Correcting drifting with Sutherland Timeline
The Timeline is a test tool, it's most important function is checking speed. If it works with your turntable as a hold down, you got a bonus The Timeline does not hold the record tight enough in my system, the LP actually slips on start and stop and maybe even during play. A different platter mat could change this result, mine is particularly "slippery" as mats go. |
Thanks for the insights Albert. So does this mean the speed should 'not' vary on the turntable once you have removed the timeline. I would have thought that given the weight of the timeline, having it on or off the TT, would cause a deviation in speed. Or am I completely off the track here in understanding, where stylus drag could cause speed deviations but having the timeline on or off the tt wouldn't? The reason why I ask is that once the speed is set with the aid of the timeline, does the unit then just sit on a shelf. Would you check speed weekly/monthly..... As this would then makes it easier then for a few of us audiophiles to purchase one unit and use it between us when required. (As I don't see them for sale on Agon as yet) Look forward to your thoughts and thanks for your replies. |
So does this mean the speed should 'not' vary on the turntable once you have removed the Timeline. I would have thought that given the weight of the Timeline, having it on or off the TT, would cause a deviation in speed. The Timeline is maybe 8 ounces, little more than an audiophile LP, I don't think that's a factor. Or am I completely off the track here in understanding, where stylus drag could cause speed deviations but having the Timeline on or off the tt wouldn't? A small weight above spindle is not the same as variable drag (friction). My preferred clamps are several pounds AND lock. My turntable is powerful enough that weight is not a factor, so I get all benefit with no downside. With Timeline and my mat the LP slips. No way to "push down" and lock to simulate more weight. However, making Timeline a locking device would drastically change the price and benefit few. (This is my opinion, no input from Ron Sutherland). The reason why I ask is that once the speed is set with the aid of the Timeline, does the unit then just sit on a shelf. For me, yes. Same as my stylus force gauge, Mint tractor, Wally Tractor and other tools. If the Timeline works on your turntable as a weight, you got a bonus. I think it's worth the price as a speed check alone. Would you check speed weekly/monthly..... I must have my own tools, things always happen at the wrong time, hard enough to keep everything 100% even with everything handy. |
Thanks Albert for all the great answers. It did place a smile on my face when I realised that it could join the stylus force gauge, protractor and other knick-knacks in the tt accesory drawer. One final query, especially since you have a great TT/Analog rig (SP-10Mk3). Could you make out the difference in pitch or tonality after the adjustments with the timeline. In short if my tt ran at 33.34 constant - no variation or deviation-totally spot on all the time at such a speed, then would this make a tonal/pitch/music flow and all the lovely things that analog does on playback. Just a yes or no reply, would also be appreciated as I have really tried to convince myself that the timeline is must have accesory. |
Could you make out the difference in pitch or tonality after the adjustments with the timeline. Mine was 100% perfect, so all I got was confirmation that nothing needed adjustment. Ken Fritz here at Audiogon borrowed my Timeline and found his Denon 308 was off quite a bit. Over several days he tweaked the pots on the (internal) control board resulting in a substantial upgrade. Ken's System As for 33.34 versus 33.33 and no variation I don't know how audible that would be. It would be slightly off pitch but most people are not pitch perfect. |
