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The Platter
T h e platter of the P R E M I E R E is precision machined from a special m a g n e s i u m /
aluminum alloy w h i c h c o m b i n e s rigidity and strength. T h e majority of its m a s s ,
concentrated around the perimeter, helps the platter achieve a high m o m e n t of
inertia w h i c h contributes to s p e e d stability, and reduces flutter i n d u c e d by stylus
drag during transients. T h e Peripheral W a v e Trap™ — a special rubber elastic
c o m p o u n d set in the rim of the platter, reduces any t e n d e n c y of the alloy to
resonate.
The Bearing
T h e bearing of a turntable c a n have a critical effect on the s o u n d quality w h i c h
it is capable of. M e r e durability is not sufficient. T h e bearing must achieve a
very low friction coefficient in order to ensure an e v e n , s m o o t h rotation of the
spindle, and to reduce load on the motor. H o w e v e r , it is also imperative that
there is no play in the bearing.
The spindle of the P R E M I E R E is machined of high strength steel w i t h i n a
tolerance of . 0 0 0 2 " . A special c h r o m e surface treatment results in an extremely
g o o d hardness rating of 70 R o c k w e l l . T h e tungsten carbide ball, w h i c h is
inserted into the d i a m o n d - l a p p e d tip of the spindle, has a hardness rating of
over 90 R o c k w e l l , m a k i n g it virtually impervious to wear in this application.
W e chose a specially coated tungsten carbide thrust pad (with a hardness rating
of approximately 9 2 R o c k w e l l A) for m a x i m u m durability and resistance to
flexing.
T h e bushings used in the P R E M I E R E ' S bearings are manufactured of a special
alloy w h i c h p r o d u c e s almost zero friction w h e n interfaced w i t h the c h r o m e
surface of the spindle. In fact, this material does not create noise but actually
absorbs and dissipates into the s u b c h a s s i s any vibration that might be created
as the platter rotates.
The Subchassis
The use of a special 7-layer laminate consisting of 4 layers of a m a g n e s i u m /
a l u m i n u m alloy separated by 3 layers of a special b o n d i n g agent, w e l d e d into a
single structure under very high pressure, results in s o m e distinct performance
advantages. T h e entire a s s e m b l y is very rigid but also extremely inert. T h i s is of
great importance since the s u b c h a s s i s has to be quite large and is therefore
prone to vibration. T h i s is controlled by the 3 inner bonding layers w h i c h act as
barriers to vibration transmission by decoupling each of the 4 metal layers.
T h e s e bonding layers also absorb and dissipate vibrations.
T h e geometry of the s u b c h a s s i s is also significant. W e have m i n i m i z e d its
surface area since any large surface tends to act as a d i a p h r a g m , w h i l e
concentrating the majority of its m a s s around the centre to absorb and dissipate
bearing vibrations.
The tonearm mounting plate is c o m p l e t e l y e n c l o s e d within the rigid and inert
confines of a circular extension of the subchassis. T h i s minimizes any t e n d e n c y
of the mounting plate to act as a d i a p h r a g m , and k e e p s it at the s a m e overall
level as the s u b c h a s s i s w h i c h enables the tonearm m a s s to be integrated w i t h
the overall m a s s of the floating a s s e m b l y .
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