View Full Version : New turntable wall-shelf, chez-Marco
DarrenHW very kindly came round today to put up my Hi-Fi Racks Podium T/T wall shelf, using Thunderbolt fasteners to affix it securely to the wall, as my DIY skills are virtually non-existent!
Mine is finished in solid maple, with matching satin black isolation platform (black to go with the Mana and maple to go with my LP racks). Looks rather nice, I think, situated just to the right of the Mana rack. Picture shows my Techy, with DL103U headshell and DL-103C1 cartridge in situ:
http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u606/drtwas/IMG_5616_zpsww3fkctk.jpg (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/drtwas/media/IMG_5616_zpsww3fkctk.jpg.html)
And from a different angle:
http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u606/drtwas/IMG_5611_zpstr5bfz4a.jpg (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/drtwas/media/IMG_5611_zpstr5bfz4a.jpg.html)
Now I have space for two turntables... One on the Mana rack, and one on the new wall shelf. Time to buy that Hammerite-grey Garrard BBC 301, me thinks, which I've been promising myself! :eyebrows:
I can also now compare how the T/T sounds on the Mana rack (on 'Phase 17'), and on the wooden wall shelf. Report on that later, once I've set everything up properly, but I'm well pleased with the install. Thanks again, Darren - you're a star! :cool:
Marco.
Looks like a perfecto fit Marco. Now...does it sound better?
Spectral Morn
21-09-2015, 15:51
Brave man drilling holes in someone else's walls, you never know what you will find doing that - Swiss cheese, stones, voids, holes that go off true etc :eek: I hate drilling into walls.
I suspect this will be a really good step forward sonically and visually it looks good too.
Regards Neil
Looks like a perfecto fit Marco. Now...does it sound better?
Don't know yet, dude, as I've had a busy day with other things, and also taking the opportunity to tidy up the room. Will let you know later :)
Marco.
The Black Adder
21-09-2015, 15:56
Looks smashing! :eek:
I do like those racks. I'd love one but as mensioned, our walls are awful... They are plasterboard and I've found a good 6" gap behind the wall I'd mount it.
What's the dangling iccul wire for?
Brave man drilling holes in someone else's walls, you never know what you will find doing that - Swiss cheese, stones, voids, holes that go off true etc :eek: I hate drilling into walls.
I suspect this will be a really good step forward sonically and visually it looks good too.
Yeah, I know what you mean, but Darren's a builder, so well used to this sort of thing, and luckily with being an old house (built 1887), the walls are pretty solid.
Glad I went for the isolation platform too, as although we got the main shelf as level as possible, it was still a few mm out (in terms of the accuracy needed to level a turntable properly), so the adjustable spikes on the isolation platform allowed us to get everything bang on, and it should improve the sound, too! :cool:
As such, I would definitely recommend anyone buying one of these wall shelves to also get the matching isolation platform.
Marco.
Looks smashing! :eek:
I do like those racks. I'd love one but as mensioned, our walls are awful... They are plasterboard and I've found a good 6" gap behind the wall I'd mount it.
What's the dangling iccul wire for?
Churz, dude. It looks really nice in the flesh, and it's just at a perfect height, too! The iccul wire is an extra earth for the Yannis tonearm lead. I don't really use it, so it'll be tucked behind the T/T when I've finished setting things up.
Some parts of the wall were better than others, but we managed to get a pretty good and secure overall fixing! :)
Marco.
Spectral Morn
21-09-2015, 16:14
Some parts of the wall were better than others, but we managed to get a pretty good and secure overall fixing! :)
Marco.
Even with a new house that can happen. Issue with old walls is bricks that have lost their strength, bad mortar, plaster that is boast, stones in the bricks etc.
I once had a hole go badly off as the drill bit hit a stone and deflected. If its the first hole you can re try but if its the last or a crucial one - say top row :(
Be interested to see how you feel it sounds.
Regards Neil
walpurgis
21-09-2015, 16:32
Now I have space for two turntables... One on the Mana rack, and one on the new wall shelf. Time to buy that Hammerite-grey Garrard BBC-301, me thinks, which I've been promising myself! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Oh dear. Another 'Big Spend' on the horizon. Seriously, that shelf looks excellent! :)
DarrenHW
21-09-2015, 16:45
... Thanks again, Darren - you're a star! :cool:
Marco.
You're welcome, happy to help out after all the time you've spent here. Now get some vinyl spinning and tell us what you think, after moving to a wall shelf myself I think you'll be very happy with the results, if not I could do with another :eyebrows:.
