View Full Version : Isoplatmat Vs Acromat 1200
Would an aluminium Isoplatmat with soft neoprene platter mat on top (or perhaps even the soft OL mat on top) be more effective than a Acromat 1200 on its own? It is not that much more expensive and would seem to be very well regarded. It is a constrained layer damping design - two layers of aluminium that are bonded together with a 60micron thick layer of polymer.
Could the aluminium Isoplatmat be bonded to the original platter with vaseline in the same way as the Acromat or is this not advised?
Any thoughts or experiences?
Spectral Morn
23-08-2014, 13:56
Would an aluminium Isoplatmat with soft neoprene platter mat on top (or perhaps even the soft OL mat on top) be more effective than a Acromat 1200 on its own? It is not that much more expensive and would seem to be very well regarded. It is a constrained layer damping design - two layers of aluminium that are bonded together with a 60micron thick layer of polymer.
Could the aluminium Isoplatmat be bonded to the original platter with vaseline in the same way as the Acromat or is this not advised?
Any thoughts or experiences?
Oyaide MJ12 with BROne under mat is about the best metal mat out there for the Technics, if you like the presentation, which I do. Vaseline not required, as the BR One damps the platter, gives excellent foundation for the MJ12 to work on. There is an all rubber version too BR12 but I haven't heard one of those.
In my view the matching weight is required to get the best from the MJ12
Details here http://www.oyaide.co.uk/oyaide-turntable-accessories.htm
These are a good alternative to the replacement platter option imho
Regards Neil
The Oyaide MJ12 is too expensive. I am sure it is good but it looks too much like Hi-Fi jewellery for my tastes. My feeling is, I would be better off looking for a used MK1 Funk Firm platter at that price level. Also, I would prefer not to use a record clamp. My understanding is the MJ12 has been designed to be used in conjunction with a clamp?
Does the BR One rubber mat fit inside the Technics lip? Could this be used in conjunction with the Isoplatmat instead of the MJ12? Are there any other cheaper 1mm/2mm rubber mats out there that fit the lip and could be used in conjunction with the Isoplatmat. I understand from research that metal on metal is not a good idea.
Spectral Morn
23-08-2014, 16:06
The Oyaide MJ12 is too expensive. I am sure it is good but it looks too much like Hi-Fi jewellery for my tastes. My feeling is, I would be better off looking for a used MK1 Funk Firm platter at that price level. Also, I would prefer not to use a record clamp. My understanding is the MJ12 has been designed to be used in conjunction with a clamp?
Does the BR One rubber mat fit inside the Technics lip? Could this be used in conjunction with the Isoplatmat instead of the MJ12? Are there any other cheaper 1mm/2mm rubber mats out there that fit the lip and could be used in conjunction with the Isoplatmat. I understand from research that metal on metal is not a good idea.
Huge mistake re your thinking on this, it most certainly is not HiFi jewellery and is very much in my experience a viable alternative to any of the extant replacement platters available and yes I have compared them. Not saying its better its different but the BR One is required, as you rightly say that metal upon metal is not the best idea. As I stated above the MJ12 needs to be used with its weight, which takes both items into the price point of a replacement platter. I would not be so dismissive before trying this option.
I can't say how a BR One works with the item you are asking about as I have no experience of it.
Regards Neil
Wakefield Turntables
23-08-2014, 16:16
Ive messed around with more platter mats than I care to remember and think the Resomat is the best of them all and only costs £30.
Sorry, I didn't mean to cause any offence, It's just a personal perception. Given the cost with the clamp (which I don't really want to use) a replacement platter would seem to make much better sense.
I don't know why but I've got a sneaking feeling that the replacement platter would be a significant performance upgrade.
Ive messed around with more platter mats than I care to remember and think the Resomat is the best of them all and only costs £30.
Certainly looks different! Some outside the box thinking there. So the record sits on a bunch of carefully spread out small cones?
