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understanding the strategy helps

Posted by J.D. (A) on June 18, 2004 at 12:43:27

In Reply to: Yes, but.......... posted by danj on June 17, 2004 at 23:35:17:

Hi,

Yes, all true re pitch control. For those who like to adjust pitch control, it's a great advantage.

I think this comes down to :

There are two main types of turntable buyers --- those who 1) want to set-and-forget, and 2) those who want control over most important parameters.

I'm from the second group. Sounds like you are too.
Rega, however, seems to have bet the ranch that the first --set&forget-- group will prove to be the majority.

Rega tables are amongst the most "non-adjustable" of all turntables, from their super-simple tonearm with no Vta adjust to their one-piece plinth with one switch. They don't even have a 33-45 switch. To Rega, "More Audiophile" equals less.

Their strategy while simple, is very successful indeed.

And, since it seems like you missed it :

*** Most people don't want to obsess too much with turntable settings, and most people are not likely to hear a slight overspeed / or sharp rendition of their music. (afterall commercial radio has been ruthlessly speeding up music for years, and it's not noticed generally)...
What's noticed is underspeed / flat renditions, and thus if you cannot have perfection, why not err in the direction of the generally unnoticed ?

*** Why it's probably intentional.
Most people don't want to obsess too much with turntable settings. In all likelihood, any mishap or extenuating circumstance that may occur to a turntable over the long run is likely to effect the speed by slowing it down slightly. Even in the short run, a too-heavy Vtf with a 200 gram pressing will taper the speed slightly. But --- old spindle bearing lubrication, old drive belt, old motor lube, thickened-sticky-or-dragging ANYTHING ---- tend to slow down the platter's speed.

Thus if you bend the rules in the manufacture and add a little zing in the beginning, the table may stay closer to "unnoticeable" throughout it's lifespan

J.

not affiliated w/ Rega Ltd.

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