Brave man drilling holes in someone else's walls, you never know what you will find doing that - Swiss cheese, stones, voids, holes that go off true etc :eek: I hate drilling into walls....l
Brave or stupid, the jury's still out :mental:. The first pilot hole hit nothing which was cause for concern, Marco's house is a 19th century gate house and although we had a few duff fixings with the flexibility of 8 fixing points we found 5 good fixings into solid masonry which is complete overkill, but with Marco's Techie sat on top I'd choose the belt and braces approach all day long!
For anyone looking to install the HiFi Racks Podium, M5 100mm Countersunk Thunderbolts fit like a glove and with approximately 70mm penetration into the masonry they provide more than a 2:1 ratio (i.e. 2 in the wall 1 out) that I like to employ with any wall fixing.
Yeah, I know what you mean, but Darren's a builder, so well used to this sort of thing, and luckily with being an old house (built 1887), the walls are pretty solid.
Looks like a tidy job.
I used to live in a house built in 1883 and you could have dug through the walls with a teaspoon. You couldn't even pin a calander up. Your place is in better nick, though.
brian2957
21-09-2015, 17:50
Very nice indeed :)
You're welcome, happy to help out after all the time you've spent here. Now get some vinyl spinning and tell us what you think, after moving to a wall shelf myself I think you'll be very happy with the results, if not I could do with another :eyebrows:.
Brave or stupid, the jury's still out :mental:. The first pilot hole hit nothing which was cause for concern, Marco's house is a 19th century gate house and although we had a few duff fixings with the flexibility of 8 fixing points we found 5 good fixings into solid masonry which is complete overkill, but with Marco's Techie sat on top I'd choose the belt and braces approach all day long!
For anyone looking to install the HiFi Racks Podium, M5 100mm Countersunk Thunderbolts fit like a glove and with approximately 70mm penetration into the masonry they provide more than a 2:1 ratio (i.e. 2 in the wall 1 out) that I like to employ with any wall fixing.
Good info there, mate. The Thunderpants bolts (lol) certainly did the job nicely! :thumbsup:
Ok, how does it sound? In a word: fantastic. I wouldn't say that there was a massive amount in it, between the T/T placed on the Mana rack (and supports), and on the wall shelf, but there's certainly nothing lacking with that latter, and there are some notable gains.
Background noise levels are markedly reduced, so information that before was held a little further back in the mix, due to being buried in low-level 'hash', is now clearer and easier to follow. I suspect that the increased quietness, in this respect, is down to there being less vibrational energy stored in a wall, than in a floor, which is the reason why wall shelves are particularly successful with turntables.
However, bass is also more solid and extended, and music appears to have gained a greater sense of 'ease', with the presentation less 'rushed', and overall more effortless and musically communicative. Things have still to fully settle in, and I've also got to optimise the set-up of the T/T, so a bit more tweaking still, but I'm absolutely delighted with the results - wall shelves for T/Ts are definitely the way to go! :cool:
Marco.
Looks like a tidy job.
I used to live in a house built in 1883 and you could have dug through the walls with a teaspoon. You couldn't even pin a calander up. Your place is in better nick, though.
It looks great, Martin. Yeah, you never know what you're going to get with walls on any property. Fortunately, it worked out ok. It would've fallen down by now if I'd put it up! :D
You'll see it next time your come round. It'll be interesting if you can hear any difference :)
Marco.
Very nice indeed :)
Cheers, dude. You need to get yourself a T/T, so you can join in the party! You'll catch the bug eventually :eyebrows:
Marco.
The Black Adder
21-09-2015, 19:04
Good info there, mate. The Thunderpants bolts (lol) certainly did the job nicely! :thumbsup:
Ok, how does it sound? In a word: fantastic. I wouldn't say that there was a massive amount in it, between the T/T placed on the Mana rack (and supports), and on the wall shelf, but there's certainly nothing lacking with that latter, and there are some notable gains.
Background noise levels are markedly reduced, so information that before was held a little further back in the mix, due to being buried in low-level 'hash', is now clearer and easier to follow. I suspect that the increased quietness, in this respect, is down to there being less vibrational energy stored in a wall, than in a floor, which is the reason why wall shelves are particularly successful with turntables.
However, bass is also more solid and extended, and music appears to have gained a greater sense of 'ease', with the presentation less 'rushed', and overall more effortless and musically communicative. Things have still to fully settle in, and I've also got to optimise the set-up of the T/T, so a bit more tweaking still, but I'm absolutely delighted with the results - wall shelves for T/Ts are definitely the way to go! :cool:
Marco.
Sounds great, Marco.
I've always been tempted myself. Enjoy!
337alant
21-09-2015, 19:10
Nice job Marco :eyebrows:
You findings reflect my own experiece with a good solid wall shelf on a good soild wall. I also like wood or perspex as a shelf for them and dont like glass as a shelf personally.
