![]() This inexpensive device cuts the speed of a record player in half, and allows 16- 2/3 RPM talking-book records to be played on a 33-1 /3 RPM record player, or a 8- 1/3 RPM record on a 16- 2/3 RPM record player. But with careful observance of these tips, you should have no problem getting within 1% of perfect.Phonograph Speed Reducer Phonograph Speed Reducer Even if you're within 3%, you'll still notice a lag. It’s quite difficult to get a turntable to spin 100% accurately, and you may never really get to that point. Be patient! Remember: making adjustments is a trial and error process. The screws are adjusting the speed potentiometers. The truly particular audiophiles would use a small, non-metal (plastic/ceramic) screwdriver to make the adjustments, but that’s not absolutely necessary. ![]() Always adjust the 33 1/3 rpm speed first. Generally, the adjustment screws are set up so that a clockwise turn speeds up the platter, and a counterclockwise turn will slow it down. Block it up on wood or between two tables so that you’re able to get in underneath. It goes without saying that the turntable must be level before making adjustments. Some turntables have surface knobs or holes that allow you to make adjustments from the top of the deck, but most adjust from underneath. If they’re not there, look under the motor. If you’re still having trouble, try lifting the pad and checking under the platter for the adjustment screws. Turntable Speed Adjustment Screws (Photo from Edisonia) In the event that you can’t find the right manual for your table, you can roll the dice and look at one for a similar model. Turntable service manuals can often be found online and will tell you where the adjustment screws are on your table. This will allow any adjustment to compensate for the additional drag the record and stylus impose. The illusion is visible under any light – even fluorescents – though some people choose to purchase specialized strobe lights or LED bulbs.įor even greater precision, put a record on, place the strobe disc on top of the record, and then put the tone-arm on the record. The faster or slower the drift, the greater the error. If they appear to drift left or right, your adjustment is off. If your turntable is spinning at the correct speed, the markings will appear to stand completely still. You can buy one of these discs or download one of the many available on the internet. If you live in Europe, Asia, or Australia, you’ll need a 50 Hz disc. If you live in North America, you’ll need a stroboscopic disc that’s marked for 60 Hz. The process works because of an optical illusion that allows you to make quick and precise adjustments if your speed is off. Some turntable platters will come with stroboscopic markings already on the edge. The stroboscopic system involves a cardboard disc with equally spaced markings that you place directly onto the turntable. To test my turntable’s speed, I use the stroboscopic system. Measure the belt again after you take it out of the hot water, and you’ll note the size difference. Next, heat a kettle of water to the boiling point, and pour the water over the belt. Fold the belt in two, and measure its size in millimeters before placing it into an empty saucepan. If the stretched belt is in good condition without being visibly degraded, you can shrink it back down to size with hot water. If a belt is stretched only a few millimeters, you can still sometimes notice that the turntable speed has slowed. While stretching a few millimeters – up to 6mm – may not seem like a lot, it can severely slow down the turntable. ![]() Most belts will naturally stretch over a period of time. Don’t use rubbing alcohol, though – it has lanolin in it, which will cause your belt to slip. I suggest removing the belt and cleaning the pulley with a Q-tip dipped in denatured alcohol. On the flipside, if particles of the belt have worn off and have gunked up the motor pulley, your turntable will rotate too rapidly due to an increased effective diameter. Belts can stretch to the point where they slip on the pulley, which would cause the turntable to turn too slowly. Your next step is to make sure that your belt isn’t rubbing on anything. If you decide to go with something other than Redline, look for a 20 weight oil with PTFE (Teflon). Only a drop or two!īuying a quart of this super-cool, high-tech, exotic transmission lubricant for just a few drops might seem a bit much. If you can reach these areas, try to get a small drop or two of high quality 20 weight synthetic oil (something like Redline D4 ATF) on the motor shaft and also where the spindle enters the housing. It’s important to ensure that everything is working as well as it can be before you do any tweaking. The first thing you must do is clean and lube every piece of your turntable.
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