VPI redesigning experiment

Tphalieros. I would be very interested to hear how your experiment turns out. I have a HW19 mkIV and and am in the process of waiting for HR-X bearings/Platter/clamping systme to be availble as well. I am new to Audiogon and have been noticing there is a lot of talk about Teres. I am now strongly considering purchasing their lead filled platter and bearing to put on my plinth, since the cost is about the same with the HR-X parts. The only problem is that the hole for the bearing is too small on my plinth for the teres bearing and would have to ream out .25". Also the armboard would be a problem because the platter is 3" thick. I would have to make a custom armboard. I do have a SAMA and SDS so compatibility between my motor and teres platter should be ok. Since so much modification maybe necessary for my plinth I was considering making an entirely new plinth out of another material. Someone told me corion was good. Others have told me Maple was good also. After reading your post I think I would choose maple, so let me know if your assumptions were correct. Also I have had other individuals mention Twl in their postings. They seem to be infering that this person had very good knowledge about analogue in general so I decided to brouse the postings and indeed that seems to be so. TWL, if you don't mind could you comment on my question I posted a few days ago titled: Help Please: What Cartridge?. It would be greatly appreciated. Your comments regarding this posting would be appreciated as well.

Ted Thanks for your thread. I get those Mapleshade booklets in the mail and wondered about the qualities of maple (Canadian Maple)that is.

I will be looking forward to you findings.
Ron

Talentkeeper, I would avoid materials such as corian for a plinth. I would also go for the HR-X assembly. I believe Pierre Sprey(Mapleshade), about lead dulling the sound, don't forget that the Teres base is made from cocobolo which is used to make castaniettes. It's lively sound works in synergy with the acrylic-lead combo of the platter.
Ted

Tphalieros, thanks for that valuable info. Looks like I could have made a serious mistake. I will now definitely go for the HR-X assembly. Give us a report once you've tested out the Maple plinth. Thanks.

Chul

Ted-
I have my VPI Scout on a 3" thick slab of Canadian maple and the Mapleshade Isoblock footers under it. The footers are on a 3/4" custom cut granite shelf which replaced the original shelf on the rack.

My observations so far are that the maple really tightens up the bass, provides greater extension and drive. The laid back quality of the maple works in concert with the granite, which alone is rather lively and forward sounding. The granite has provided a heavy stable platform for the rest of the setup. 30lbs of granite, 20 lbs of maple, 30lbs of turntable, give or take..