Alan
Thanks, Alan.
Glass can work too, but not on its own (or largely on its own), as it is with conventional glass and steel/wood hi-fi racks. Then, it has the tendency to sound edgy and bright. Not so with Mana.
With Mana, it's not only the effect of glass you're listening to, but wood too, as MDF boards are used in the construction of the 'Soundstages' (supports, which go underneath the main, non-ferrous stainless steel racks themselves). It sounds very good indeed, which is why the whole shebang is able to compete effectively with a good wall shelf :)
However, the latter brings a level of solidity, subtlety and finesse to the party, not to mention allowing the music to truly 'breathe', which is really rather beguiling. I'm very glad that I invested in this Hi-Fi Racks Podium shelf, as it's provided an all-round and very worthwhile sonic upgrade.
Marco.
brian2957
21-09-2015, 20:26
Cheers, dude. You need to get yourself a T/T, so you can join in the party! You'll catch the bug eventually :eyebrows:
Marco.
Can't afford the expense at the moment mate . :rolleyes: I had a Systemdek years age , Got rid of it and all my albums when CD came about . Only took me 6 months to realise my mistake . Too late though :(
It needn't be expensive, if you go about it the right way. You don't have to go to the levels Gary or I have to get superb sounds from vinyl. You just have to be clever about it and apply a little lateral thinking, and the results can be truly fantastic! :)
Marco.
Hi Marco, nice job indeed.
This will be the shelf I will get should I need one when I eventually move.
We must sort out a date for a mini bake off with my VPI, you never know you may actually like the sound of my 'Belter':)
brian2957
21-09-2015, 20:49
Understood mate , but I have the ' mind ' of an audiophile which has to be reined in sometimes . I'm sure if I went down this road again it would eventullay prove more expensive than I would like it to be . Anyhoo , I'm well pleased with what Grants Tannoys have brought to the proceedings for the time being :)
Hi Marco, nice job indeed.
This will be the shelf I will get should I need one when I eventually move.
We must sort out a date for a mini bake off with my VPI, you never know you may actually like the sound of my 'Belter'
Hi Jim,
I already like VPI T/Ts (and have always rated them), so liking yours will be a given :)
Yup, I've certainly got the required space now to house both T/Ts. That's handy, when you don't have to disturb one of them, when swapping between them, so give me shout when you fancy a sesh :cool:
Marco.
Understood mate , but I have the ' mind ' of an audiophile which has to be reined in sometimes . I'm sure if I went down this road again it would eventullay prove more expensive than I would like it to be . Anyhoo , I'm well pleased with what Grants Tannoys have brought to the proceedings for the time being :)
lucky you! I have the mind of an imbecile :doh:
glad the big T's are hitting the spot :)
Understood mate , but I have the ' mind ' of an audiophile which has to be reined in sometimes . I'm sure if I went down this road again it would eventullay prove more expensive than I would like it to be . Anyhoo , I'm well pleased with what Grants Tannoys have brought to the proceedings for the time being :)
No worries. I get ya! I'll be up your way mid-October, so if you're around I'll pop by and have a listen, and take you for a run in my pimp-mobile! :eyebrows:
Marco.
brian2957
21-09-2015, 20:59
Hah !! I've got one o' them too Grant . I try not to think too much mate , it only gets me into trouble :lol:
Lovin these speakers mate , they're definitely keepers :)
lucky you! I have the mind of an imbecile :doh:
glad the big T's are hitting the spot :)
I thought you had the mind of a zoomer. Did you upgrade? :D
Marco.
brian2957
21-09-2015, 21:01
No worries. I get ya! I'll be up your way mid-October, so if you're around I'll pop by and have a listen, and take you for a run in my pimp-mobile! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Always good to see you mate , just give me a couple of days notice to arrange a day off work :)
Cool - just get dem wee Scottish biscuits in! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Aye, if he does that, then he'll be gettin' a slap wi' ma big puddin'! :eek:
Marco.
Hi Jim,
I already like VPI T/Ts (and have always rated them), so liking yours will be a given :)
Yup, I've certainly got the required space now to house both T/Ts. That's handy, when you don't have to disturb one of them, when swapping between them, so give me shout when you fancy a sesh :cool:
Marco.
Cheers Marco, will give you a call to get a date in the diary, maybe sometime in November as my listening facilities will be disrupted by some building work for about a month.:):cool:
brian2957
21-09-2015, 21:15
Cool - just get dem wee Scottish biscuits in! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Deep fried Tunnocks caramel wafers :D
Aye, and you know the hole that'll be going in! :eyebrows:
Marco.
brian2957
21-09-2015, 21:23
Hot or cold :eek:
I flamingo'd up last time and forgot to give him his shortbread :doh:
Hot or cold :eek:
MOIST! :D
Marco.
