Introduction
A conventional vinyl playback system consists of - a motor and its associated electronics, a turntable, a tonearm and a cartridge, normally in a single housing. As a result, the cartridge is subject to the following performance degrading noise and vibration problems.
a) The rotation of the motor generates mechanical, frictional vibrations from the rotor bearings and transmission mechanisms. The transverse and longitudinal wave vibrations are ultimately transmitted to the cartridge via the housing / chassis of the turntable. We can therefore consider that the operation of the power mechanism has a negative effect on the sound / signal produced by the cartridge. If the characteristics of the turntable / chassis are modified – harder or stiffer type turntables Induces longitudinal waves, a softer more ‘elastic’ turntable will transmit transverse wave vibrations in a specific frequency band. In both cases, the cartridge and therefore playback quality are affected. It is extremely difficult to shield rotating vinyl records and phono cartridges from the effects of vibration.
b) Furthermore, there is a similar problem which exists in the drive path that transmits the power of the motor to the turntable. There is a risk that vibration waves, in addition to those of the motor itself, will also be transmitted via adjustment mechanisms that gear down the speed of rotation.
c) Electromagnetic waves from the rotating motor and digital noise from the electronics which regulate the motor speed (rotation) may also be super imposed on the power generation signal of the cartridge power generation coil and on its output line, in the form of external noise. In particular, the internal tonearm wire is quite long and not electromagnetically shielded and so is very easily influenced by that phenomenon.
Planets - The Dedicated Playback Player
To solve all of the problems mentioned in the above introduction, we need to upgrade the conventional turntable to a Planets Dedicated Playback Player standard (playback function only)
a)
The bare minimum parts required to play a vinyl record are – the cartridge, tonearm, turntable and the housing or chassis which holds those important parts. I once played a record by rotating the platter with my fingertips, using no electrical power. I was amazed and could not put into words how vivid the sound was. The Planets Dedicated Playback player is driven by a separate Spin Drive Player and therefore does not require its own power supply / motor drive system. So, regardless of the power supply / motor system of the Dedicated Playback Player, you should completely disconnect it from the power supply.
b)
Suitability of turntable drive systems
Belt drive type – suitable - With this type of player, remove the belt to eliminate the possibility of extraneous noise (store the belt safely for possible future use)
Idler drive type – suitable – With this type of player, switch the idler position to off, to disengage the idler wheel from the system. If there is not an off position, see if you can disengage the idler by an intermediate position.
Direct drive system – not suitable – Direct drive types are not suitable for use with the Planets system. Even when switched off, the rotation of the platter may cause back electromotive current in the drive coil which will induce a load on the platter rotation.
c) In the case where a suspended turntable is used as the Dedicated Playback Player, (platter and tonearm jointly suspended within the turntable housing / chassis), it is recommended that the suspension system is disengaged. There is no need for the suspension / vibration control as there is now no functioning motor.
d) Remove the dust cover from the unit and keep it in a safe place. It is well known that integral turntable dust covers are prone to vibrations caused by sound pressure coming from the loudspeakers. Removal of the dustcover will eliminate the transmission of those vibrations.
Planets - The Dedicated Drive
Although the motor is the origin of many of the problems we have previously mentioned, it is of course an indispensable part of the system, enabling constant and stable rotation of the platter.
The Planets Dedicated Drive is an important auxiliary player as it provides its power to the Planets Dedicated Playback Player. The necessary Dedicated Drive turntable parts are - the motor and its electronic circuit, a chassis / housing which has a platter with a high moment of inertia (this brings good stability to the rotation speed and the housing). There is no requirement for a tonearm. Power for the motor is obtained in the normal way from a simple domestic power supply. If would like to use a normal turntable which has a tonearm as the Dedicated Drive, you of course can. However, in this case, you need to turn that turntable 180° so that the tonearm is on the LEFT and it will not interfere with the system operation and use.
Direct drive type turntables seem to be an ideal choice for use as the Dedicated Drive. Their accuracy and high torque, often employing quartz speed control are unique and reliable features.
Dedicated Drive and Dedicated Player setting up
Prepare a suitable space for the two turntables. The Dedicated Drive should be placed on the LEFT and the Dedicated Player should be placed on the RIGHT. The two turntables should be at approximately the same height. With this placement, the electromagnetic wave noise from the power system will be kept to a minimum.
If possible, place the two turntables in two similar racks side by side with a little space between them. This will stop any vibration from the Dedicated Drive reaching the Dedicated Player.
Use a spirit level to check that the surfaces of both turntable platters are flush with each other. If they are not, please make necessary adjustments to bring them level.
• Place the play Disc on the platter of the Dedicated Player. The surface with multiple round rubbers is the top surface and should be visible.
• Place the Drive Disc on the platter of the Dedicated Drive.
• Measure the distance (L) between the center spindles of the two turntables. Depending on the measurement (L) now you can choose which of the two supplied Drive Threads to use.
Drive Thread A – L = 37cm 14.5 inches – 42cm 16.5 inches
Drive Thread B – L = 42cm 16.5 inches – 47cm 18.5 inches
The drive thread used in this system is made from a ‘pipe’ form elastic resin. This shape and material ensures a good contact and also eliminates any possible external vibrations.
• Place the selected drive thread into the external grooves of the Drive and Play discs. This system of drive from the Drive disc to the Play disc ensures a high rotational torque and stability. Any frictional forces, for example the stylus in the record groove, are minimized.
• Switch on the Dedicated Drive platter and run it at 33.3 RPM for 5 minutes. This will even out the tension in the Drive Thread allowing good stability and inertia.
• Connect the Dedicated Player to your amplifier / system as normal.
The Planets playback system is now complete. You can begin to enjoy the raw analog sound that results from a noise and vibration free system.