How would you implement the Resomat on the Technics - vaseline, on top of the stock rubber mat? How effective would it be at damping the stock platter?
Wakefield Turntables
23-08-2014, 20:28
Just plonk the resomat on top of the platter and thats it, no fuckin around. ;)
Spectral Morn
23-08-2014, 21:49
Sorry, I didn't mean to cause any offence, It's just a personal perception. Given the cost with the clamp (which I don't really want to use) a replacement platter would seem to make much better sense.
I don't know why but I've got a sneaking feeling that the replacement platter would be a significant performance upgrade.
No offence taken but I detect a slightly closed mind and in audio that is never a good thing. The mat is beautifully engineered with slight dishing and holes cut to deal with resonances, it also has a lip to fit perfectly within the Technics platter. The mat deals with warps and when a record is placed on it with matching weight record and mat become one. with no discernible rise or fall or gaps under the record. If its badly warped though this won't cure that. I think the mat fully deserves its price and frankly nothing I have seen so far from anyone comes close re fit, finish or engineering quality - imho.
The replacement platter is an option, but as I say this item with under mat is a viable alternative and not one to throw out without trying it first.
Thing is the platters so far others have upgraded to from the original are mostly being used with extra mats, I find that interesting. This is still an area I have to explore myself but I have multiple options available for me to do so.
Regards Neil
I just prefer value for money solutions. I am very wary of foo. Perhaps I was too quick to dismiss the Oyaide mat based on its pretty appearance and high price. I would prefer not to use a record clamp in my set up & the Oyaide mat is designed to be used with one. With the the weight/clamp it comes in at £450. This is creeping towards the price of a replacement platter. I am looking for a cost effective alternative to the £75 Achromat. Otherwise I may as well go for the Funk Firm platter 1 @ £595 or perhaps try and find a used one.
I was thinikng a thin (1mm/2mm) rubber mat (like the Oyaide BR-One but non branded) with an aluminium Isoplatmat (£90) on top and a thin, soft mat on top of that - Sounnd Damped Steel offer one called the Isocover which is 1mm thick, @ £12.50.
Would this be a good alternative to the Achromat?
Does anyone sell a thin (1mm/2mm) generic rubber mat that would fit inside the lip of the Technics platter that could be used in this context?
Hi Mark,
I have an Achromat on one 1210 and the Oyaide BR-12 (http://www.oyaide.co.uk/oyaide-turntable-accessories.htm) - a less costly fusion of the BR-ONE and MJ-12 - on the other, and I prefer the Oyaide - the stereo image is a little more coherent. Buy you're correct that it's designed to be used with a weight/clamp, though this (http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/puck.html) does the job perfectly for a fine price.
If the BR-ONE is designed to fit beneath the MJ-12 then it should fit within the lip of the Technics platter, and the material is quite tacky, so should do what you've suggested.
Hi Mark,
I have an Achromat on one 1210 and the Oyaide BR-12 (http://www.oyaide.co.uk/oyaide-turntable-accessories.htm) - a less costly fusion of the BR-ONE and MJ-12 - on the other, and I prefer the Oyaide - the stereo image is a little more coherent. Buy you're correct that it's designed to be used with a weight/clamp, though this (http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/puck.html) does the job perfectly for a fine price.
If the BR-ONE is designed to fit beneath the MJ-12 then it should fit within the lip of the Technics platter, and the material is quite tacky, so should do what you've suggested.
Does the BR-12 sound better than the Achromat to your ears when used without a clamp?
Spectral Morn
24-08-2014, 09:58
I just prefer value for money solutions. I am very wary of foo. Perhaps I was too quick to dismiss the Oyaide mat based on its pretty appearance and high price. I would prefer not to use a record clamp in my set up & the Oyaide mat is designed to be used with one. With the the weight/clamp it comes in at £450. This is creeping towards the price of a replacement platter. I am looking for a cost effective alternative to the £75 Achromat. Otherwise I may as well go for the Funk Firm platter 1 @ £595 or perhaps try and find a used one.
