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newbie turntable/speed control question

Hi, I'm basically new to good audio (I've spent most of my life collecting software, and haven't paid much attention to hardware until lately).

I'm currently using a Thorens TD 125/II with the stock Thorens arm. I want to trade up--I loved the Michell Gyrodec SE I heard a while back--but also want to balance great sound with one feature that I hope won't be considered silly here: convenience. What I mean is that I want a two-speed turntable where I can change from 33 to 45 without lifting off a platter and adjusting the belt. I have a collection of over 1000 7"s, a good number of which are 33 rpm, and the idea of lifting off a platter to switch belts every 5 minutes (or the idea of arranging my listening by record speed) makes my Thorens seem a lot nicer than it sounds.

So I'm wondering if anyone can let me know which high-end turntables include a speed control switch? This is something that I almost never see mentioned in reviews (hopefully this omission isn't because most turntables don't have speed control switches these days!). I know the Regas don't, and the LP-12 Lingo does, but apart from that I'm at sea.

Any advice and/or thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I don't need any more convenience than this! I'm happy without a tonearm lift, auto shut-off, strobe, etc.
am_dial24fb
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
The New Origin Live Aurora belt drive Turntable with its dc motor and motor drive unit lets you adjust between the speeds of 33 and 45 buy turning a switch on the motor drive.
The drive unit also has a provision for you to fine-tune the speed (pitch control) using a strobe so you can always be sure you are bang on with your speed. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Excellent value in my opinion
am_dial24fb OP
3 posts
 
Many thanks, again, to everyone for responding.

Rockinroni, that Aurora TT does look nice, and certainly seems a good price. Do most DC motors these days allow this sort of speed switching? (Isn't this how the Lingo upgrade on the Linn changes speeds?) Or, I guess, I could always swap that Origin Live DC motor into another turntable.
shahens
27 posts
 
Well Tempered TTs also use the 2 size pully system and just sliding the belt up or down on the pully will change the speed.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
Yes, you could do the dc motor up grade.
I used to use and still have a Systemdek turntable, it needed upgrading. I decided to get a new Rig instead of getting a new arm/cartridge and doing the motor upgrade.

something you should consider while shopping for a turntable is.
look at this thread;

Strange Tonearm Tweak. Long

Good luck and just remember compared to good Analog CD sucks
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