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Do you use variable speed on your turntable?

My turntables JVC TT101 and TT81 both have elaborate speed controls which allow quartz controlled accuracy when the speed is changed in small controlled increments, faster or slower than the selected 33 1/3, or 45 rpm speed.

Many turntables allow this controlled speed variance but besides dj's looking to match beats, who ever uses this very expensive feature? When my tables were made no one was beat matching as far as I know so dj's needs didn't drive this design. I can understand this on 78's because of inaccurate recording technology, but there isn't a 78 speed on these turntables and modern records are probably 99.9% accurate so that wasn't the consideration either.

So what is the point?
aigenga

Showing 1 response by tonykay

tonykay
1,312 posts
 
What is the point...are you serious? Records aren't cut at approximate speeds, they're cut at 33 1/3 RPM. But, what if they're not? Without a speed/pitch control you're stuck with the sound you hear. Using the control, you can vary the speed which minutely changes the sound to what was originally recorded, or what you prefer. Also as belts stretch, platters can run slightly slow so it gives you an ability to compensate for that as well. If I had a choice to have it or not, I'd have it!

P.S. Yes, I know that not all records are 33 1/3 RPM.
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