I was thinikng a thin (1mm/2mm) rubber mat (like the Oyaide BR-One but non branded) with an aluminium Isoplatmat (£90) on top and a thin, soft mat on top of that - Sounnd Damped Steel offer one called the Isocover which is 1mm thick, @ £12.50.
Would this be a good alternative to the Achromat?
Does anyone sell a thin (1mm/2mm) generic rubber mat that would fit inside the lip of the Technics platter that could be used in this context?
Hi Mark
I would not create a tower of mats, platter and one mat is fine but too many will introduce potential vibration issues as too many surfaces are being laid on top of each other, thus introducing numerous gaps between those surfaces. No matter how that's done it isn't the same as a one piece platter, I would go so far as to say that a MJ12 with BR One is a compromise too as the items are not bonded to each other or the original Technics platter. though they do work well but I oft wonder how it would perform if all the items were bonded in such away to behave like one piece. In saying that even if it was possible I would not do it as it would destroy the products meaning they could not be separated to try other options or to resale.
Regards Neil
walpurgis
24-08-2014, 10:30
I have been known to buy a self adhesive cork floor tile, cut it to fit and stick it to a platter. Works rather well, as being bonded to the platter it gives excellent damping. This gives very good results on Rega type glass platters.
Does the BR-12 sound better than the Achromat to your ears when used without a clamp?
I haven't tried it without, so can't really comment (and the two decks now differ in too many other parts to make easy comparisons) but since the mat is slightly dished, it wouldn't be in proper contact with the record's underside if the record wasn't properly clamped/weighted, so possibly not the best configuration.
krugdoktor
25-08-2014, 10:13
Hi Mark
I used an Isoplatmat with a Herbie's way excellent II mat on top of the original platter. This brought the platter surface into a useful height since the Isoplat + Herbie's have a combined thickness of ~6mm. The Isoplatmat was extremely effective in damping the awful ringing original platter (astonishing since the Isoplatmat is quite lightweight!) and the Herbie's provided the interface between record and platter. I used small strips of thin double-sided tape (photo tape) to secure the Isoplatmat and also to secure the Herbie's (no need for Vaseline here).
The whole construction became redundant when I bought the Mike New copper-ally platter with a Boston Audio Design Mat 2, but I still think the original platter with Isoplatmat + Herbie's was very good and waaay better than the original thick rubber mat, the Herbie's without Isoplatmat, a Cartridgeman Musi Mat and an Audio Technica Ceramic mat!
IMHO damping the platter is absolutely essential and my experience showed that no single mat can achieve this AND provide a perfect interface between platter and record.
So my advice would be: Damp the platter (rubber is not effective enough!) and then look for a mat that suits your system (and your ears!)
a few links:
http://www.boston-audio.com/mat1.html
http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm
http://www.mikenewaudio.com/platter.php
Have fun with the decision
Michael
So my advice would be: Damp the platter (rubber is not effective enough!) and then look for a mat that suits your system (and your ears!)
…or use a platter in the first place that doesn’t need damping (such as the Mike New ETP) ;)
That aside, Michael, with a stock Technics platter in the equation, I do agree with your findings :)
Marco.
Hi Mark
I used an Isoplatmat with a Herbie's way excellent II mat on top of the original platter. This brought the platter surface into a useful height since the Isoplat + Herbie's have a combined thickness of ~6mm. The Isoplatmat was extremely effective in damping the awful ringing original platter (astonishing since the Isoplatmat is quite lightweight!) and the Herbie's provided the interface between record and platter. I used small strips of thin double-sided tape (photo tape) to secure the Isoplatmat and also to secure the Herbie's (no need for Vaseline here).
