Turntable speed accuracy


There is another thread (about the NVS table) which has a subordinate discussion about turntable speed accuracy and different methods of checking. Some suggest using the Timeline laser, others use a strobe disk.

I assume everyone agrees that speed accuracy is of utmost importance. What is the best way to verify results? What is the most speed-accurate drive method? And is speed accuracy really the most important consideration for proper turntable design or are there some compromises with certain drive types that make others still viable?
peterayer
I filed the hole in my stereo test record. I improved the runout a bit. According to the iPhone app, I now have the raw Wow down to +/-0.16%. The filtered didn't change, -0.01%/+0.02%. The total spread within the published specs for my tt. With a little more filing of the center hole and more work/patient effort to center the record on the platter, I could improve the raw values even more. I have a feeling that I will be bringing a dial indicator home from the machine shop at work to measure record runout with extreme precision. I will likely be filing the holes on my records now to perfectly center them. My neurosis is ratcheting up a level, I think.
Anyway, this app is nice, you can play the test records 3150Hz track at 45rpm and this app will detect the higher frequency and tracks the speed at 45rpm automatically. I must agree having seen it live with this app. Having the motor via a belt separate from the floating chassis/platter is a deficit. The slightest vibration/movement of the floating chassis causes a speed error. It is a small error, but still there.
Dear Halcro, you´re right the Timeline is perfect. The Allinic provides the advantage you may use it as a fixed installation and you do not need to hit the mark at the wall which is a bit of trial and error moving the Timeline forth and back - but of course after a while it works brilliantly.

You have two turntables and only one strobe - this looks like an imbalance :-)

best @ fun only
Dear Thuchan,
I don't use the Timeline as a record weight as I find it too light.
Therefore I use it from one turntable to the other only if I want reassurance? :^)
Cheers
Henry
Purchased a Timeline last year after my Clearaudio strobe stopped working. The cost to replace the Clearaudio strobe was close to the price of a new Timeline.
Having used the CA since I bought my Verdier back in 2006, I found it easy to use and was able to set and forget about the speed. Enjoyed the music immensely on my table.
Since using the Timeline my perspective has changed.
At first I could not believe that the speed of my table was not accurate or stable at 33 1/3 rpm and the fact that it drifted all on it's own.
Then play some music and watch the Verdier slow down as the Timeline easily demonstrates. I use green painters tape, two pieces against the wall about 6 inches apart.
Quite frustrating. Did I worry about such a thing when I had the CA, clearly not. But now that I know that the speed is off, am always conscious of it. Obsessive no, but aware of it all the time. Do I enjoy music less on the Verdier, of course not but.
Have taken on the task to make a battery powered unit with a charging system like the "Callas unit" and will rewire the motor for the Verdier instead of using AC.
Hope that this will solve my speed issue on the Verdier.
My direct drive tables do not have this speed drift issue at all. Great video Halcro.
I think that Halcro nailed it in his post above.

"If you want to be happy.....use a strobe.
If you want the truth.....use the Timeline :^)"

My two cents, take care.
Accuracy or sensitivity of speed monitor device should be proportional to (1) distance of sensor from center of rotate (longer radius is better) and (2) stability of the strobe at 60 hz per second. Ergo in theory the kab strobe (battery powered and not subject to AC line frequency variations) should be superior to timeline (batt power but v short radius) and to allnic (worst, with AC line power AND short radius). Admittedly, the kab is least convenient.