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Platter wobble - too much?

Hi everyone,

Just working on getting my new turntable dialed in, and the platter seems to wobble far more than my previous table.  I noticed the wobble with the naked eye from across the room.  I've already tried a new sub-platter to see if the first one perhaps had a bent spindle or machining defect.  I only have one other table to compare it to, so I don't know if this type of variation from flat is normal.  Here are a few videos:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq3KR-M7eL-_rMoyTQZi0pg

Does this seem like a reasonable tolerance, or am I going to do some damage to the cart/bearing/records?  I appreciate any thoughts y'all might have.

Best, Scott
smrex13
pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
39 posts
 
Totally unacceptable. Total agreement. How often have you seen that on any audio forum?
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
No way would that be acceptable on a $100 tt, never mind one that is in the thousands.
I would not be touching any part of it, pack it all up and get it shipped back at their cost with either a full refund or a guaranteed perfect replacement.
No other options should even be considered.


bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
I would not give the manufacturer the option of providing a "perfect replacement" since they already claim there is no problem.  Get a refund, walk away from them and never look back.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
Maybe so
But there are plenty of GEM decks out there and have never heard of one this bad so have to figure its a one off Friday night special.

Obviously up to the OP but needs to returned post haste whatever they decide to go with.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
I wanted to make it clear that I didn't start this post to cast any dispersions on the manufacturer (which is why I didn't mention the brand).  They responded immediately to send out a second sub-platter when they (and I) thought the initial problem was a bent spindle.  I just heard back from them, and they are offering a refund or a repair/replacement - my choice.  I wouldn't want this one experience to color anyone's perception of the company or the specific table.  The manufacturer has been first class all the way, and the table sounds very good.    

Thanks very much to everyone for your help - it was good to get confirmation that the wobble was a significant issue.  And I'm glad that I could find one topic on which Audiogoners all agree :)

All the best, Scott
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