2. analog
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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
johnss
582 posts
 
Check the speed with a stobe.
If the platter is slow, look for a loose pulley on the motor shaft. I would bet its slipping on the shaft so a small degree giving you your slow speed.
reb1208
518 posts
 
Speed has to be checked when a record is playing while the stylus is in the groove. Checking with a strobe disc without the drag of the stylus is not accurate. You will set your rpm too high. Use the strobe disc to get you in the ballpark. Then fine tune by ear, synchronizing to your cd player playing the same title. Also make sure your analog rig is warmed up, let it run awhile before checking. Yeah, I know, I think differently than the herd. But then again, I'm a pretty smart guy.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Okay, yer a smart guy. But if your turntable changes speed depending on whether or not the stylus is in the groove (my Lenco sure doesn't; I just checked), I'd say you have a dumb turntable:-)
reb1208
518 posts
 
The experiment is put flimsy strobe disc on platter, run motor warmed up and then check speed. Next put record on platter, and place flimsy strobe on top, then clamp down. Run table for warm up, then drop stylus into run in groove and let play. Your smart table will not alter in speed? I say something smell like Dogpue.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Nope, not a bit. My KAB strobe tells the story. Why should a mere 1.5g (or whatever) alter the TT speed?
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