Suspensions on turntable...really effective?

"schubert
2,694 posts
01-07-2016 1:14am
Only ones I ever heard that really made a difference were magnetic suspension , And I 've owned four Thorens and a Linn LP-12."

Any suggestions? Clearaudio Magix?

I have heard really nice systems with magnetically suspended tables (Gabriel and Verdier), but, I have no idea how to attribute the sound to the particular suspension; these tables also have in common the fact that they are extremely massive.   With both tables, I have only heard systems that were in rooms where footfall was not a problem so I don't have any idea whether they do a better or worse job in that area.  I also heard the MASSIVE ClearAudio Statement table (the most expensive table I have seen/heard), and it too has a suspension (both magnetic and a mechanical suspension); it was in a dealer system that was not my kind of system so I don't really know what the table is capable of doing.  

I haven't seen a clear correlation between suspended vs. non-suspended in terms of what sounds good.  Of the suspended tables I am quite familiar with, I like the Basis Debut (the table I own), the Gabriel, the Verdier, the three motor Audio Note table, and, I even liked a Linn LP-12 with a Naim ARO arm on it (completely different sound, but, appropriate in the particular system it was in (heard a direct comparison with a Basis 2500).  I liked many non-suspended tables, like the TW Acoustic and refurbished Thorens 164.  I would not rule any particular design out just on theory. 

diamondears, I use a Project Perspex that has magnetic suspension and their carbon 9cc tonearm and am very satisfied  with it  on the acoustic music I listen too. But at only 1800$ I'm sure it's a non-starter for many .

A question on magnetic suspension -

I can see how it might be effective for lateral vibrations, but how about vertical vibrations? Once the magnets are strong enough to support the weight of the table assembly would they then not then be stiff in the vertical plane, thus transmit any vertical vibrations?

As you may guess, I’m not an engineer.

One problem I have with mag lev suspension is that the heavier the object isolated the more powerful the magnets required.  But we know that magnetic fields are bad for the sound especially in proximity to low level signals.  For that reason I'm out. Of course the other objection is the very slippery nature of the opposing magnets doing the levitating.  It is impossible to stop the top plate from moving laterally without putting uh stops in.