Measure My Turntable Speed

I was going to get the KAB Stobe, but it is $90. The turntable tech at Accoustic Sounds suggested the meter method since the test record is only $40 and I already have meter. He also said that the meter method is about as accurate a method you can use...

I've been told that a very accurate way to measure the speed of a turntable is by using a test meter set to khz, placing the positive terminal into one of the outputs of the phono stage (or tape output), the other to the ground and then play a 1000hz test track of our a good quality test record... If the table speed is good, the reading should be very close to 1khz...

Ever tried this one?

Nope! But I've been told that if you blink your eye 33 1/3 times per minute and if the revolving platter is somewhat stationary, then the speed is calibrated properly!

Okay, just kidding on the above. But if you are planning to keep your table or tables for a long time, the KAB Strobe is pretty handy and a worthwhile investment. Yes, it is $90 but money well spent since it gives you a peace of mind. I do own the KAB Strobe and Strobe disc. I attempted to DIY a strobe using old strobe parts and principle from broken Thorens and Technics tables, I would say I spent more than $90 easily and my efforts was a little short of what I was hoping to happen as a result.

regards,

Abe

Hi,

A simple strobe chart and a fluorescent light will do the trick nicely.

Mosin,

It will work, but not be nearly as accurate as the KAB. If the light is locked to the incoming line frequency (50 or 60Hz), and the incoming line frequency shifts ever so slightly (which it does all the time, not by much of course (maybe +/- .2Hz)), but enough to be significant to a turntable's accuracy), you can see how the problem arises. You are now using your flourescent light (which may or may not be at the correct frequency corresponding to your strobe disc) to set the speed incorrectly. The power line is no place to look at as a point of reference!

The beauty of the KAB is that it operates off a battery - and it is easier to read than a garden variety "60Hz" strobe disc because of the higher operating frequency. All in all it is a very accurate device, and a worthwhile investment.

-Richard

I never tried that method, but it sounds correct. I guess several HI FI test records have those test tones. So a test record could be found in used record bins. Since you feel confident in reading a meter, give it a shot and let us know.

The KAB is easier to do and work with while doing speed adjustment.