The thorough features summary about the Sounds Natural Revolve Turntable starts with the design brief and by Lance Dixon… “To design a turntable that could function at the highest level, that would complement top tier tonearms, cartridges and systems without price point restraints.”
Specific attention to be paid to the following critical requirements;
- Providing a resonant free upper platter surface and resonant free arm boards.
- To design a drive mechanism that will provide constantly precise platter speed.
- To design and engineer longevity of all the elements comprising the whole.
- To blend the required functional and aesthetic characteristics without compromise to either.
- To combine fine tolerance engineering where required, using modern techniques, with elements of hand craftsmanship and exquisite finishing.
- To create an elegant, pleasing appearance, similar to that of a fine musical instrument.
Summary of Features;
THE PLINTH ASSEMBLY consists of a precision milled 15 mm aluminium base plate with a handcrafted laminated hardwood surround. The plinths may be ordered in any suitable available hardwood and the finish applied is customer selectable. Mounted on the base plate are, three feet assemblies, pillars for the two arm boards and the main bearing assembly. The internal void is filled with mass damping media which surrounds and prevents resonances occurring in all the critical functional components. The damping media is sealed in the plinth assembly during manufacture.
THE FEET ASSEMBLIES each have a foot with a silicone pad underneath, a spike is centred on each foot and rises to the top of the wooden plinth where it is threaded onto a sleeve that runs down to the base. The sleeves are surrounded by the mass damping media mentioned above. The front two feet are adjustable to enable the turntable to be levelled and have lock nuts to secure the setting. These are accessible via removable caps that are fitted to the top of the plinth. This system is the first stage of measures designed to counter resonances that may occur in the stand on which the turntable is placed.
ARM BOARDS. There are two arm board assemblies that will accommodate virtually any type or length of arm. Adaptor mounts will be specifically made for each type of tonearm that the owner anticipates using. A pair of 40 mm diameter solid steel pillars are mounted on the aluminium base, these are surrounded by the mass damping media and protrude to just above the level of the plinth, they do not touch the wooden plinth. The adjustable arm boards are made from 20 mm aluminium and have an extra steel plate that adds mass and deadens the arm board. There are removable caps that allow access to the swivel adjustment screws.
THE MAIN BEARING ASSEMBLY consists of a 20 mm diameter, precision ground, polished stainless steel shaft, a 60 mm diameter brass housing fitted with polymer bushes. The thrust bearing is a ceramic ball turning on a hardened tool steel plate. There is a reservoir of purified synthetic oil that ensures that the bearing surfaces are constantly submerged. A conveniently positioned valve outlet at the rear of the turntable that allows the oil to be periodically and effectively drained. The bearing housing is bolted to a substantial mount which in turn is bolted to the base. The bearing assembly and mount are surrounded by the damping media.
THE PLATTER ASSEMBLY consists of numerous components of differing materials. The brass central hub fits over the bearing shaft and is bolted to the lower steel platter disc. The steel disc provides considerable mass and also acts as a magnetic shield. The middle platter disc is aluminium and the upper platter disc is POM, these discs are centralised and separated from each other and from the lower steel disc by acoustic de-coupling measures which ensure a vibration free upper platter surface. There is a screw on clamp which holds the record in firm contact with the upper platter surface. The mass of the platter assembly is 17.5 Kgs, this mass is sufficient to effectively overcome any resistance by factors such as variable stylus drag and belt vibration.
MAGNETIC LEVITATION force is used to apply an upward force of 16 Kgs to the platter assembly. This reduces the effective force on the thrust bearing to 1.5 Kgs, which reduces friction ensuring quiet operation and longevity. There are a pair of shielded neodymium ring magnets, the upper magnet is attached to the underside of the platter assembly and the lower magnet is fitted into a housing. The gap between the magnets is set to achieve the desired upward force.
THE MOTOR POD ASSEMBLY consists of a steel and brass housing that contains the motor and a step-down belt pulley system. The pod assembly weighs 12 Kgs., this mass absorbs any internal vibration from the motor and mechanism and it is separately positioned thus eliminating any vibration from reaching the main plinth. It is positioned centrally to the rear of the plinth. It has a silicone pad to grip the surface.
MOTOR. An 11 watt Maxon DC motor was selected due to its high precision, zero cogging, silent running and impeccable quality. The motor is digitally controlled by a propriety controller that ensures absolute speed control that is un-affected by fluctuations in voltage and frequency that occur on the mains supply. The motor speed and a ramp up from zero to either 33.33 or 45 rpm is pre-programmed during testing using the Maxon software
THE DRIVE SYSTEM is a dual step, dual belt system giving a 50:1 ratio between the motor shaft and the platter. This high ratio allows the motor to operate well within its power and rev capability thus ensuring a high degree of speed accuracy and extended motor life.
THE CONTROL is a separate unit that is positioned on a shelf below the turntable. it can be made with a matching wooden facia or a plain un-obtrusive fascia. The controls consist of, a power on/off button and a led to indicate that power is switched on. There are two rotary knobs, one to switch between 33.33 rpm and 45 rpm., and the other to start/stop the motor. The knob assemblies are designed to give a smooth tactile feel to the operation. All these components are purpose made.
The rear panel consists of an IEC 3 pin socket, an isolation switch, a 15 way industrial connector for the motor connection, a fuse, and USB socket.
The USB socket is specifically for connection to a computer in order to pre-program the motor controller, this is done in the workshop as part of the initial set-up and testing.
FINISHING TOUCHES, each turntable is bespoke, i.e. made to order according to a customer’s preference and therefore no two will be alike. Selectable items will include;
- The hardwood for the plinth and the finish applied, this can be mirror gloss, satin, or natural.Each of the various metal components such as the feet, closing caps, platter discs. arm boards, controls knobs and on/off button and the record clamp can be plated, anodised or sprayed.
- Each turntable has an engraved plaque attached to the side of the plinth. The plaque will be engraved with the original owner’s name, the date of completion, the serial number and a ‘made by Lance’ signature.
Adaptor plates are made to facilitate the mounting of specified tonearms. Further adaptor plates may be ordered as required.
All the tools required to set-up, and spare bearing oil and belts are carefully packaged for future use.
PACKAGING AND SETTING UP, each turntable is packed in two ply-wood crates. Each of the components are packed in sequence, to enable simple and logical setting-up.
The turntable is heavy and requires two ‘able bodied’ people to lift the main assembly out of the crate. There is a convenient lifting frame under the turntable to assist with the lifting and positioning of the turntable on an equipment stand. The lifting frame is dis-assembled and removed once the turntable is exactly positioned on its stand.
The overall weight of the turntable is approximately 80 kg and therefore the equipment stand must be capable of supporting that weight.