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Mag Lev Turntable. Your Thoughts?

One is for sale on Audiogon. Very cool BUT, I can think of a bunch of potential problems. My instinct says it is showmanship but not having actually played with one who knows? Anybody have any experience with the Mag Lev?
The first problem would be that magnetic fields are not solid. They are squishy. What happens when you play different weight records. What about a record clamp? The tonearm is fixed to the plinth. If the height of the platter changes the VTA changes. If the platter bounces at all it will cause rather rapid speed variations. What about those powerful magnetic fields right under cartridges. Looking at the video the platter certainly is not machined very well.
Is it really worth the trouble. Good tables make very little noise. 99% of it is coming from the record itself. My inclination is that the platter should be on a solid footing.
mijostyn

Showing 6 responses by uberwaltz

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Obviously sales are going really well......
Wonder just how far they will discount them?

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g6f0-mag-lev-audio-s-levitating-turntable-ml1-black-features-o...
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
If the numbers had come up last night I would have bought one just to see.
But a bit too much to take the plunge until a few more do and give feedback or it gets a few improvements made.
Interesting concept nevertheless.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
No it is not clear on the website although the reviews all stated no MC cartridge at this time but it was a work in progress.
Guess the magnetic fields from the Maglev really screws with the MC signals at this time.
So yes limited functionality with people not being able to use their top flight MC carts is likely going to rule it out simply on that aspect.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I can find a LOT cheaper conversation pieces I am afraid.

So if one ever ended up in my hovel it most definitely would have to do more than just look the part!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Old video I admit.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JUlPN2A_r-g&feature=youtu.be
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
I was intrigued by the same one for sale But mostly dismissed it as a gimmick.
Who knows though.
More to discover