Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?

Halcro, I understand your concern and it is a valid one. When I used a DD table to drive a passive platter, I had to use the speed control and that required defeating the quartz lock feature to be at variable pitch since the two platters are not identical size. I confirmed the speed using a KAB strobe and it was rock solid. Of course you can always use the Sutherland Timeline if possible. I also did a experiment of using two identical direct drive tables one driving the other, one to one ratio, and able to retain the quart lock. And the sound is better than direct drive alone. But I ran out of table space! :)

I think using noncompliant material lessen the problem. I'm sure using a stretchy belt will throw off the speed in a weird way but, hey, we might like the sound! :)

Anyway, it's worthy experiment if you already have all the components and time. It's reversible. You have nothing to lose. The reason I did that was just so sick seeing expensive belt drive turntables using cheap flimsy motors and all that money was poured into the fancy platter for blinks.

Happy listening!

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Would love to see photos or videos of some of your experiments Hiho....😉
You're a 'thinker' and 'doer'.....and we need more of those...👍

Kind regards....

Thank you for the kind words, Halcro. As a person with limited means, I'm more of a daydreamer than a "thinker." As for the "doer" part, I've been really lazy lately so I am more of a slacker. There you go, I'm a daydreaming slacker bum! :)

I didn't document much when I was experimenting so I don't have much to show. Here's one picture of using the guts of two Pioneer PLL-1000 tables, one driving the other via VHS tape. I even stuck a Lenco idler wheel in between at one point. Each has their own sonic signature. The tape drive version sounded the most balance. But when I switched to a JVC table I almost couldn't hear the difference. The idler drive one always sounded different, more robust and juicy. Nothing too scientific but it was all fun. :)

PS, This forum is more about validating one's (or invalidating other's) purchase decisions, almost like a consumer guide. It's a different platform from other DIY forums I frequent. I do enjoy out of the box thinking so this thread is quite nice. :)

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I was going to take my Pioneer Exclusive P3 into my tech to have caps etc replaced. He asked me what was wrong with the table. I said, nothing but a few audiophiles said to take it in for preventative maintenance to replace the caps.

He said, changing caps will do nothing for the sound as they are part of the control the turntable speed in the dd table. With the dd tables, it either works perfectly, or it doesn't- simple.
He said tonearm and cartridge will have more impact on the sound than any changes you do to the table, as long as it is working to spec.
If it stops working like my P10 did, he will fix it.

Good enough for me. FYI - Lyra Delos for its comparatively cheaper price is world class. Syntax is correct, it is more resolving than the more expensive Kleos.

Cheers

Downunder, I've never read a claim that electrolytic cap replacement would improve sonics. But I have read advice from respected posters who know much more about electronics than I do that they can dry up or fail in other ways with age. The danger is not that they simply quit working but that their failure may take out other components, some which may no longer have replacements (ICs).

So your initial thought about "preventative maintenance" seems sound. I might look for a different tech. ;^)