The whole construction became redundant when I bought the Mike New copper-ally platter with a Boston Audio Design Mat 2, but I still think the original platter with Isoplatmat + Herbie's was very good and waaay better than the original thick rubber mat, the Herbie's without Isoplatmat, a Cartridgeman Musi Mat and an Audio Technica Ceramic mat!
IMHO damping the platter is absolutely essential and my experience showed that no single mat can achieve this AND provide a perfect interface between platter and record.
So my advice would be: Damp the platter (rubber is not effective enough!) and then look for a mat that suits your system (and your ears!)
a few links:
http://www.boston-audio.com/mat1.html
http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm
http://www.mikenewaudio.com/platter.php
Have fun with the decision
Michael
Thanks Michael. I think the Isoplatmat + a soft mat on top like the OL mat or SDS Isocover may be an option. From what I can gather the Isoplatmat is likely to have more effect defeating vibrational inteference from the motor/transformer due to its material than coventional mats such as the Achromat, Herbies etc.
I have lived with the Technics for many years and I know its sound signature well. It does have a ringy, shouty quality to it. I wonder how much of this is down to the stock platter and whether or not any of the mats will help negate this effect? I have a sneaking feeling that the replacement platter would be a significant performance upgrade. Perhaps even more impactful than externalising the power supply or replacing the bearing etc. Conventional wisdom on here would seem to suggest the platter upgrade as the final step to take. I'm just wondering whether the benefits of the replacement platter could be brought in at a much earlier stage of the mod process?
An A-B test of two stock 1210's with re-wired arms, one with the replacement platter and one without would be really interesting I think.
In your experience how did you rate the performance increase of replacing the stock platter?
krugdoktor
25-08-2014, 14:28
Thanks Michael. I think the Isoplatmat + a soft mat on top like the OL mat or SDS Isocover may be an option. From what I can gather the Isoplatmat is likely to have more effect defeating vibrational inteference from the motor/transformer due to its material than coventional mats such as the Achromat, Herbies etc.
I have lived with the Technics for many years and I know its sound signature well. It does have a ringy, shouty quality to it. I wonder how much of this is down to the stock platter and whether or not any of the mats will help negate this effect? I have a sneaking feeling that the replacement platter would be a significant performance upgrade. Perhaps even more impactful than externalising the power supply or replacing the bearing etc. Conventional wisdom on here would seem to suggest the platter upgrade as the final step to take. I'm just wondering whether the benefits of the replacement platter could be brought in at a much earlier stage of the mod process?
An A-B test of two stock 1210's with re-wired arms, one with the replacement platter and one without would be really interesting I think.
In your experience how did you rate the performance increase of replacing the stock platter?
I did go the usual way: Timestep PSU, then Jelco tonearm, then Mike New bearing, then SME V, then Paul Hynes PSU, then (last step) Mike New Copper-Ally-Platter. It's hard to predict the outcome from going backwards (starting with the platter).
The biggest step for me was the Mike New bearing, the second place goes to the tonearm-exchange and I have to say the Jelco was not very far away from the SME V, but the latter has always been my "dream-arm"!
The platter exchange was the icing on the cake (well, quite a bit more!) and for me added just the right amount of pitch stability and bass heft (but I have the Copper-Ally-Platter which I think can not be supported by the rather flimsy stock bearing).
At last don't underestimate the stock platter with the Isoplatmat! these two together are acoustically inert. I was absolutely amazed at the amount of damping the Isoplatmat could achieve. I remember taking it out of its packing I was deeply disappointed by the lightweight nature of the Isoplatmat (I expected something more substantial because I thought damping could only be achieved with an amount of mass!), but when I placed it on the platter I was excited by the success it brought to the sound. Especially excited because the Herbie's alone without Isoplat was not able to damp the ringing and after trying it on it's own I reverted to the stock (thick) Technics rubber mat.
I hope this all does not add more confusion
Michael
Should I choose not to go with the replacement platter, which of these two options would be best in your opinion?
