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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
mr_gray
94 posts
 

the platter is attached to a steel collar below and it is that to which the magnet affixes.

 

the callas mod was all about being able to fine tune location of bearing (vertically).  with the granito i have that adjustment via a bolt beneath the table.  just need long spanners to get to it (size 17).

 

belts arrived today.  i can't get the platine to spin slow enough now (HA!).  but of course this is simply highlighting that i haven't the correct lubricant.  i am using a very light synthetic lubricant.  it is too light.  as per JC Verdier's design i will now use ROCOL X5 Ultraglide.  This will create a little resistance which will mean i will come into a better place for achieving speeds i need but also the drag obviates stylus drag as per Verdier's design.  i wouldn't be surprised if it makes it a little quieter too as i think it will be slightly dampening.

 

transrotor belt is skinniest.  gold ring is a mm or 2 thicker.  ebay EPDM belt is grossly thick.  they all seem to achieve the same results at this stage.  Wow no better than 0.04 rms.  speed variation down a little but still about 0.15 rpm absolute.  hope to improve both these numbers with the right lube.  i have 5 kg coming so if anyone needs some, please reach out (or if anyone needs magnets).

mr_gray
94 posts
 

@ledoux1238 i must admit i have trouble working out how armco telar 57 lines up with Y30/Y35.  i will say though that Y30 even in the size is used (which is smaller than what could fit in collar) has enough magnetic force to do the job even with my additional 3 kg on there (weight and SDP thing).  having said that, i am keen to try Y35 as more float is something i'd like to see.

 

based on installing Y30 - even more force will be difficult to manage.  i don't imagine that JC Verdier design needs much more than Y30 based on my experience.  it seems a good match for the original.  i had heard from the gentleman i bought my table from that the original magnets came from Focal drivers (a 38 cm driver from the 70s as i recall?).

ledoux1238 OP
324 posts
 

@mr_gray 

Thanks for the further explanation, crystal clear. The outer ring collar  attaches to the platter, and prying will release the magnet from the platter. Who would have known without your actual tinkering? 

I know you have a lot on your plate right now, but have you also played with mats? I have been using a Micro Seiki cu 180 copper mat for the past few years. But last week decided to remove it and play nude. I like it without the mat! 
 

 

 

mr_gray
94 posts
 

@ledoux1238 one day i will get to the mats.  right now i have a SDP acrylic top on the platter that adds about 2 inches.  so that's my mat.  i don't want to brag but i do have alot of mats (spec, vertere, copper) so one day i will give it a go.  mtemur from WBF says no mat for the win so you are in good company.

 

i have now given my armboards to a man so they can be drilled for my kuzma arm and so i can add the vta collar to my fr64s.  so i am back on the audio note tt3 for now.  

ledoux1238 OP
324 posts
 

@mr_gray 

i have been looking for a second turntable. The choice range from nostalgia:TT I had e.g. Townshend or SOTA or TT I wished I had, e.g. Forsell, Simon Yorke…. Most recently I was looking for a Voyd, preferably a Reference. I think the AT TT3 is based on the Voyd. I am just curious how the tt3 compares with the Verdier.

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