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Can an old Thorens Table be "Over Dampend" to the point where sound is adversely effected?

I am sure this topic is not new but I would like a new take on it...So the question is: Can one Over Dampen an older suspension chassis Thorens like a 125,145,160,166 etc.? I am only (in this post) regarding the exposed inner wood of the plinth like the base and inner walls. I have heard in some venues that it is easy to over dampen and KILL the dynamics of one of these older tables...Are they referring to more of the damping of the motor, platter, suspension parts etc. basically the metal parts or any damping? What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
rikintpa
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
If your damping is done correctly its impossible to overdo it.
rikintpa OP
16 posts
 

So..."tooblue"...How does one hear when too much damping has been applied? 

"Atmasphere"...What is an example of damping correctly?

tooblue
787 posts
 


There is a dulling of the sound, a prime example would be using some BDR products, I really like there racing cones  and use them throughout my system coupling them with their disc and in some instances had to go back to just their cones. Damping correctly, doesn't that mean not over or under doing it?

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
"Atmasphere"...What is an example of damping correctly?
Using an appropriate damping material (extensional when damping surfaces; constrained when damping between surfaces), not using damping when coupling is required (such as between the arm and the plinth), not using damping materials on the arm in such a way that the performance is compromised. For the most part, common sense.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
A lot of people like to dampen these older Thornes tables either on the interior of the wooden plinth or all over the inner metal spring board, and arm board, they use things like "Blue Tac" or that Dynamat stuff in car doors. It will kill the sound and rob the life out of the music. The best thing you can do is make sure the springs are working properly and lubricate them and if possible remove the deteriorating foam plugs in the springs. And have the table on a good non resonant level shelf. I own a TD160 and it has been semi-rewired (Morrow Audio pwr/ic from wiring block, stock tonearm wire to block) this really opened up the soundstage and added much needed detail. The biggest upgrade to the sound was putting a Grado Prestige wood body on the TP16 tone arm (match made in heaven).

Matt M
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