Quartz Lock

[njb182]

I never fully understood what "Quartz Lock" is. What does it mean? Both of my Technics are "Quartz Locked".

 

[SA-708]

A quartz crystal is used to regulate the turntable speed, similar to a quartz clock or watch. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectric_effect#Frequency_standard

 

[njb182]

A quartz crystal is used to regulate the turntable speed, similar to a quartz clock or watch. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectric_effect#Frequency_standard

So any turntable that has quartz lock will always have a dead on accurate platter speed?

 

[johnnm]

So any turntable that has quartz lock will always have a dead on accurate platter speed?

False. Although I'll let someone else explain why.

 

[thedelihaus]

So any turntable that has quartz lock will always have a dead on accurate platter speed?

I dunno if "dead-on accurate speed" is possible.

Pretty dang close though? Yeah.

Quartz lock assists in speed accuracy. Servos do the same thing.

It's a tool, a method of platter speed control. Works well.



Other factors are to ne considered as well, though.


Quality of the turntable- from bearing quality to motor quality to weight of platter (mass/inertia) all add (or if lacking, detract) from the whole picture.

 

[beej]

Insert a speed selector switch in the cirucuit that can get corroded and you add a variable. Although the problem is easily correctable it exists. 3 of my Pioneers are quartz-lock.

 

[Susurus]

Pretty sure I'll never get another TT without quartz-control (or some other specific potentially extremely accurate method of speed comparison).

If you like belt-drive that can limit your choices. Was very happy with a Dual CS-5000 with belt & quartz lock. Strong motor, 78 rpm able, stunning looks, 80dB specs!

 

[thedelihaus]

Toss in a belt drive with massive platter and speed accuracy, by physics an by listening, gets pretty accurate.

A direct drive with a decent motor, servo control, or servo and quartz, and a platter that's got close to three pounds behind it, and you're also good to go.

Indeed the embodiment of the phrase "There's more than one way o skin a cat"...