STRING - turntable drive thread TechneAudio

Turntable accessories - Drive & maintenance

An aged drive belt is one of the most common but most underestimated sound killers in turntables. However, anyone who operates a top-of-the-line turntable with a string drive doesn't know the problem of belt wear - they know a different one: the right string. The TechneAudio monofilament string is not a simple thread from the hobby store, but a precisely developed high-performance thread that consistently meets the specific requirements of sophisticated string drives. Made in Germany - by a mechanical engineer with a degree in mechanical engineering who doesn't sell audiophiles an X for a U.

The construction of the filament is two-layered and well thought-out: a solid polyamide PA6.6 core forms the mechanical backbone - PA6.6 is a technical high-performance polyamide known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, dimensional stability and controlled elongation behavior under load. This core is spun with fine filament threads that give the surface a defined microstructure. It is precisely this structure that is decisive: it creates a rich, low-slip contact with the motor pulley and disk sub - a key feature compared to smooth nylon threads or simple cotton yarns, which tend to be unstable on polished metal surfaces.

The string drive is a form of drive with clear audiophile calculations. Compared to the elastic rubber belt, the string is practically non-stretchable - it transmits the drive force more directly and true to form to the platter. The result is a more precise speed stability, fewer synchronization fluctuations and an overall smoother, more controlled sound. The string drive is the preferred form of drive for demanding designers, particularly in the case of inertia turntables with heavy platters and external motors - such as Thorens TD 124, Garrard 301, EMT, but also contemporary reference turntables: The high inertial mass of the platter stabilizes the rotary motion, while the string ensures a clean, low-slip frictional connection.

The correct pre-tension is crucial here: The string is closed with a simple knot and placed over the disk and drive pulley with a defined tension. Too little tension means slippage and speed instability, too much tension increases the bearing load unnecessarily. The 0.25 mm diameter of the TechneAudio string is matched to common pulleys in the high-end range and, when fitted correctly, ensures a tight, play-free fit - with no knots that come undone and no stretching that becomes noticeable after weeks.

Installation is very simple: cut the thread to the desired length, tie it with a simple knot, place it over the motor pulley and disk undersub with slight pre-tension - done. The set contains two 5 m spools per 5 m length, which allows for multiple re-tensioning and a convenient supply. If you regularly maintain your turner or operate several drives, you have a reliable reserve at hand.

An often underestimated advantage of the string over the rubber belt: No ageing behavior due to material fatigue. Rubber belts become brittle, lose their elasticity and expand over the years - the PA6.6 thread remains dimensionally stable. The TechneAudio string is therefore not a consumable in the traditional sense, but a long-lasting precision component that only needs to be replaced when it is mechanically worn.