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Belt driven motor noise? My technics is dead silent?

I just received a VPI Traveler turntable and I must admit, the motor noise(while faint) is a little disappointing.

Ive been running Technics tables for years and I'm a little confused by this experience. Trying to understand the argument in favor of belt drive tables? Is belt drive performance just not available at this price point? Can't imagine other affordable tables(Rega, Music Hall ect) are offering different results in this area. My 40+ year old technics by comparison is dead silent. You'd need a stethoscope to hear any noise from this table.  

I realize that this is what's considered an entry level table, however, I figured that motor noise/rumble(or lack there of) was the major benefit of running belt drive? I was looking to get better "audiophile" type performance. Im a little lost here....

Need the opinion/advice of more experienced audiophiles about this issue. 

-Thanks
trevoisier
13 responses Add your response
westcoastaudiophile
311 posts
 
"Tonearm is the same”
I had SL1200MK2/3/5, and found as MK6 tonearm is more sensitive comparing to previous models. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technics_SL-1200
  • SL-1200MK6-K & SL-1200MK6-S (released in February 2008 in Japan) with minor improvements including improved tonearm mounting and oxygen-free copper wire, improved vibration damping in the body, improvements to the pitch control accuracy and better LEDs. -S model has a silver finish like the MK2.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Yeah, the GR at $1700 new is great option, stay with Technics
trevoisier OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. 
Got a replacement motor from VPI and turns out these motors, to my ear, are just inherently noisy. 
I'm gonna move towards another Technics, most likely the GR.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Consider also “cheaper” used Technics SL1200MK6. MK6 was the latest of original SL1200 Technics lineup TTs, and it has much better tonearm and wiring.

Tonearm is the same, wiring is a bit better, but Cardas rewire kit for any old model cost only $50. An old Technics SL1200mkII and higher normally cost $300 minimum, and can be $500 easily. The interest supported by DJ community. 

Any old Technics without serious upgrade can’t compete with new mk7 and higher audiophile grade models like GR and G/GAE are ultra high-end compared to old models in this SL1200 series.

The brand new Technics MK7 is so cheap (often $800-1000) that it make no sense to buy any old model from SL1200 mk... series.

Regarding vintage Technics it’s better to look for SP series. This is very nice and rare SP-20 assembled by me for a local friend. SP-10 mkII is better and more expensive.
luisma31
516 posts
 
DD, never looked back, life's too much short, you can certainly get good well designed BD, be ready to pay for it
westcoastaudiophile
311 posts
 
Consider also “cheaper” used Technics SL1200MK6. MK6 was the latest of original SL1200 Technics lineup TTs, and it has much better tonearm and wiring. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Return it for full refund and buy yourself a brand new Technics SL1200G or GR or something vintage like this, stay with DIRECT DRIVE and stay with Technics brand. If you get used to powerful Technics DD then it will be impossible to live with belt drive.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
check that belt is not rubbing somewhere and check motor pulley for any eccentricity, leave it sometime running for the motor to get its tolerance.
trevoisier OP
7 posts
 
VPI is sending me another motor. Let's see what happens.
trevoisier OP
7 posts
 
Noise on the VPI motor is audible without pressing my ear to the plinth. Like a faint old movie projector. 
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
if your Technics is direct drive or belt driven with dc motor it should have less audible noise coming from the motor compared to a tt driven with an ac motor. Now if you get a 2 or 3 phase ac motor in a heavy casing you minimize further any noise. If you hear the rotating noise only by a stethoscope on the VPI there is nothing wrong with that.

trevoisier OP
7 posts
 
Nope. Brand new, direct from VPI. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,960 posts
 
trevoisier
I just received a VPI Traveler turntable and I must admit, the motor noise(while faint) is a little disappointing.
Did you buy this turntable used? That may explain the noise you are hearing.
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