I wonder if that 12 seconds to speed is a conservative number. I spun a few LP's tonight on a fully automatic Dual TT located in my den. I started it manually, moved the arm over, waited 12 seconds, then lowered the arm. The whole process took about 16 seconds by the time the TT started playing music, 20 seconds total to be seated with a drink in hand. It seems like a very long time if you aren't used to it. Spec for the Dual EDS to reach nominal speed is 2 to 2.5 seconds. I'm so used to pressing the auto start button and being seated with a drink in hand by the time the music starts playing, which is <5 seconds. A dealer near me in NYC now has a Bardos. I'll do a demo this weekend and bring a speed disk to see just how long it takes to cruise. The other TT he has of interest to me is the Artemis Labs SA-1 designed by Frank Schroder. I'm told it beats the Bardos in everything hands down, and is about $2K cheaper in price. It's not direct drive, but has an innovative tape drive system that uses 1/4" magnetic reel tape, instead of rubber or string, to drive the platter. Nice thing is that you can make your own "belts" from old reels. The tape drive system is kept taught by a tensioning lever bearing. You won't see this on any other TT, and I've become very interested in this technology.
http://www.soundscapehifi.com/artemis-labs-sa-1.htm
Best Regards and kudos to a good thread...
http://www.soundscapehifi.com/artemis-labs-sa-1.htm
Best Regards and kudos to a good thread...