La Platine

MAGNETIC CUSHION

But the main bearing is the star of the show. With such a heavy planer, this needs to be pretty massive, and it is: an inverted 20mm diameter shaft some 68mm long. But there's no supporting bail or thrust plate; instead, the spindle and underside of the planer are surrounded by two large ceramic ring magnets that repel each other, thus allowing the planer to float on a magnetic cushion.

Verdier claims that ifs main bearing is the quietest ever, as the planer is vertically isolated. Of course, the sides of the bearing are in contact with the shaft, but the use of thick oil and a high standard of finish ensure minimal noise and friction. Which leads to one of the Verdier’s little foibles: the bottom of the main bearing is designed to leak oil!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Turntable
Bearing type : Opposed magnets
running on a vertical shaft.

Speeds : 33 and 45
Drive : Thread (or belt)
Motor : Separate unit with
optional battery supply

Tonearms : Two
Lid : No

Dimensions (WxHxD): 390 x 23 x 410 (turntable only)

Weight: 65 kg

Tonearm

Type: Damped Dual-pivot
Effective Length: Variable (9" or 12")
Effective Mass: Variable