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Correcting drifting with Sutherland Timeline

Just had a couple of days setting t/t speed using my newest purchase - the Sutherland Timeline Laser timing tool and thought I would share how good it is, once I got my head around how best to set-up and use it.
The supplied one page instructions are vague to say the least and it took me time to settle on which wall I was looking at to see the laser projection settle.
But once I got that fixed, it was easy to make minute adjustments on the VPI SDS and easy to correct drift and pitch. I found that using a sheet of graph paper 'blue-tacked' onto the wall behind.
Astonishing to see the effect that the addition of the periphery ring clamp to HRX platter had on RPM. Never before have I been able to recognise and so accurately use adjustment of SDS khz and hear the pitch snap in to focus.
scousepasty
scousepasty OP
106 posts
 
Yes, you can see this stylus drag, plus different cartridge loads, different weight vinyls, belt tension changes, etc.
And because the laser projects around the room, you can see minute changes around the complete revolution.
rugyboogie
199 posts
 
My Clearaudio strobe is not functioning properly. Of course this only happened once I moved my turntable to a new spot and friends coming over for a listen the next night.
Cds it was for the night, but vinyl is what we wanted to listen to.

Purchased the Sutherland Timeline which I will receive on Monday.
Should be interesting, accurate I hope........
Will comment once I have had a chance to use it on my table.
Till then,
nevillekapadia
95 posts
 
To all Timeline owners-

I take it that you have to use the Timeline unit (laser switched off)continuously to maintain speed accuracy once set.

What if you have a different clamp or puck for a vacuum system over the spindle to enforce a seal, then I take it that the Timeline cannot be used.

Or is there a way to get around this?

Thanks for your thoughts and replies.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 

The Timeline is a test tool, it's most important function is checking speed. If it works with your turntable as a hold down, you got a bonus

The Timeline does not hold the record tight enough in my system, the LP actually slips on start and stop and maybe even during play. A different platter mat could change this result, mine is particularly "slippery" as mats go.
nevillekapadia
95 posts
 
Thanks for the insights Albert.

So does this mean the speed should 'not' vary on the turntable once you have removed the timeline. I would have thought that given the weight of the timeline, having it on or off the TT, would cause a deviation in speed.

Or am I completely off the track here in understanding, where stylus drag could cause speed deviations but having the timeline on or off the tt wouldn't?

The reason why I ask is that once the speed is set with the aid of the timeline, does the unit then just sit on a shelf.

Would you check speed weekly/monthly.....

As this would then makes it easier then for a few of us audiophiles to purchase one unit and use it between us when required. (As I don't see them for sale on Agon as yet)

Look forward to your thoughts and thanks for your replies.
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