Vertere SG-1/SG-1 PTA HB Turntable Lab Report

Lab Report

Driven by the Imperium's biphase 17.8V PSU output, the SG-1's 24-pole AC motor and long belt (shiny side outwards!) achieve excellent speed stability – as supplied, the absolute speed was imperceptibly slow at –0.06% but this is well within the finest ±0.25% increment available for fine adjustment. Peak-wtd wow is just 0.02% with little or no drift and no dominant sidebands [see Graph 1, below]. The same is true of higher frequency flutter, also just 0.02% peak-wtd, where correlated speed variations are traded instead for innocuous noise. Furthermore, the phosphor bronze bearing sleeve, with hardened steel spindle running on a tungsten carbide ball, offers a low –70.5dB rumble (DIN-B wtd, re. 5cm/sec). We've seen lower [HFN Jul '22] but the efficacy of Vertere's removable spindle and air-rich/fibre mat is reflected in its far lower through-groove figures which, quite frankly, is where it really matters. Measured in-groove on the 3mm bonded acrylic platter surface this figure falls to –72.5dB, and further still to –74.5dB once the spindle is removed and mat introduced.

With the fine tracking force adjustment ring set midway down the partnering SG PTA HB tonearm's 'roll-wrapped' carbon-fibre tube, the principal resonant mode is deferred to a respectable 135Hz. There are also harmonic/torsional modes revealed at 290Hz, a complex cluster at 370Hz-540Hz and a single peak, possibly related to the titanium headshell fingerlift at 1.2kHz [see CSD waterfall, Graph 2]. Bearing friction/stiction is within 10mg in both planes while the underhang counterweight, low pivot point position and captive array of three silicon nitride balls all contribute to the inherent stability of the design even if it can never be entirely resistant to 'twisting'. PM

922vertere.lab1

Wow and flutter re. 3150Hz tone at 5cm/sec (plotted ±150Hz, 5Hz per minor division)

922vertere.lab2

Cumulative tonearm resonant decay spectrum, illustrating various bearing, pillar and 'tube' vibration modes spanning 100Hz-10kHz over 40msec

Turntable speed error at 33.33rpm 33.31rpm (–0.06%)
Time to audible stabilisation 3-4sec
Peak Wow/Flutter (Peak wtd) 0.02% / 0.02%
Rumble (silent groove, DIN B wtd) –74.5dB
Rumble (through bearing, DIN B wtd) –70.5dB
Hum & Noise (unwtd, rel. to 5cm/sec) –55.5dB
Power Consumption 5W (4W standby)
Dimensions (WHD) / Weight (TT only) 490x240x400mm / 20kg
Prices £16,000-£18,250 (£3500, arm; £7950, Imperium PSU)

COMPANY INFO
Vertere Ltd
London
Supplied by: Vertere Ltd
0203 176 4888
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