Speed issue

[chris_bates1974]

I've discovered that my TT is a little slow. 33 1/3 took around 60.5 seconds, and unfortunately I've discovered this because it is noticeable on a record I'm listening to at the moment. The piano sounds a little "off". Oddly vocals seem completely unaffected....

How can this be remedied? is there anything I can do on a zero budget (!) ?

 

[MajorFubar]

You can't really time it, you need to check it with a 50Hz strobe disc. There's not much you can do even if you do find it a little slow, not unless the speed of the motor can be adjusted (some can). Though I'll wait with baited breath for the first person to suggest you could try a different belt (been suggested before...and obviously will have zero effect).

 

[chris_bates1974]

Ok, thanks very much. I think mine is quite old, so I'm wondering whether the motor may have an age related issue... not that there's anything I can do about it just now!

 

[Al ears]

You can't really time it, you need to check it with a 50Hz strobe disc. There's not much you can do even if you do find it a little slow, not unless the speed of the motor can be adjusted (some can). Though I'll wait with baited breath for the first person to suggest you could try a different belt (been suggested before...and obviously will have zero effect).

+1

This sort of variation cannot be timed, a strobe disc is required, and no, you cannot adjust speed on a Rega Planar 3

If some sort of slipage is expected you could clean the belt with washing up liquid, dry thoroughly and possibly dust with talcum powder. The sub-platter can also becleaned with a microfibre cloth.

 

[Al ears]

Ok, thanks very much. I think mine is quite old, so I'm wondering whether the motor may have an age related issue... not that there's anything I can do about it just now!

Possibly not now but the motor can be replaced when funds allow. However I would suggest you get someone with a proper strobe disc to check the speed before you shell out for motor.

 

[Petherick]

Or if you have access to a printer, download strobe disc, print it out and away you go. But be aware that you need 50 or 60Hz version according to your location.

 

[nopiano]

Rega turntables used to measure a little fast when new, according to test reports I've seen. So either that was to make them sound more exciting or to cater for longterm wear.

But with respect, you would never hear slow running to that slight degree, at least not from pitch. What you're probably hearing is wow, or flutter, to which piano sound is especially susceptible.

The cleaning described might help, or the disc may be pressed off centre, which was often the case. If only this record seems affected then it's the LP itself.

 

[stereoman]

Not a techie with TT - but I have noticed mine has 2 adjustment screws at the bottom. Which I find uselful in case it gets out of proper speed. I do not know why many TTs do not have this basic option as many are quite susceptible to speed variations.

 

[MajorFubar]

The irony is it's often the cheaper plastic stuff from the far east which has the most advanced controls such as quartz-locked motors, built in strobes and speed trimmers, whereas should you spend considerably more on a 'hifi grade' model and discover the rotation speed is off by a fraction, you're presumably expected to accept it as an adorable little quirk. A bit like having to change speed between 33 and 45 manually by literally flipping the belt between pulleys, even though the cheapest crapiest Crosley money can buy somehow manages just fine with a switch (the speed is most probably absolutely smack-on as well).

 

[stereoman]

The irony is it's often the cheaper plastic stuff from the far east which has the most advanced controls such as quartz-locked motors, built in strobes and speed trimmers, whereas should you spend considerably more on a 'hifi grade' model and discover the rotation speed is off by a fraction, you're presumably expected to accept it as an adorable little quirk. A bit like having to change speed between 33 and 45 manually by literally flipping the belt between pulleys, even though the cheapest crapiest Crosley money can buy somehow manages just fine with a switch (the speed is most probably absolutely smack-on as well).

This is exactly what I was talking about the other day. Manual speed change especially with platter on / off is really cumbersome. I think I would never buy one with speed change under the platter. The other thing is - true - it seems that the more expensive ones have many issues. I do not get it...they should offer perfect pitch, motor stability, motor speed adjustments and great arm suspensions. Even my TN300 has motor speed adjustments. But it seems that many renown companies have problems with those.

 

[chris_bates1974]

Perhaps it is the record... It is the only one on which I've noticed excessive noise also.

Such a shame, it's a real belter, and as bought from a local indy whilst on Holiday in the US, there isn't much I can do about it now!

Oh well....

 

[Al ears]

The irony is it's often the cheaper plastic stuff from the far east which has the most advanced controls such as quartz-locked motors, built in strobes and speed trimmers, whereas should you spend considerably more on a 'hifi grade' model and discover the rotation speed is off by a fraction, you're presumably expected to accept it as an adorable little quirk. A bit like having to change speed between 33 and 45 manually by literally flipping the belt between pulleys, even though the cheapest crapiest Crosley money can buy somehow manages just fine with a switch (the speed is most probably absolutely smack-on as well).

This is exactly what I was talking about the other day. Manual speed change especially with platter on / off is really cumbersome. I think I would never buy one with speed change under the platter. The other thing is - true - it seems that the more expensive ones have many issues. I do not get it...they should offer perfect pitch, motor stability, motor speed adjustments and great arm suspensions. Even my TN300 has motor speed adjustments. But it seems that many renown companies have problems with those.

I my experience it is the opposite.

Cheap decks need these speed controls as they are very prone to drifting. The more expensive decks have quality motors that are more stable and variation free.

 

[brownz]

Perhaps it is the record... It is the only one on which I've noticed excessive noise also.

Such a shame, it's a real belter, and as bought from a local indy whilst on Holiday in the US, there isn't much I can do about it now!

Oh well....

..... ah - American - It's a 60Hz record.... ;-)

 

[MajorFubar]

*biggrin*

 

[chris_bates1974]

Just checked out some reviews online of the record. Seems it is a bad pressing, as other people have commented on the incredible level of background noise....

Thanksfully, it's not really noticeable once the music plays, except in very quiet parts.

For those of you who are Placebo fans and don't have it yet. Get it. Just not the vinyl.