1) Achromat 1200 bonded to the platter with vaseline.
2) Isoplatmat bonded with thin strips of double sided tape with an Isocover placed on top.
The benefit of the Achromat would be a more direct bonding to the platter. The benefit of the Isoplatmat would be I suspect greater vibrational damping ability. The Isoplatmat is slightly more expensive. Also, it would be metal on metal which apparently is not a good thing and would require an additional layer (the Isocover) which according to Neil is also not a good thing.
Any further thoughts?
krugdoktor
26-08-2014, 15:19
Should I choose not to go with the replacement platter, which of these two options would be best in your opinion?
1) Achromat 1200 bonded to the platter with vaseline.
2) Isoplatmat bonded with thin strips of double sided tape with an Isocover placed on top.
The benefit of the Achromat would be a more direct bonding to the platter. The benefit of the Isoplatmat would be I suspect greater vibrational damping ability. The Isoplatmat is slightly more expensive. Also, it would be metal on metal which apparently is not a good thing and would require an additional layer (the Isocover) which according to Neil is also not a good thing.
Any further thoughts?
As outlined above I don't think the Acromat is effective enough to damp the platter BUT it is obviously a perfect record/platter interface. Maybe the Isoplatmat and a 3mm Acromat would be the ticket? Remember, when using the stock arm the height adjustment would eventually not go low enough!
The Isocover is a clever idea but maybe too thin. You could also consider a cork mat (cheap and can be had in different thicknesses) on top of the Isoplatmat. Also the thin strips of tape are not a dogma, they worked for me and are less of a hassle to remove than Vaseline.
Regarding metal to metal I think some of the effect of the Isoplatmat is achieved with a bit of friction between the platter and mat surfaces but I can be wrong here.
Michael
Soundeck
29-08-2014, 11:23
Try the IsoPlatMat and isocover, if you don't like it send it back for a refund (minus postage costs)
Try the IsoPlatMat and isocover, if you don't like it send it back for a refund (minus postage costs)
How do you recommend bonding the Isoplatmat to the Technics platter? What I like about the Achromat option is it can be directly bonded to the platter using vaseline thus helping rigidity/direct coupling, I'm guessing this would not be advised with the Isoplatmat due to its metal surface?
What are the sonic differences between the aluminium and steel versions of the Isoplatmat for the Technics? Are they equally effective? What is the weight of each?
My other slight concern is in comparison to the Achromat 1200 there is no record label indent with the Isoplatmat. What are your thoughts on this?
krugdoktor
10-09-2014, 09:20
Out of interest, did you come to a final conclusion which mat to use?
Out of interest, did you come to a final conclusion which mat to use?
Yes, I've decided to go for the Inspire Hi-Fi complete Technics upgrade package which incorporates a mat similar to the Achromat, along with a re engineered original platter with billet 10mm aluminium for ultimate mass & flywheel effect.
I like the hollistic and cost effective approach of the Inspire Hi-Fi (makers of the Monarch turntable-so they know what they are doing) Technics mods - re engineered platter along with removal of DJ srtrobe dots + mat, unregulated DC PSU, upgraded internal reguator circuit, upgraded bearing housing and plinth system with sorbo pod suspension.
I plan to add a SME M2-9 arm + Ortofon 2M Bronze.
The Inspire mods strike me as relatively cost effective and comprehensive in comparison to the competition. They attend to all the main weaknesses of the stock deck in a sensible fashion. From what I can gather many of the upgrades are similar to those offered with the Monarch - upgraded bearing housing, unregulated DC PSU etc.
RobbieGong
12-09-2014, 17:42
Sounds good Mark, What does the package cost ?
The full discounted package price is £1250. The total price for all the upgrade products if purchased individually would be £1469.
