Thorens Platter Damper

[worrasf]

Here's a cost effective and reversible plater upgrade for the Thorens TD150-160-145-166 and 320 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290624251326?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_500wt_966

Simply fits snugly inside the inner platter to damp resonance. I fitted one to my TD150 tonight and am favourably impressed - bass is tighter and presentation better focussed particularly noticeable on complex percussion. Sounds daft but listening to Money on Dark Side I'd swear the timing is "better" - sounds "punchier" - can't see how that can be from a bit of platter damping but I'm liking what it's doing - reminds me a bit of the difference between an Achromat and a Herbies on the Techie - strange but true :scratch:

I was originally going to say the difference was not night and day but after a bit more listening I think it is. :)

Well worth a tenner IMHO and easily removed if your'e not convinced

Steve

[DSJR]

Are you convincing yourself or is it repeatable?

I only ask as I have the wide strap-band around the perifery of my TD125 platter. makes sod-all difference to the ringing (having the platter in two halves cures it anyway once they're coupled together), but it does look better than the now rough finish and helps me to push-start the platter, which I couldn't do if i polished it mirror smooth (those flimsy belts don't last 5 minutes if one lets it start itself - no clutch on mine)...

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/TD125withR200withDecca.jpg

[RochaCullen]

Looks like a great addition. I've seen varios rubber rings that are to be placed around the bearing and other parts to dampen resonances. I fancy giving this a go, ands its not too expensive either.

[bobbasrah]

Looks like I have found a job for the router and spare bit of wood/mdf sometime soon.... At least this is honestly offered without any pretentious pseudo-scientifis claims....

[worrasf]

Are you convincing yourself or is it repeatable?


Always a difficult one this after buying a new "upgrade" - especially as I'm still getting used to the sound of the Thorens so fair point Dave.

I bought the thingumyjig because I had previously bought stuff from Joel (an ex Thorens technician I understand) and was really impressed with his advice and the low cost of his little bits (oils various, thrust pad, belt etc) and having read an article he wrote on uber tweaking the more esoteric Thorens's I reckon he know his onions :carrot:

So, I bought it without any preconception of what I was expecting it to do and as I'd not invested a wodge of dollar I'm probably not guilty of the emperors new clothes problem.

So long answer short - I do reckon it makes a real difference - is it reproducible? Well we all know all sonic improvement upgrades are "short lived" as we habituate to the new sound so rapidly and I'm not about to disassemble the platter to do an A/B dem :)

I guess the acid test will be if others try it and find it works (or not) for them.

Steve