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Home grown turntable platform/base?

I picked up a used Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable for the family room. We are not big into vinyl, mostly listen to digital, but my 16yo daughter has shown an interest in getting some records. I’m getting excited about her interest in vinyl and audio. What is a good platform material to use? Wood? Granite? Should I add sorbothane and/or spikes underneath? I’m not looking to spend a lot but feel I should have some decent isolation for it. The turntable currently sits on a hollow shelf. It’s where it has to be so I need to make this work.

Thanks for any input.
asahitoro

Showing 7 responses by asahitoro

asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Thanks for the excellent replies everyone,

First of all, sorry but what are foot falls? I like the idea of the Herbie’s Tenderfoots. Is there any way I can do this a little more low profile such as just using one piece of birch? I like that idea with the leather covering. I’m trying to keep the wife acceptance factor here. Is a piece of granite or marble a bad choice with the Tenderfoots?

Thanks again.
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Thanks noromance,

I don’t see me having a footfall problem as the main floor we walk on is concrete. This is a raised shelf/ledge that was built into the wall when the house was built. So go spikes over the Herbie’s Tenderfoots? I could get a hold of a piece of granite like that but would it be too heavy for the Tenderfoots with the turntable anyway?
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Awesome advice @noromance. Thanks again to you and everyone else. I'll post what I end up with.
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Thanks Steve,

I'm digging this Mapleshade unfinished block:
https://shop.mapleshadestore.com/18-x-15-x-2-Ready-To-Be-Finished-Maple-Platform/productinfo/18X15X2...

Would this be a good combo with the Herbie's Tenderfoots or would the granite/spikes route work out better?
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Thanks again for the excellent replies everyone,

I’ve been looking at maple blocks on Amazon including the Butcher Block Acoustics one mentioned. Prices seem reasonable and I already have some spikes. What is too thin for the block to be effective enough? I’m looking at 1.75" ones and the 3" BBA one. Is Maple the main choice as I see Walnut for more?
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
Thanks again,

I'm not trying to be cheap but I only have $275 into the turntable so I don't want to over do it. I'm sure there's point of diminishing gains for the the Pro-Ject and what it's capable of.  I'm thinking $100 max on this platform.  I can get a 3" BBA maple block for under that. I already have spikes and it comes with 4 'Anti Vibration Pads' to try as well. I can get a 1.75" thick piece of walnut from them for the same as a 3" piece of maple. Stick with 3" of maple?
asahitoro OP
217 posts
 
I’m setting up a turntable in another room and am going to get another block. How important is the thickness and wood type given my choices at the same basic price point? I can get a 1.5"-1.75" thick piece of end cut walnut for the same as a 3" end cut piece of maple. I’ll be putting Herbie’s grungebuster Dots underneath.

Thanks.
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