2. analog
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Scout drive upgrade

I've had some expensive tables and am back to a humble, stock Scout, which I think is an amazing performer when properly isolated and given a good cart & phono preamp.

I've been listening to it for about six months now and the only thing that does occasionally intrude on my listening is it's noticeably non-exemplary speed stability. Looking at the rubber belt drive, it seems to me that must be a weak point.

I would appreciate suggestions on improving the drive system, either by using a different belt or possibly a total replacement (rim)?
paulfolbrecht

Showing 2 responses by tfkaudio

tfkaudio
591 posts
 
A couple of things... The SDS will do nothing for you if your turntable speed is not stable. In other words, there are two flavors to the problem - stable speed but not at 33 1/3 and unstable speed. The SDS will only solve problem number one.

Second, as far as I know, the rim drive doesn't work with the Scout. You need a Scoutmaster, HR-X, or TNT-6 to use the rim drive.

I've found that speed instability is most likely caused on the Scout by a worn belt. Try replacing it. Other than that, make sure the table is level and the platter bearing is lubricated with white lithium grease.

Cheers.

Tom
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
I should clarify one thing I said in my earlier post in regard to the statement "The SDS will do nothing for you if your turntable speed is not stable.". The SDS can help with stability by providing a clean, stable source of power to the motor.

But, in my experience, speed stability problems have usually been unrelated to power delivery. But there are certainly places in the U.S. and the rest of the world that have less-than-stellar power delivery. The SDS should provide improved stability in those places. I live in Chicago, which is generally known to have very good power delivery. So it's not really an issue for me. The SDS is still valuable as a means of getting exact 33 1/3 speed.

Cheers.
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