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Turntable Power Source Benefits

Many of the table designs today have the motor separated from the platter and run the platter via a belt or string. I see some people are going to DC to power these motors and the Teres site claims them to be a real benefit. Walker makes a regulated power supply that others have said are helpful.

How are they helpful? I can understand how a steady power supply source can provide a more stable way to deliver constant and unvarying platter speed. But how can they improve the sound other than that if the motor is already separate from the platter? If you have the TT plugged into a separate outlet, how can any power-induced problems get into the sound chain? Do motor cycles jump from the motor to the cartridge?

Help!
motdathird
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Mot, the power cables I'm using with the Walker controller is Omega Micro blue from the wall to the controller and Omega Micro red from the controller to the motor.

I am a huge fan of Purist Audio and use their interconnect, power and speaker cables everywhere in my system except for this application. Evidently Loyd "tuned" the controller, his turntable and the Omega power cable to work together.

As for the feet, the Walker comes with Valid Points and they work best there. I have not been successful with using the six or so additional sets of Valid Points in other places in my system, but with the controller it is a winner.
khaki8
206 posts
 
Albert and RC- Are you using the basic Walker or the $3000 one?? Did you try both?
motdathird OP
77 posts
 
I will probably sound like a dope here, Albert, but when you say you use the Micro red from controller to motor, that must mean that your motor can accept an aftermarket PC. This would seem somewhat rare to me. Or, did you some how hard wire the motor with this PC? Thanking you.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Khaki8, I have owned three Walker motor controllers, I currently own the Ultimate with black gate caps and am considering the new hand wired version that Loyd decided to make available.

The difference between the standard and ultimate controller is certainly audible and if you have a maxed out system it is worth doing. Don't put off buying a controller because the ultimate is too expensive. Like most things in audio, the biggest bang for the buck is making that first step. This is true for this controller as well.

Mot, yes the Walker is designed with a built in IEC male connector, allowing all aftermarket power cords to plug right in. Makes testing a breeze and allows lots of choices.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I have to agree with Albert's comments. I've heard his system with and w/o the controller. With out it, it's really no fun. Kills the imaging, the life, just makes it average.

On Albert's suggestion, I put a basic Electraglide cord on my SME controller. (only one I had laying around). Wow, my only beef on my setup was it could be a little cold sometimes, the Electraglide added a wetness, warmth to the sound that was transformational. I guess I'll try it straight to the wall outlet instead of going thru my hydra, see if it helps or hurts. Also, I'm going to try some other cords...
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