A Copernican View of the Turntable System

Just a short follow up on my experience with the footers used under the platter/motor.

First I believe it is more important that you have a good solid level isolated platform. I dont think footers should be used as a bandaid for fix platform problems. Fix the platform first.

I have experimented with footers 1) when necessary to up hold a DIY project like this or 2) to change the sound of manufacturers feet.

This applies to one above.

I tried different feet and they all worked. I would still be using the maple shade heavy footers but the at616 came along and they are adjustable. That was my only reason with the different armpods. Its very subjective – we all have different gear and even more different - stands and shelves holding the gear. Experiment with them.

As to weight of the armpod – I don’t know how much weight will work best. My footprint weight changed substantially with the brass - and I believe for the better – it certainly did not get worse – common sense says more is better – but as Lewn pointed out with Vyger some people get carried away. At least I think so. If you have ever picked up 10 lbs of steel or brass with one hand it is substantial – its not going anywhere when coupled with spikes. The next armpod for my other tonearm will again be out of brass, slightly shorter (to accomodate a test witht the jrs. eventually) and will cost $116.
Some people spend this much on an lp :).

Cantaloupe? Where do you ever see canned cantaloupe? I toyed with the idea of stewed tomatoes, peas, corn, etc. Anything that is sloshing around but has some substance. Cantaloupe might work if the water content is high enough. Note that I am taking your response seriously. Not.

Soon I will mount photos of my anti-no-plinth, made to my design and then assembled by me for my SP10 Mk3, using a huge slab of slate bolted to a substantial wood base made from solid cherry and baltic birch and with a brass billet imbedded under the table to dampen any bearing vibrations via connection of the bearing housing to a brass rod which screws into the brass billet, a la the Albert Porter idea. It weighs about 90 lbs without the SP10 installed. The wood base really adds substantial further dampening to the slate. You guys would hate it.

Dear Lewm: ++++ " You guys would hate it .... " ++++

well not really, because we don't need it we even don't have to think on it ( half true half joke. ).

Btw, nice to see you own the MK3. Now I understand why I see your add saling the MK2. Congratulations for that, obviously your feedback on the MK3 will be appreciate.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear Lewn - I would never hate anything that makes great sounds and music. Music is music. How you get there doesnt matter. As long as each of us gets to what makes us happy if that is possible in this hobby. It is a hobby right?

There are complicated and simple solutions to our audio goals. I find as I get older - I turned 50 in February - I much prefer the simpler ones and the ones that get me more involved.

I echo what Raul said - I look forward to hearing your impressions of the MKIII and Thuchan's impressions of his MkII.

FWIW - I knew something was off with my brass armpod. I got home tonight after being away, measured it and it is actually 4.25” tall. I was so like a little kid setting it up last weekend I never bothered to measure. Anyone ordering from Metal Supermarkets better make sure they give you the size you need especially if the little extra will make a difference.

Cheers Chris

Dear Lew, Our respected member Mackris stated in some thread :'When thinking about a turntable design, you need
to consider the physical energy paths in much the same way
you consider the current paths in an amp. design.' I know
that you are not much impressed by P. Lurne but he deed exactly this in his new Belladonna TT. I am sure you will find some very interesting ideas in his new design (www.tnt-audio.com; the Belladonna ,part II).

Regards,