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Turntable power supply/motor’s role in SQ for belt drive TT

I’m trying to understand the ways that an upgraded motor/power supply can improve the sound quality of a belt driven turntable. 

OK - speed control that is more precise, I get that. But is there some inherent electrical noise from the motor that makes it way into the analog signal thus producing an audible distortion through the cartridge/phono stage?

I’m also curious about why an AC motor would be less desirable than a DC motor (for a belt driven turntable. 

Some back story: I am preparing to send my 35 year old Linn Sondek LP12 turntable out for servicing and upgrades. Linn has the promotion going on where you get the new Karousel bearing for “free” when you spend at least $4,000 USD. Kind of a gimmick, I know. But I would like to get at least the Lingo 4 power supply and am considering “Akurate” level “Radikal” power supply for more $$. I am looking forward to spinning my old vinyl again soon and hopefully with upgraded SQ as well. 

Thanks for any replies.
masi61

Showing 1 response by masi61

masi61 OP
97 posts
 
@mijostyn - I’m happy for you that you like your SOTA and respect that you moved on from the 3 Linns that you previously owned. If you had done a proper wall mount you would not have had to tiptoe around your apartment. Can we get back to the task at hand though? I mean this thread is not about whether or not a Linn turntable is bettered by some other design - that’s why this hobby is so cool, there are lots of legit designs. 

I’m probably going to go with the Lingo 4 for cost reasons which is an AC design. I’m going to have to inquire or audition to determine bass sound quality/articulation between the Lingo 4 AC motor and the standard chassis Radikal with its more exotic DC motor. 

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