Tables That Feature Bearing Friction


I recently had the opportunity to audition the DPS turntable which, unlike most tables, has a certain amount of friction designed into the bearing. This, when paired with a high quality/high torque motor, is said to allow for greater speed stability--sort of like shifting to a lower gear when driving down a steep hill and allowing the engine to provide some breaking effect and thus greater vehicular stability. I am intrigued by this idea and was wondering what other people thought about this design approach. Are there other tables which use this bearing principal? One concern I have is that by introducing friction you may also be introducing noise. Comments?
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by ptmconsulting

I would think that an "air drive" platter would not opnly be difficult to get started, but if it got spinning too fast would also be hard to slow down to the proper speed. The platter would have to have a wee bit of friction I would think.

A push with the hand is really not an option to start off unless there was some minor friction. You would want to have the speed build up and stabilize, so low to proper speed is the goal rather than high to proper + friction.

It is a rather intruiging proposition though, although the "friction" of the air on some form of wing under the platter could cause a rumble of sorts and a cogging effect I would assume. Not without its flaws, but probably the next $100,000 turntable idea. Anyone want to come up with a business plan?

Bob