The functional relationship between the drive belt, sub-platter, and motor pulley, can be seen through the glass platter on a Rega Planar 3.
There are three main types of phonograph turntable drives being manufactured today: the belt-drive, idler-wheel and direct-drive systems; the names are based upon the type of coupling used between the platter of the turntable and the motor. In a belt-drive turntable the motor is located off-center from the platter, either underneath it or entirely outside of it, and is connected to the platter or counter-platter by a drive belt made from elastomeric material.
2019-5-31 Re: Direct drive or belt drive turntable? OK- let's put it this way: in theory perhaps a DD turntable might have benefits over a belt drive, but in practice it's almost never implemented. Mostly it's near impossible to get even the quietest motor's vibrations out of.
The design of the belt-drive turntable allows the use of a less expensive motor than the direct-drive turntable. Also, the elastomeric belt absorbs motor vibrations which would otherwise be picked up by the stylus.
- 2Belt-drive types
Rotational stability[edit]
Rotational stability is a key goal for turntable design that produces quality output.
Many belt-drive turntables with multiple speeds have mechanical devices or rely on manual effort to move the belt between different-sized pulleys on the motor shaft. Due to difficulties in designing multiple-speed synchronous motors whose speed can be controlled electronically, such turntables frequently have DC servomotors. The disadvantage of DC servomotors is that they rotate in steps rather than continuously – the resulting 'cogging' can add noise during playback. Helical armature motors can be used to overcome this. Problems with belt instability and deterioration in the past have largely been solved by use of modern elastic polymers.
Since the 1970s, DC motors have declined in popularity;[1] high end audiophile turntable designs use the synchronous motor, which are smoother running and lower noise. Due to the existence of instabilities of mains electricity, manufacturers might try to ensure pitch stability by generating its own sinusoidal waveform to power their AC motor. Other methods at achieving stability include using optical sensors on the platter which feed back to the electronics; or use of fly wheel assemblies.[1] Some manufacturers use mass to deal with the problem. Heavy platters, which have higher inertia, are thus less susceptible to minute speed variations. However, mass stores energy that may be difficult to control. Heavier platter also increases wear on the bearing.
Belt-drive types[edit]
Some turntables, such as the newer versions of the Rega Planar series, use a fixed plinth with a low vibration motor and bearing attached to the same flat surface, usually constructed of wood, metal or acrylic, without suspension. Others, such as the Linn Sondek LP12, have a suspension.
Suspended-sub-chassis[edit]
The three-point 'suspended sub-chassis' was a design by renowned audio pioneer Edgar Villchur. It became the basis upon which his company created the Acoustic Research XA turntable that was launched in 1961.[1] The principle behind it is that the turntable is an inert platform that allows the stylus to track the surface of the record accurately whilst being protected from external vibrations. The platter, sub-chassis, armboard and tonearm mechanically form a closed loop, and sit on top of dampers (usually three springs) which isolate the sub-assembly from its motor and its base. The motor, mounted (directly or indirectly) on the top plate, drives the turntable platter via a belt. The compression spring system of the XA was much improved upon, and popularised in the Linn Sondek LP12.[1] A variation can be found in the Delphi Oracle, where the spring is extended;[2] another variant is the Roksan Xerxes, whose top plate is isolated from the motor bearing assembly by compliant rubber dampers.[3]
The main platter bearing may be upright or inverted, it is mounted on the sub-chassis along with the arm fixture. Bearings generally use an oil film to lubricate between a metal ball-bearing and the thrust-plate of the bearing's housing. More esoteric designs use an air bearing, where the spindle is supported by a high pressure flow of air.[4]
The tonearm is usually sold separately, allowing for buyer choice and upgrades.
Disadvantages[edit]
The main disadvantage of Belt-drive turn tables is the fact that they 'ramp' to tempo; they do not instantly play the record at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute, but rather build up to this speed over the course of about one second. This creates an undesirable slurring of the record.
Furthermore, over time the drive belt can wear or lose elasticity, and begin to slip, causing variations in the platter speed. In addition, belt-drive turntables have much lower torque; the belt can also slip off the motor and/or platter spindle, and are thus not suitable for turntablism. DJs who scratch or mix generally prefer to use direct-drive turntables.
References[edit]
- ^ abcdGregory, Roy (23 October 2009). 'The VPI Classic Turntable'Archived 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine. HiFi-Plus, Issue 68
- ^Thompson, David (December 2013). 'Divine Revelation'. Record Collector News
- ^Husband, Geoff (November 2002). 'Roksan Xerxes X turntable and Artemiz arm', TNT Audio. Archived from the original on 11 July 2013.
- ^Holt, J. Gordon (December 1987) Versa Dynamics 2.0 LP playerArchived December 6, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Page 7, Stereophile, Vol.10 No.8
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Belt-drive_turntable&oldid=853645437'
Best budget turntables Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?'s round-up of the best budget turntables you can buy in 2019.
These are the best budget turntables money can buy, whether you're dipping a toe with your first turntable, want to rip your vinyl using a USB deck or simply upgrading an ageing entry-level model.
Spinning vinyl doesn't have to be an expensive affair - our favourite budget decks start at under £100. At its most basic, a good turntable will spin vinyl smoothly to give you a steady sound that your amp can work with.
More advanced options will let you rip that music to your digital archive in hi-res, while we've even managed to track down an all-in-one turntable system. All the options we've listed below come in at less than £500.
