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VPI Speed Problem

I have a VPI Super Scoutmaster with SDS. Fabulous sound, had it for about a year. I moved to a new place about 5 months ago and have had it set up and working well for about 3 months in the new location.

Recently, I thought the first song on some album sides sounded slow, but as the album played a minute or two, all sounded right again. Now, everything sounds slow all the time, both 33's and 45's. I tried bypassing the SDS, though there is no speed setting on the motor assembly, so I don't know if that should sound right, but it sounds very slow and muddy as well.

Any thoughts on what might be wrong or how to troubleshoot? Any insight would be appreciated.
kthomas
Post removed 
reb1208
518 posts
 
For general knowledge, the way I set speed is by ear, when the record is playing. I play the exact same title on cd, from that same master tape source. I do this with a few records/cd's and A/B back and forth during play. When the sound is perfectly in synch, I leave the SDS at that frequency. Do this after you set the VTF/VTA etc.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
The strobe is a must. You can then figure out how slow you are. With the SDS you should be able to bring it up to the correct speed. However, if a strobe says you're way way off, then it's best to find the reason for being so slow. Since you've got the dual motor flywheel, make sure the flywheel is lubricated. Make sure both motors are spinning (take the belts off to verify this). Make sure both pullies are tight. Make sure the motor is not too close to the table. Too close and you'll have no belt tension. I think mine is about 1/4 inch away (i have the rim drive, however). Finally, make sure nothing is coming into contact with the platter and slowing it down with friction.

If speed checks out, then you might need to check your cartridge, tonearm wire and phono pre-amp. Is there any possibility that your cartridge got damaged? Cartridge pins on tight? Is the lemo connector inserted correctly and seated?

Boy, I'm tired. Maybe CD IS the way go?

By the way, I just listened to the new "Astral Weeks" reissue. Spectacular! (Although it's the first vinyl edition I've ever owned. My only comparison is to the really incredibly shitty sounding CD that I bought in the 1980's.)

Cheers.

hevac1
812 posts
 
It could be your phono stage or preamp also. Check this by letting your turntable run for a while then play the record if it still happen then it is else where in your system and not your TT. This happened to me in the past and found I had a problem in my phono stage.
kthomas OP
911 posts
 
Okay, I took all the belts off, and took the spindle off of the motor and the platter off the TT base. Everything appeared in good working order, so I put it all back together. I tried another album and it sounded much closer to right, though still not quite right.

So, apologies for basic questions - I am pretty new to this - but what oil or grease would you use to re-lubricate the spindle the motor pulley goes on and/or for the center of the turntable platter? I think the combination of lubrication of both places may fix the issue, but don't want to put something incorrect on the table.

I don't have a strobe to check speed, but ordered one today and will be able to check speed later this week.

Thanks again to all the help - I really appreciate it.
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