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2020 update : JC Verdier La Platine

A recent encounter with a JC Verdier dealer as well as a recent Audiogon discussion thread led to the start of this thread. He was in my house updating my La Platine which had been in storage for ten years with thread and oil. While he has high regards for the deck, his newer clients nevertheless prefer a Techdas iii than an 'old' La Platine. Given the proliferation of expensive decks in the past dozen years, La Platine has become very much under-appreciated. 

It's clear to me that the influence of the La Platine is everywhere to be found. Specifically, the magnetic suspension system that was employed 30+ years ago. Even SOTA offers their newer decks with mag. lev. features. And if you read this review: https://www.callas-audio.nl/Callas%20Platine%20Mod%20Kit%20Review.pdf, the Continuum Caliburn uses the same concept, which was not acknowledged in Fremer's review, albeit with more sophisticated , and expensive, execution.

It is also clear to me that there is much misunderstanding of the workings of the La Platine. I for one have contributed to this. The motor of the La Platine, for example, has been much maligned. The thread drive is another aspect of the turntable that have been described as inferior. With regard to the motor and thread drive, I have been set straight by Chris @ct0517 and Lyubomir @lbelchev. Experimenting with the different types of silk threads, the tightness to the platter  and a renewed understanding of the soundness of the Philips motor have been rewarded with better dynamics and transparency. 

The funny thing is that during the past two years of re-engagement with audio, I have questioned ownership of every components in my arsenal except the La Platine. It has always been a keeper. I wonder if La Platine owners would contribute to celebrating this 'old' deck with tales, advice, and insights?

Cheers!
ledoux1238

Showing 5 responses by ledoux1238

ledoux1238 OP
342 posts
 

@mr_gray 
Adjusting azimuth electrically involves measuring cross talk between the two channels of the cartridge. Typically you use a voltmeter and test record and measure the output of your cartridge with one channel suppressed. Then you do the same for the other channel. The outputs of the two should be as close as possible to each other for best azimuth alignment. This should mean the least crosstalk and the widest channel separation which should translate into the widest sound stage and the least channel imbalance. That is what I try to hear without using measuring tools.


i have seen videos of azimuth alignment using AudioMagik, a bit more complicated than using a Fozometer, but the principle is the same, measuring cross talk. And your Safir has a tool to rotate the arm tube to adjust for azimuth. It may involve a few back and forth rotating the arm tube, or you might just get it perfect on your first try. 

ledoux1238 OP
342 posts
 

@mr_gray

The previous arm on my La Platine was a SME V, a well regarded tonearm, and a popular pairing with the turntable. This was many years ago, my set up skills were, admittedly, very poor. I used the supplied protractor for cartridge alignment, and the arm does not allow for azimuth adjustment. The result was  really very poor SQ compared to what I am hearing today. I believe I would be able to optimize the V’s potential more today, however, its lack of azimuth adjustment dissuades me from owning it again. 

Your skewed Delos may be worth sending back to Lyra for a repair, no? Other issues may be lurking holding back its full potential. 

You may have mentioned but what are using as an isolation platform for the La Platine, if any? 

ledoux1238 OP
342 posts
 

@mr_gray

Enjoy  your Delos, for 450 USD, you cannot do any better. I have a 450 USD cartridge that I cherish, an Audio Technica AT-170 ML mm vintage. Probably not as capable as a Delos, but shockingly good.

i doubt you will hear the difference between linen and silk. I pretend to hear a difference between my black silk and red viscose threads, but in truth they are both good. I think thread drive is the way to go with the original motor. But do share your thoughts when the silk threads are installed.

ledoux1238 OP
342 posts
 

@mr_gray 

Your experience on the silk drive mirrors mine. It’s very quiet, though I have not done A/B with linen in a while. And holding speed on  45’s is a struggle with loose fit. I cheat and tighten up the tension on the silk thread. 

I tried a Micro Seiki belt made by Original Live today. And sure enough it produced more noise and sounded slower. 
 

 

ledoux1238 OP
342 posts
 

@mr_gray 

I do have to acknowledge comments by @pindac above about his vinyl journey. But more importantly it is about your enthusiasm for the La Platine, in particular, and your joy on full display with vinyl playing in general. It is infectious! I now feel guilty when not playing records.

Just when I thought all stones have been turned, you come up with this double loop idea. It seems counterintuitive at first. The logic was to reduce the contact area as much as possible while still maintaining speed. But the truth was the tiny silk thread was struggling to maintain speed especially on 45s’. And the additional loop really increase very little. It now looks like the thickness of the original linen thread. But the soundstage is more defined with better width / depth presentation. I have planar magnetic speakers. At low volume, the soundstage flattens. That has not changed. But at regular listening levels ( 75-80 db ), the soundstage is holographic. Because of the back and forth on this thread recently, I further refines my setup. The soundstage was improved already. But this takes it further, a very nice uptick.

@lewm 

The threads we use are regular sewing threads that we tie together. It is impossible to tie two loops with identical diameters. The first attempt at the double loop resulted in a very similar situation as @mr_gray. The loop was too small and the motor almost touched the plinth. I have a better managed distance between the two now.

 

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