Jimbos Audio ramblings

[Macca]

If the oils too thick I suppose it could retard the platter speed slightly

I've always thought that the popularity of the cheaper Rega decks was at least partly down to the fact that they run slightly too fast.

[Jimbo]

If the oils too thick I suppose it could retard the platter speed slightly

I've always thought that the popularity of the cheaper Rega decks was at least partly down to the fact that they run slightly too fast.

Not sure if its all to do with speed or transfer of vibration through the bearing and plinth? Different oils certainly have different properties and thus maybe difference effects on the turntable sound?

[CageyH]

If the oil is too thick, you could have drag affecting the speed stability. If it is too thin, you could have increased vibrations.
The only issue with the AO Booster is that it does not specify what grade it is. They also do a thick version.

Finding a fully synthetic mono grade SAE 30 or 40 could mean looking at garden machinery oils, as they usually are only run in the summer.

[CageyH]

The other thing to look at is the API rating. It has two letters for Petrol engine oil, starting with S. As a rough guide, the higher the 2nd letter, the higher the quality of the oil. But remember, this is a turntable bearing, so a good quality mineral or synthetic oil should be fine, as it is not exposed to heat or contamination.

[Jimbo]

I have some lawn mower oil so I will check that out too. I also have a range of specialist cycle oils, some of which maybe suitable. I have a feeling it maybe only through experimentation will I know what works. Knowing the viscosity of an oil is one thing but translating that into how it affects turntable performance and thus SQ is another.

It is fairly easy for me to change the oil in my VPI TT so I think it will end up being a new venture for 2024 although it was not one I had planned. I will post up my findings as they maybe useful for other users although I am not sure how my results with different oils will necessarily translate to other types of turntable?

[Jimbo]

Listening to the system this evening and as I approached 9.00pm there was a noticeable up tick in sound quality. I know this has been discussed before but I am sure what is happening is a reduction in noise floor. Background to the music became inky black and there was a marked increase in clarity and dare I say musicality. You just get drawn into the music more.

[Gazjam]

Less electrical mush on the line as demand is reduced later at night, yup, it’s a thing.

Annoyed me to the point I went down the balanced mains route to power my gear.
Get that 2am sound quality all of the day.

[Macca]

I've experienced the exact same thing but it had nothing to do with the mains supply, which is always noisy and distorted any time of day or night.

[Jimbo]

I've experienced the exact same thing but it had nothing to do with the mains supply, which is always noisy and distorted any time of day or night.

What was the cause of your noise Martin?

[Macca]

What was the cause of your noise Martin?

car journey home from work, during a heatwave, with the windows open.

Funny thing was my ears would open up again around the same time every night - about 1930 - and I'd go from thinking 'I really need to upgrade this system' to 'My God this sounds amazing.'

I also assumed it was the mains quality (there is fairly heavy industry nearby) until I did some reading up and started looking for another more likely cause. It was only when the warm weather ended - and so did the problem - that I twigged it.

It was same time every night give or take five minutes.