Paul,
With respect, it seems that you're being selective about your points and also misconstruing/distorting what I'm saying for the record.
I just don't see evidence that this is by design. And for a basic Planar 3 the speed will vary by 1% depending on the state of the grid. Which makes the question in that case moot.
1% is a huge variation. A 24 min side in that case would play (let's say fast) in 23:45. That's not just fast it's audible. We also aren't just discussing speed we're talking about W&F as you've mentioned.
I think if you're going to criticise a product for its engineering you should have a sound engineering basis for that criticism.
I'm not criticizing a product for it's engineering, I'm saying it appears that one aspect of the TT's function, from Rega, is a lesser priority than others. This may be directly related to their focus on other elements, and/or sound engineering practices or "compromises" as RG often puts it.
Kudos to Fremer for at least trying, but he's not shown that the speeds are deliberately or consistently wrong.
He simply said that to his experience, and having reviewed multiple rega tables, this was his experience. Granted it's likely only 5 or 6 data points but that's not nothing, it's something. And his measurements provided in the article back up his point.
Voltage isn't relevant with these motors, it's all about frequency. A basic Planar 3 with perfect dimensions and belt tension would have been running 0.5% slow this afternoon, now it would be going 0.2% fast. Perhaps its user would be commenting on how the sound improves after dark.
Right, sure. We're talking about how the tables' speed accuracy performs in consistent frequency conditions. They aren't as stable as other tables under same conditions. IN THIS REGARD.
Also let's keep things separate: the Planar 3 is one thing, it has a basic PS. But even the TTPSU and the provided PSU's on the Rp8 and rp10 allow for greater control.
If someone can get within .1% on a Mober, or on an Eagle/Falcon/Roadrunner, both of which are essentially garage-companies, Rega should likely be able to match in this regard, I'd think. I understand that these companies don't have layers of distribution in their sales' chain, or the overhead, but they also don't have the tooling, history, economies of scale, etc. etc. etc.
I don't know how many times I have to say this, but again, I think REGA's tables are fantastic. If I didn't have a Linn, my next stop would be a Rega, hands down. (perhaps some VPI's nip at the heels, but still....). And again, as linnfomaniac rightly said, perhaps it's not their priority in terms of design. But from what's been reviewed and measured, that I've read, regas seem to be less accurate and stable in terms of overall speed and W&F compared to other offerings from other companies in similar price brackets.