Building high-end 'tables cheap at Home Despot II

Ha, I KNEW there were advantages to the new abode!! Thanks for the kind words Mario (AND JoAnn), it was a pleasure to host both you and your wonderful wife, you're welcome to come back anytime, and we'll explore the Caves of the Unknown!

There are only so many hours in a day, so the Garrard had to remain mute for the listening session. And more I would have liked to demonstrate: the unrecognized (except by the fortunate few) Greatness of the AR2ax's (this demonstration included the Pierre Amp matched to the ESS AMT4's), which when paired with the little (but incredibly POTENT) Sony TAE-3130F amplifier (ca. 1966) produces the Kundalini Effect.

Which brings me to speed stability, my constant subject with respect to reproducing music. The ONLY advantage digital media have over analogue sources is speed stability. Since the CD, DVD and SACD players don't have to deal with mechanical drag/brakes, only light/lasers, there is no braking effect and consequently these have a speed stability (piano especially) transient speed and clarity which attracts many audiophiles. This - reaction to the braking effect of the stylus in the groove which causes speed instabilities - is the Achilles Heel of belt-drives, and a fatal one. Properly set-up idler-wheel drives wipe out this digital advantage, so one reaps the benefits of vinyl - higher resolution AND analogue "flow"/naturalness - and wipes out speed instablities, which brings out the missing transient speed and slam, AND brings with it all the information digital loses: air, resonance, decay, PRaT, gestalt and natural musicality, not to mention the actual superior DYNAMICS and BASS (both reach and detail).

Next week I plan to finally finish the Garrard project (which includes the finish), pick out a tonearm/cartridge combo and have it sit there as a semi-permanent addition to my then-three-tonearm/cartridge system (until I have the new design ready, which will have two, perhaps three tonearm boards, more easily done with the Garrard "motor unit" construction).

Which brings me to the platform question Mike: those photos were of early days when the new set-up was not yet finalized. I have since mounted both 'tables on similar platforms, in the case of the Lenco on marble/acrylic, and in the case of the Garrard marble/corian. The easiest source of marble slabs are kitchen supply stores (marble cutting boards) and kitchen cabinet contructors. I would think granite would be as effective, which you could get done at any stone cutters business. As soon as I have finalized the Lenco and Garrard set-ups I will refresh the photos with new pics. I know that one of the tonearm/cartridge combos will be my Heavy-Metal Decca International paired up with the Grado Platinum, which combo is Supernaturally Musical and potent. Vive la Idler-Wheel!!

Oops, forgot to mention Mario's mumetal mod: it works! As already described, the hum (using both Grado and Decca) intensifies just before reaching the platter, then disappears as the cartridge goes over the edge and hovers above the record. A real panacea for those who abhor hum. Having heard it, I will have to so treat my own platter, as I love both the Grados and the Deccas, both the hummiest in the business. Better to apply in a heated environment, instead of outside where the glue freezes up here in the Great White North, yikes!

Cool, Jean. I figured as much re the marble thingies but didnt find anything exactly the same on ebray or Amazon. Sometimes I feel the pinch living in a decidedly un-cosmopolitian geographic area. The post office lady looks at me like I'm Magellian or somebody when I get a package from Taiwan or Germany - :)

Mike

I got myself a Variac voltage regulator and am using this to power a Lenco GL-75 with the Variac plugged into a line conditioner,and the table plugged into the Variac.I am on a 240v 50Hz supply for the mains and have found that the Lenco motor quietens down substantially when I turn the voltage down to around 160V.Has anyone tried this and what are their results?I am sure I am getting a blacker backgound and better audio.

Hi Stefan, this is a traditional mod as well for the Garrards, with the same reported results as you report. However, many of those who have tried this tweak and who love the idlers for their great dynamic power report as well a consequent loss of dynamics with the lowered noise-floor. Of course, this is dependent on how audible this is in a given system: if not in yours (some find it an across-the-board improvement), then it is not an issue. To me anyway, idler-wheel dynamics are Sacred and not to be diminished in any way, and since I so build my systems to maximize speed/impact/dynamics/rhythm, these types of mods (over-damping as well) audibly reduce the dynamics. While adjusting the motor for minimal noise by taking it apart and orienting the motor-core is difficult, and adjusting the nose-screw, it accomplishes the same thing without reducing torque/dynamics. Direct Coupling further eliminates the noise to well below that of high-end belt-drives, while increasing the dynamics, focus and speed. Do you hear any diminution of dynamics or bass impact with this tweak?

Up here the gremlins went on a rampage and took out my SP-8, Pierre Amp, and even my beloved little Sony amp is acting up, so I am now using my TAE-5450 preamp with the rebuilt TIP-modded Dynaco ST-120, and decided to set up my very vivacious Athena Technologies speakers for the Christmas season, as they get to the heart of the music in a way very few speakers do (PRaT, dynamics, easy listenability with decent detail and imaging combined this designer's particular talent). I was amazed at just how detailed and beautiful-sounding even this humble system is. When rebuilt/restored and TIP-modded the Dynaco ST-120 is indeed a very serious little amp, and I'm going to try it with my more-serious KEF Reference 103.2s to see just how good it is. I just LOVE these vintage gems, they are so much fun!! Have fun likewise all, this type of fun just seems so appropriate over the holidays!

I dialed-in the Garrard 301 with the fabulous Dynavector 507 MKII tonearm, and even with my cheap little Satin HO MC the level of refinement and detail was amazing. The Dynavector is truly one of the Great Tonearms (but with a BIG price-tag), and shows that when properly set up the Garrard (in this case Giant Direct Coupled CLD birch-ply/MDF plinth) is indeed a very refined and delicate retriever, while preserving that astonishing idler SLAM and BASS, in fact just like the Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove Lenco! There is no high-frequency hash of the sort so often reported in the press in the past (they had to find/create/invent fault somewhere or simply throw in the towel and admit belt-drive was a mistake and very definitely inferior).

Anyway, hope you're all having some fun!!