TT transformer upgrade
I've just today replaced the small frame transformer for my Voyd Valdi with a much larger, 300va, toroidal transformer.
It is now dangerously close to the 401 in terms of grip, drive and overall stop-startedness.
In theory a larger transformer shouldn't make any difference as once the correct amp rating is supplied to the motor that should be all it takes. But I've heard this demonstrated many times over the years. The motor or motors in this case now have a very large reservoir of current on hand to call on when the LP slows due to the signal demands in the groove.
Well worth the £45.00 IMV.
It is now dangerously close to the 401 in terms of grip, drive and overall stop-startedness.
In theory a larger transformer shouldn't make any difference as once the correct amp rating is supplied to the motor that should be all it takes. But I've heard this demonstrated many times over the years. The motor or motors in this case now have a very large reservoir of current on hand to call on when the LP slows due to the signal demands in the groove.
Well worth the £45.00 IMV.
Comments
I wish I understood properly the details of this stuff. I've heard similar reports before, and I understand the concepts superficially, but I'm aware that a superficial understanding is pretty meaningless.
So the groove itself 'grips' the stylus sufficiently to minutely slow the motor? Who'da thunk it?
Perhaps these sensitivities to timing in our aural perception explain a lot about why digital is often heard as worse than analogue despite its technical superiority?
Alan and Ben, it's a very very complicated mechanical process; but for brevity suffice it to say that yes the LP drives the stylus/arm combination. A common, but wrong IMV, solution is to increase the mass of the rotating platter in an attempt to maintain a constant speed. The correct solution is to decrease the mass and increase the torque. The Voyd does this by using a light and rigid polymer platter and two high torque motors. I've nudged it further along the way.
I may try my own variation at some point
;-)