Soundeck
04-10-2014, 09:35
Take a look at this web page, there are unbiased reviews and videos showing IsoFeet & IsoPlatMat. The IsoPlatMat works best with metal to metal contact so it can kill the platter. If it sits on a soft cover it will still protect the record from being fed vibrations but will be unable to remove the vibrations in the platter.
http://www.sounddampedsteel.com/hifi.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtmnr62wDsw
If you decide to order mention Art of Sound & I will refund 10% of the SDS cost.
Best Regards
Les
Hi Leslie,
How’s it going? What’s happened to those feet you were going to send me? ;)
Marco.
Yes, I've decided to go for the Inspire Hi-Fi complete Technics upgrade package which incorporates a mat similar to the Achromat, along with a re engineered original platter with billet 10mm aluminium for ultimate mass & flywheel effect.
Hi Mark, how have you got on?
Hi Mark, how have you got on?
Hi Andrei, I have not purchased as yet. I will be doing so within the next ten days.
A couple of years ago I was involved in a fairly serious road traffic accident (I am ok now). It was always my intention to use part of the compensation money to put together a system I could live with for the long-term. Last Friday, I received an offer from the defendants insurers which I have accepted.
The Inspire Technics upgrade package + SME M2-9 + Ortofon 2M Bronze is what I have chosen as my analogue solution.
I am glad I have taken my time to reach a decision rather than buying various peripheral upgrade items on a whim, potentially wasting money in the process. I like the hollistic approach to the Tech mods taken by Inspire. They all seem sensible and well thought out. Hopefully I will achieve satisfaction with my choice.
Solid choice. I'm sure most here will be interested.
Both SME arm & Inspire upgrade package have now been purchased. The deck is being collected on Thursday. It will apparently take a couple of weeks for the work to be completed. I will keep you all posted.
Many thanks
Soundeck
16-10-2014, 07:00
HI, try the small 1mm x 285mm soft isocover and a 285mm IsoPlatMat in either stainless steel or black aluminium. If you don't like the result send it back in good condition for a full refund (less postage cost)
Best regards
Les
Hi Les,
Thanks for the offer but as mentioned above, I have chosen to go with the complete Inspire Hi-Fi Technics upgrade package so platter isolation/mat are no longer required.
Many thanks
Mark
HI, try the small 1mm x 285mm soft isocover and a 285mm IsoPlatMat in either stainless steel or black aluminium. If you don't like the result send it back in good condition for a full refund (less postage cost)
Best regards
Les
Just to let you all know my Inspire upgraded Technics has arrived. It looks and sounds superb – a massive improvement!
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b616/marlew1973/P1070493_zpsf1f21871.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/marlew1973/media/P1070493_zpsf1f21871.jpg.html)
http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b616/marlew1973/P1070492_zpsd9d39ce9.jpg (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/marlew1973/media/P1070492_zpsd9d39ce9.jpg.html)
Robert and the team at Inspire have to be congratulated for a stellar service. The whole process of purchasing the mods, having the deck collected (they provided a suitable box + packing instructions for safe transit) and then delivered complete with the new SME arm and Ortofon 2M Bronze installed was completely painless. The quality of the mods are over and above what I was expecting. The cherry wood plinth looks fantastic and the two layers of sorbo isolation it provides makes a lot of sense. The platter looks much better with the strobe dots removed. I would also recommend the Inspire Acri Mat to anyone considering a platter mat upgrade for the technics. It has a thin layer of cork on the underside which fits the lip of the Technics platter and the record interfacing surface is a foamex type material, similar to the the Achromat.
For £1290 all in it offers tremendous value for money. Every key area of weakness in the stock model is addressed in a logical, sensible and cost-effective fashion.
At this moment in time I am using the phono stage in my Marantz KI Pearl Lite amplifier which is driving my newly acquired 'used' Proac D18's. I fully appreciate this amp and its phono stage are probably not doing the Inspire upgraded Technics justice. I am in the process of trying to identify a high quality, full function integrated amplifier that has an excellent phono stage and which will match up well with the Proac D18's. Something along the lines of a Plinius 9200 or Musical Fidelity A1008. I may start another thread elsewhere on the forum seeking guidance and advice along these lines. Nevertheless, significant improvements over the stock Technics can be heard through the phono stage of this humble amplifier. Music from the Technics now has much better organic flow. It sounds much more natural and musical. The coarseness I have long associated with the stock Technics has completely disappeared.
