desirable than a DC motor (for a belt driven turntable. 
I don't think that a DC turntable motor has any inherent advantage over an AC motor at all and in fact, the opposite may be true.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Sell the Linn and buy a SOTA.
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