2. analog
  3. 171845-121597

Measuring Turntable Platter Speed

I have an older Rega P2 that seems to warble (for lack of a better word) when playing. It's not that it's fast or slow, but I can hear slight, quick, pitch changes when playing a record. I put a new belt on, but no change.

Is there a method or relatively inexpensive instrument that I could use to monitor small fluctuations in platter speed?

Thanks in advance - Jim S.

stilljim

Showing 2 responses by stilljim

stilljim OP
36 posts
 

Thanks guys/gals.

 

audioquest4life - If I read the literature correctly it measures average platter speed which doesn't address the small fluctuation problem I perceive. 

 

big_greg - Nice suggestion. I might try the platter, but he stroboscope is a quarter of the price of  a new P2. So I don't know. 

I was just trying to confirm what I am hearing is actually true. You never know, faulty hearing, big imagination?

Jim S

stilljim OP
36 posts
 

All - thank you for taking the time to reply and make suggestions. I did go over the spindle bearing and it is clean and oiled. I can't here any noise from the motor itself. The "flutter" is noticable and consistant throughout the entire side of any album.

Funny that you can hear something so subtle that is so hard to measure. I have some measurable hearing loss (right in the frequencies of my wifes voice ;>) ) so I wanted to check it via instrumentation to make sure it wasn't my hearing or imagination.

Net - the TT is almost 30 years old. The motor might just be worn out. A new P2 is very reasonable so I guess it's time to update.

Again - many thanks !!! - Jim S.

More to discover