I strongly recommend the complete suite of Technics mods offered by Inspire Hi-Fi to anyone looking to seriously upgrade from stock. I would also recommend the plinth system as a viable alternative to the Isonoe, OL and Vantage feet. It also greatly improves the look of the deck in my opinion.
Just to let you all know my Inspire upgraded Technics has arrived. It looks and sounds superb – a massive improvement!
Mark that is simply fantastic! Everything looks so good - I love that arm too. It really does look like it belongs there. In fact the whole thing looks like it was built from the ground up. Regarding an integrated amp with a phono stage: Perreaux do truly fabulous amps that have a phono stage module as an option. I can speak to the quality of their amps - basically equivalent to ATC in terms of sound quality but running cooler and more expensive. Unfortunately I cannot speak to their phono-stage module as I have not heard it.
Overall I am sure you have made a very good choice.
Looks fabulous Mark... as nice as I've seen....
Thanks guys. I am really pleased with my decision. This is a turntable to hold on to for life. I realise there is so much sonic potential there in terms of a better cartridge, phono stage etc. Now I need to try and find a high quality, full function integrated with an excellent phono stage that will bring the best out of the D18's.
Cheers
Mark
howlindawg
01-11-2014, 12:00
That looks really excellent.
I've been sorely tempted by the plinth for quite a while.
Now I need to try and find a high quality, full function integrated with an excellent phono stage that will bring the best out of the D18's.
Think Luxman perhaps. :)
SQ-38u for valves and L505u for solid state.
Both have excellent phono stages onboard.
What do you mean by full function?
Remote volume and source switching?
DAC built in?
Have a look at the Parasound Halo P5
The plinth does look nice.
What I mean by full function is a high quality integrated amplifier with a very good phono stage. Remote control and buit in DAC are not essential. I am looking for the best match for the Proac D18's at around £2K or less on the used market.
What I have discovered with the D18's is that they are a lot warmer and less dynamic than my previously owned Studio 130's. I don't think the KI Pearl Lite is the best match (although it's not really bad). It's a bit safe sounding and lacks resolution at the frequency extremes. I would like more extended sparkly highs, a palpable mid-range and greater control, speed and definition at the lows. I have also tried the Musical Fidelity M6 pre & power. I found this too warm, undynamic and lacking detail with these speakers. I don't think the high power this combo provides is necessary to get the best out of the D18's and if anything it could be over damping the speakers. The combination lacks immediacy and musicality- a little bit boring and safe sounding. It is a very different sound to the Musical Fidelity A1008 integrated amp which I have owned previously which was far more dynamic, detailed and involving. The A1008 (very similar in sound to the big KW500 & KW550) can sound a bit relentless with some speakers. However, I think it could work well with the D18's. It also has a very good phono stage. I feel they need an ampliier which can wake them up a little bit. I think I can now understand why Naim and D18's are a popular combination.
I'm starting to consider amplifiers along the lines of the Plinius 9200, Plinius Hautonga, Croft pre-power, Sonneteer Orton + Sedley, Leema Tucana + phono stage, Musical Fidelity A1008 or maybe a decent Exposure integrated or pre-power combo. I am of the opinion the D18's need an amplifier which can wake them up a little bit. I am looking to buy used and whichever amplifier solution I go for it must include a very good MM phono stage. My maximum budget is £2K.
Any thoughts?
Soundeck
14-12-2014, 12:53
I'll give you a soft IsoCover free if you take advantage of the 10% Xmas discount off I have on the SDS IsoplatMat.
Regards
Les
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