Drive System Upgrades
Savoie Drive Retrofit for Mk I & Mk II Turntables
Shown above is a rendition of our new drive system: the "S-drive", to be released in the Spring of 2026.
This is the same drive we're releasing with our upcoming Savoie turntable. It's available to owners of all Galibier turntables, and in custom heights for many other turntables.
We'll be releasing a "demo configuration" as well. You can read about it by clicking here.
This drive system represents a significant departure for us, as we're moving to a US-based motor manufacturer with a similar reputation in aerospace as the Maxon motors we were previously using.
Ergonomically, this is a cleaner design, employing two soft touch switches to handle all "normal" functions (start, stop, speed change), in conjunction with a small, hidden calibration button accessed through a small hole in the top plate.
We've taken a new approach to belts as well.
The new drive system is 3-phase, driven by sine waves as opposed to the pulse width modulation drive of our previous drives (v1.01 through 1.03). You can read about these legacy drive systems in this drive system timeline.
You might wonder why an upgrade might benefit you, if you don’t hear any pitch stability issues.
If you read only one thing, link to our Drive System FAQs page (opens in a new tab).
We linked to the first question, but there's a wealth of information on that page - about both conversions, as well as our drive system philosophy in general.
Pricing - $4,195 to $5,295
What's Included:
- This is a complete drive system, including a new motor pod, top plate, power supply and drive belts.
Galibier Owners:
- Early Adopter Price (through July, 2026): $3,195
- After July: $4,195
Non-Galibier Turntables (custom heights are extra):
- $5,295
- Minimum height from turntable shelf to the center line of the belt is 5.2".
- Taller, custom heights: priced individidually (includes a custom riser/base plate)
Trade-in / Trade-up Policy
At any point within two years of purchase, you may apply the full purchase price of your drive system upgrade in trade toward a new Galibier Stelvio, Gavia, or Savoie turntable.
We will re-purpose any compatible parts from your drive system (as applicable) to the model you purchase.
Contact us for details.
Testimonials
The comments below are for our v1.03 drive system.
As we receive comments on our new "S-drive", we'll update them here.
"
I can clearly observe four qualitative differences:
One, dynamics. It can be startling. I surmise this quality is a function of speed accuracy. The music pulses, breathes, moves and jumps.
Two, pace and rhythm. The gestalt of the instruments moving in time to a master clock gives the music a drive and energy. This is particularly enjoyable on thrash metal artists like Slayer.
Three, deeper, blacker soundstage. This must contribute to the startling dynamics.
Four, it looks great.
Dave T
29-Nov-2023
"
Well, that’s not a subtle difference! Thom, I don’t think I realized how broke the original motor was and what an effect that has had on my perception of vinyl playback over the years since I bought the Redpoint.
It took all of a minute to have the controller set up and working, and the speed was locked on at 33 as well as 45.
Just wanted to give you a quick update on the thing. I’m really happy!
Chuck H
12-Oct-2020
"
The first thing I noticed was rock solid speed which made for clarity and focusing of the presentation. My original Galibier motor pod was certainly no slouch in that department.
Leading edge transients are very pronounced and did not lose tonality upon release. Cymbals, pianos, horns, etc. all jumped out of the mix with enhanced dynamics.
Tom B
