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2020 update : JC Verdier La Platine

A recent encounter with a JC Verdier dealer as well as a recent Audiogon discussion thread led to the start of this thread. He was in my house updating my La Platine which had been in storage for ten years with thread and oil. While he has high regards for the deck, his newer clients nevertheless prefer a Techdas iii than an 'old' La Platine. Given the proliferation of expensive decks in the past dozen years, La Platine has become very much under-appreciated. 

It's clear to me that the influence of the La Platine is everywhere to be found. Specifically, the magnetic suspension system that was employed 30+ years ago. Even SOTA offers their newer decks with mag. lev. features. And if you read this review: https://www.callas-audio.nl/Callas%20Platine%20Mod%20Kit%20Review.pdf, the Continuum Caliburn uses the same concept, which was not acknowledged in Fremer's review, albeit with more sophisticated , and expensive, execution.

It is also clear to me that there is much misunderstanding of the workings of the La Platine. I for one have contributed to this. The motor of the La Platine, for example, has been much maligned. The thread drive is another aspect of the turntable that have been described as inferior. With regard to the motor and thread drive, I have been set straight by Chris @ct0517 and Lyubomir @lbelchev. Experimenting with the different types of silk threads, the tightness to the platter  and a renewed understanding of the soundness of the Philips motor have been rewarded with better dynamics and transparency. 

The funny thing is that during the past two years of re-engagement with audio, I have questioned ownership of every components in my arsenal except the La Platine. It has always been a keeper. I wonder if La Platine owners would contribute to celebrating this 'old' deck with tales, advice, and insights?

Cheers!
ledoux1238
charob
4 posts
 

Hi,

I have a chance to buy a Verdier La Platine, the present owner uses a rubber belt, but when I search this, I get unanimous results that thread is better, often silk. Would someone be able to point me to which thread I should buy. Would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Post removed 
ledoux1238 OP
340 posts
 

@dover I found the custom footers that Magna Audio produced for you. I assume the existing spring footers have to be removed. Can you explain how that is done? Do I remove all the screws on the underside of the plinth, and the spring assembly just comes loose?

@mr_gray I have too many second TT choices on my wish list. For contemporary TT, l like the Japanese CS Port, thread based with air bearing, non-feedback motor, and a really nice LT tonearm. For Vintage, the Forsell Reference, again with LT arm. For mostly nostalgia a SOTA and a Townshend are options. 
You  mentioned the Kuzma Safir, that is my top choice for a second arm. But the truth is l spend less than 25 hrs / week listening to my system. I am good for now. 

ledoux1238 OP
340 posts
 

@charob I think between elastic rubber belts and thread, the consensus is that thread is better. I recently ordered an Original Live belt made for Micro Seiki TT to paired with a temporary motor while the original motor was being fixed. The thread + original sounded better. 
I have seen experienced user driving the La Platine with tape. Thom Galibier advocates his Kevlar tape for his turntables and claims that it would work well on the La Platine.

dover
2,351 posts
 

@ledoux1238

Sorry I can't remember how to remove the feet - it's some years ago.

Pretty sure everything is held in by screws.

I made my own feet - I cut inserts for the cavities from birch ply and put 8mm stainless steel thread inserts into the ply inserts. The round inserts were made as a friction fit - no screws or glue required.

I then used Black Diamond Racing cones screwed into the ply/stainless inserts and pucks.

@charob

The Platine Verdier comes standard with both a belt and a linen thread.

Silk thread - used for sutures - works better.

 

 

 

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