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP3
Excellent performance meets an impressive set of features.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 12.8 x 43.5 x 35.3cm | Motor: Belt drive | Cartridge: AT91R VM | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: No | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (manual speed change) | Finishes: Black, white
Reasons to Buy
Built-in phono stage
Reasons to Avoid
The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 manages to offer the full automation of a suitcase turntable without compromising on sound quality. That means you get a built-in phono stage, a removable cartridge so you can upgrade to another moving-magnet or moving-coil at a later date. It delivers a full-bodied and musical sound, with plenty of space and detail. And at well under £200 it's a veritable bargain.
Read the full review: Audio-Technica AT-LP3
2. Sony PS-LX310BT
Plenty of features, impressive usability and excellent sound make for a brilliant budget turntable.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 10.8 x 43 x 36.7cm | Motor: Belt drive | Cartridge: MM | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: No | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (electronic speed change) | Finish: Black
Reasons to Buy
Bluetooth
Reasons to Avoid
If you’re after a fully-automatic deck which works virtually straight out of the box, the Sony PS-LX310BT one of the best we’ve heard.
For just under £200, you get an easy to use deck with a very decent phono stage built in. There's also Bluetooth support so you can stream your vinyl to a pair of wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker. The very best decks at the same money pip it for pure sound quality, but you won't find many as fun, ridiculously user-friendly and resoundingly listenable.
Read the full review: Sony PS-LX310BT
3. Pro-Ject Essential III
Great features, great sound - another in a long line of top-value Pro-Ject decks.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 11.2 x 41.5 x 33.5cm | Motor: Belt drive | Cartridge: Ortofon OM10 | Phono preamp: No | USB: No | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (manual speed change) | Finishes: Red, white, black
Reasons to Buy
Relatively simple set-up
Reasons to Avoid
The Pro-Ject Essential III looks fantastic with it's slimline build but also crams in great features like an enhanced platter and plinth and upgraded cartridge and cables. This belt-driven deck sounds easy-going and enjoyable, with exciting highs and an excellent sonic balance. The soundstage is open and scale is decent. At this price, what's not to like?
Read the full review: Pro-Ject Essential III
4. Lenco L-85
Hands down, one of the best budget plug-and-play turntables we've seen.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 15 x 42 x 36.2cm | Motor: Belt drive | Cartridge: MM | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: Yes | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (manual speed change) | Finishes: Green, red, yellow, black, white, grey
Reasons to Buy
Good with voices
Reasons to Avoid
If you want a budget turntable that just plugs in and gets on with the job of spinning your records, you'll be hard pressed to find anything better than the Lenco L-85. The semi-automatic, belt-driven turntable features a built-in phono stage and even supports USB recording. Build is decent for the price and the colour options are plentiful. Sound quality is very good for the money.
Read the full review: Lenco L-85
5. Rega Planar 1
Yet another Award-winning entry-level turntable from Rega.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 11.7 x 44.7 x 36cm | Motor: Belt drive | Cartridge: Rega Carbon MM | Phono preamp: No | USB: No | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (manual speed change) | Finishes: Black, white
Reasons to Buy
Rhythmic and expressive
Reasons to Avoid
The Rega Planar 1 is a 2018 What Hi-Fi? Award-winner thanks to its wonderfully exciting and engaging sound. Build quality is superb and features include a Rega Carbon cartridge, which is attached to a RB110 tonearm.
It's a simple deck to get up and running, too. The result is a roomy, spacious sound that's full of detail. Voices sound superb and the Rega delivers a combination of clarity and accuracy that's tough to beat at this price.
Read the full review: Rega Planar 1
6. Sony PS-HX500
Want to rip vinyl to hi-res? This five-star turntable has that ability at a good price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 10.4 x 43.0 x 36.6cm | Motor: Belt drive | Tracking force: 1.7kg | Cartridge: MM | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: Yes | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (manual speed change) | Finish: Black
Reasons to Buy
Simple set-up
Reasons to Avoid
The Sony PS-HX500 is a slick operator. It connects to your computer via USB and uses Sony's Mac and Windows-compatible High Res Audio Recorder software to rip your vinyl either as a WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) or DSD (5.6mHz) file. It's a simple process, all done at the press of a button.
Build quality is excellent - the Sony uses a one-piece tonearm with an integrated head shell - and its sound mirrors this. It extracts a superb level of detail and delivers it in an articulate. coherent and entertaining manner. Stereo imaging is up there with the best at the money.
Read the full review: Sony PS-HX500
7. Pro-Ject Juke Box E
Here's an excellent all-in-one turntable system - just add speakers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (hwd): 11.8 x 41.5 x 33.4mm | Motor: Belt drive | Cartridge: MM | Phono preamp: Yes | USB: No | Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 (manual speed change) | Finish: Black, red, white
Reasons to Buy
Good range of features
Reasons to Avoid
Some will desire more power
Pro-ject's Juke Box E crams lot of usability and features into a vinyl-playing package. You're looking at a turntable, amplifier, phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity all in one box - all you have to do is add a pair of budget speakers.
It's a concept we've seen before, but Pro-Ject has refined it to great effect. The system sounds on the warmish side of neutral and it's no slouch when dealing with complex rhythms. Overall it's an enjoyable listen, but you will need to think about the speakers you use to partner it with. Think along the lines of the Mission LX-2 or Q Acoustics 3010i and you'll be onto a winner.
Read the full review: Pro-ject Juke Box E
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