Wow and Flutter!!!
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: High Fidelity Turntable User
Forum Description: Technical Q&A, hints and tips
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2481
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 2:30am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Wow and Flutter!!!
Posted By: peregrine7171
Subject: Wow and Flutter!!!
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 10:08am
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Hi all, I'm just about to enjoy a trial Reflex M on loan, so thought I would make sure my turntable was set up perfectly, just so I can be sure I'm doing the loaned kit justice. I've recently treated myself to Dr. Feickerts 7" test record, which you use with an iPhone app to measure platter speed. It works really well, but I could hear very slight, repeating variations in the test sound. The app showed this as the platter speed varying from 33.15rpm to 33.45rpm, every couple of seconds or so. I assume this is what is called 'wow' (I really must google 'wow and flutter'). My question is, does this seem an acceptable margin of variation - I have never tested a turntable in this way before, so have no benchmark to compare against. Cheers ------------- Jason Origin Live Resolution 2, O/L Encounter arm, Music Maker Classic LE, Musical Fidelity A308 Pre & AMS-50 power, Tannoy TD10s, Anti Cables, SAP Relaxa 3+ , Myryad MXC6000 CD, Marantz NA7004 |
Replies:
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 10:50am
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Hi Jason, That speed variation looks quite high to my inexperienced eye & if you are hearing wow it may well be. Piano recordings are a good way to double check speed variation by ear - the piano really shows it up. It sounds 'wobbly' if speed isn't secure. A slightly off-centre spindle hole in the record could be to blame though. ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: JamesD
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 12:53pm
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Unless my maths is off today, a record that is turning at 33rpm will take 2 seconds or so to do a full revolution which could indicate an off-centre or faulty record as RichW said. Not that you want a test record to be faulty.... ------------- Aren't ears brilliant |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 1:40pm
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We got a barcode reading App that couldn't read... Is the hole in the record on centre? (does the arm swing from side to side) Does the belt lay flat? (assuming it's belt drive) Can you see the pulley? Is it running off-centre? Is the bearing binding? (should be able to spin platter by hand - after removing drive - and it should take a long time to stop) Just a few ideas. Oh, and correct term is wow for turntables (flutter for tape) ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 7:50pm
 ). But it might be useful to compare with yours . . .  ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
peregrine7171 wrote: