Setting Speed Accurately

ccurate and stable speed is critical to the sound quality of any turntable. Run slow and music will sound thick, turgid and sluggish, too fast and the music becomes hectoring and harried, robbed of space and rhythmic expression -- not to mention the effect on proper pitch in both cases. Each failing is as bad as the other, so getting speed spot on really matters. Most (but not all) turntables offer some form of user speed adjustment, varying from a conical drive pulley all the way through to sophisticated electronic supplies. There are even aftermarket supplies for ‘tables that don’t offer the facility, improving the power-line quality as well as fine-tuning the pitch. But the real issue is not how you adjust speed, but how you make sure it is correct.

Any of the tools outlined in the section above will deliver the necessary data, but for anybody with an iPhone or iPad available, it really is hard to see beyond the Feickert PlatterSpeed App. But whatever system tool you use, ensure that you allow the 'table to run for half an hour before setting the speed. Then let it run for another half an hour before checking it. If there is a major variation then:

• Clean the belt and driving surfaces (assuming there are some and they are accessible) using an appropriate solution -- always check with the dealer/manufacturer for a recommendation before using any solvent on a belt or surface the belt will run on.

• If that doesn’t cure the problem, discuss further action with your dealer/manufacturer, but ensure that one way or another, the problem is solved as it is fundamental to satisfying analog replay.

• Electronic Supplies and the AC Power Line