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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
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?
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Forget it 'Reb1208'-you're dealing with the Scientologists of Audio. Once again, D. Pogue has jacked this thread, apparently because the interest level at the 'Homedespot' thread has died. Not to worry Dave-I'm sure JN has simply realized that he, not T. Edison, invented the reproduction of sound. You and your fellows should prepare to applaud His genius, perhaps by purchasing more grossly overpriced, and, frankly, simply gross, plinths. I'd go for the 'marbelized' version with optional deer antlers-sweet!
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Hey John, watch that blood pressure. Deep breaths.

Just thought of something and had come back to amend the post. If some turntables slow down under a monstrous 1.5g load of stylus drag, doesn't it stand to reason that they'll slow down even more during congested, full orchestral passages? And maybe speed up when playing serene new agey stuff? How do you compensate for that?

Honestly, it had never occurred to me that a TT would do what Rebl208 suggests it may.
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