I am not knowledgeable enough to concoct an explanation for why a tube based motor controller might outperform a solid state one, for performing the function required in the Brinkmann system. But I do know that such a rationale exists somewhere, if not on the Brinkmann website. Several years ago, Mark Kelly, a very smart super-hobbyist, developed a tube based motor controller for the Garrard 301 motor. Mark could give you reasons why he chose tubes for the application rather than solid state devices. Prior to developing his tube unit, he had already perfected (and sold several) an SS motor controller for the 301. He built maybe a dozen tube units before going in to business building and selling wood bicycle frames, in Australia. But it ought to be repeated that none of this has any bearing on the Eclipse system, where the issues are different, and we are only talking about a PS, not a motor controller.
Linear Power Supply?
Can someone tell me exactly what an LPS supposedly does to improve the operation of a turntable motor? Does it run more precisely at a given speed? Does it vibrate less? I have a SOTA Eclipse motor with Condor and Roadrunner. SOTA is coming out with an LPS option which they say is better than the SMPS wall wart, but I want to know exactly how it’s better. If less noise in my system is the benefit, then I believe I already have that addressed because I plug it into my PS Audio P20 power regenerator.
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when i had an origin live turntable, the single most noticeable upgrade was to the power. after replacing the wallwart with a transformer, everything audible improved and til this day is the apex of my musical experience. and, til this day, i don't understand why a single transformer that powers the tt's motor could alter its sound so much. https://www.originlive.com/shop/tuntable-options-upgrade-transformer |
For the OP, as noted above, all electrical questions in high end are ... complicated. First perturbation, though, I'm inclined to believe that the elasticity of the drive belt would tend to filter out any micro-differences between a well-designed SMPS & LPS outputs. That said, I'm willing to assume that: 1) SOTA carefully chose the wall wart they currently use, and 2) they believed that an LPS *could* make a difference, tried it, and feel that it did. Maybe they'll let you try one out? Good luck with your decision! Please let us know if you take the leap. |
@lewm the difference is AC vs DC. doesn't deny the fact that providing tt motor with cleaner power is a significant upgrade in sound at least IME it was. |
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