Anybody heard Galibier or JC Verdier turntables?

I can corroborate Thom's statements regarding lack of bearing wear. I took apart the bearing in my Galibier after about a year of frequent use, and was somewhat surprised to see no indication of wear at all, other than a little dimple in the Delrin as Thom described. The oil really didn't look any different from when I installed it a year earlier. This is in contrast to some reports that I've read involving metal-on-metal designs, where users have reported the oil having particulate matter.

Dave

I don't see any real threat to a table owner's security regarding bearing friction or wear,providing it comes from a reliable,proven manufacturer.No problemo with any mentioned in these threads,as far as I'm concerned.
Just take a look at some of the "mega heavy platter" offerings on the market.Some going for big,bigger,biggest bucks.Though a heavier platter will most likely wear the bearing sooner,I haven't heard of many that do this for a "long time",and if the manufacturer is a responsible one,there's no problem in correcting it.

To my way of thinking,the "type of bearing" design should have a direct impact on perceived sound,along with a myriad of other parameters,obviously.Yet,since we are talking "bearings" my feelings are,that the best sounding bearing is "almost no bearing".Sort of!!Like a well designed opposing magnet design,for simplicity,in no friction.Or,a really great air bearing,which adds the "pain in the tush factor",like pumps and hosing,but will sound "fabs".You've got to go big bucks for the Walkers/Rockports/Continuum.As well as big "dough" for the Blue Pearl and Platine Verdiers of the world.I wish I had the money and "lazy day time" on my hands to simply play with all the stuff I've come to be a fan of.
This leaves a nice gap for the Galibers/Teres'/Sotas/Basis' to come into play.All great stuff!Simple and reliable goes a long way!
To me,the "table bearing issue" is likened to the "tonearm bearing issue".The closer you can get to "almost" no bearing,the better the sound "should" be.
It's been proven to me through listening,in arms,and this is why I love the better Air Bearing designs.Yet I am still willing to bet the house on very similar performance from the Schroder Ref,even though I may NEVER hear it.I just like it's design appeal,and there has been too many raves about it,to disbelieve any of it.
I already told my offspring I want my epitaph to read--"A fairly good tennis player,who NEVER heard a Schroder"!-:)

Yeah,I know I'm going overboard,but as I've mentioned in other posts,my system is getting updates,and won't be up for another month.I have little else to do,except to bug some of you.Sorry!!

Best!

SirSpeedy, I feel your pain. I've been 'table-less for nearly six months and as of last Wednesday my system is totally down.

I agree with you about bearing wear not being much of an issue on most any of the higher end tables. Including many we haven't mentioned here. As for bearing design I think it is one of those parts of 'table design that is dependant on many other things. For example, some designers use the bearing to sink vibrations away from the cartridge. I'm sure Walker and the JC designer have other methods for dealing with platter vibrations. IMHO, it is alot like the debate in another thread about what is the best drive design and as Thom pointed out to me about suspension vs non-suspension designs. It all comes down to how well the complete design is implemented.

Thom,

Yes, Teres is also still using a replaceable thrust plate with delrin button.

I've observed the dimple you described on all three of the Teres bearings I've used and then inspected.

Question: what prevents the wear/erosion process that turns a convex button into a concave dimple from continuing indefinitely?

Hello and thanks to everyone !!!!!

Having read all the comments I can conclude the following.

1. Both are really good tables.
2. The battery along with VHS tape drive are the ticket.
3. The bearing in the VP (might) emphasize (might) be better, but to change the
Delrin in the Galibier would not be an issue. The use of Delrin in my race car for suspension components ( measured via micrometer ) has shown abusoltely minimal wear
and in some places no wear at all. This is typically after every race and I do
know that the forces acting on the supension are greater than that of the
pulley system acting on the side of the platter and it's spindle/shaft bearing.
4. Thom has been a great person to deal with and always 100% honest.
5. I will let everyone know which table I choosen by next week.

Again thanks to everyone for their time and feedback.
PS : What is happening May 13,14 in Colorado ?