Very nice Marco.
Now you need five more for the Copper amp, preamp, CD transport, DAC and cassette player. That way you can finally dispense with those precarious and swaying towers of Mana racks! :lol:.
When are you away to Scotland? We must meet up sometime soon.
Cheers
Probably mid-October, Barry.
A friend is getting married up in Glasgow. Yes, I've got a rather fine bottle of claret waiting for you here, along with your EMT cartridge and interconnect cables, so let me know when you fancy popping round. You'd be very welcome, as always :)
The wall shelf is ace, but the Mana's going nowhere! ;)
Marco.
Just a little addendum to this, in terms of optimising T/T set-up...
One thing I've never bothered with before is fiddling with the azimuth adjustment on detachable headshells, thinking that once they were screwed onto the arm, azimuth would be pretty much spot on, as indeed is confirmed by the bubble spirit level I always place on top of the headshell.
However, what if you said 'bugger what the bubble level says' and used your ears instead to optimise things? Well, I decided to get a small allen key, and then very slightly loosened the bolts that allow the 103U headshell to twist left and right, thereby in the process, adjusting the azimuth of the cartridge.
First of all, I twisted the headshell ever so slightly to the left, played a record I know inside out (in this case Nirvana Unplugged in New York), and listened... It sounded a little better than usual, but not quite right, so I twisted it back to the right, but only by the tiniest amount, and WOW, what a difference!! :eek:
Before, by simply plugging the headshell into the arm, leaving it 'as is', and even though the bubble level indicated that all was spot on, I was getting a tiny amount of sibilance on 's' sounds, especially with closely-miked material, but not now. That has totally gone. Also, detail retrieval had notably increased and the sound as whole is more focussed and 'together'. And all because of twisting the headshell by a no more than a fraction of a millimetre!
It never ceases to amaze me how the minutest of tiny adjustments can really get a turntable singing, and how fully optimising all available parameters, is so critical to getting the best possible sound from your records...
Therefore, I would urge anyone who uses a detachable headshell tonearm, which has a headshell with adjustable azimuth, to forget about what their bubble level says, loosen those bolts and adjust things by ear until all elements of sonic reproduction are optimised, as the rewards of doing so are highly worth it! :cool:
Marco.
That suggests there is a left - right asymmetry within the cartridge.
Could be, Barry, although I'm reminded of this thread, and the benefits brought about by using said device: www.theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?40554-Fozgometer-anyone
Marco.
Firebottle
23-09-2015, 19:26
What size of error was showing on the bubble after the optimisation Marco?
:)
Almost nothing, Alan, just a hair's breadth over to the left, from dead-on centre. It could simply be down to the less than 100% accuracy of the bubble.
Regardless, it shows that using your ears properly is always ultimately more rewarding than relying on measurement apparatus alone! :)
Marco.
Spectral Morn
23-09-2015, 19:45
And this is why I leave well alone because I would not be happy until I got/borrowed a Fozgometer to be sure, to be sure. Its one of the reasons I don't like detachable headshells, and yes I am aware I have arms that are like that.
Did you check this over the arc of the record Marco because vinyl isn't perfectly flat. So a mirror would be better or a piece of glass.
Regards Neil
The sound is (no-brainer) better with every record I've played since, Neil. The stylus is simply tracking the grooves more accurately now - no 'rocket science' required.
That's what the azimuth adjustment on the headshell is for. All I've done is correctly utilised it :)
Marco.
walpurgis
23-09-2015, 20:00
Personally. Regardless of measurements, theory and 'rules'. I go by the 'if it works and sounds right, it probably is' principle.
Me too - always have done and always will do! :thumbsup:
Marco.
daytona600
24-09-2015, 10:16
Could be, Barry, although I'm reminded of this thread, and the benefits brought about by using said device: www.theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?40554-Fozgometer-anyone
Marco.
Only used the Fozgometer on fixed headshells myself for removable headshells used this
ARCHE True SRA Headshell
http://snvinyl.co.uk/WebRoot/Daily/Shops/eshop943300/54E0/AAFF/BE10/60F8/1131/0A0C/05E9/1C3F/cache_30849850.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFSrethphqc
Superb headshell that. A tweaker's delight! :)
I may treat myself to one some day.
Marco.
How much does it cost? Their arms look good too! :)
£424.99
Link here http://www.analogueseduction.net/headshells/acoustical-systems-arch-vta-headshell-true-audiophile-headshell.html
It is super-cool.
£424.99
Link here http://www.analogueseduction.net/headshells/acoustical-systems-arch-vta-headshell-true-audiophile-headshell.html
It is super-cool.
Thanks Martin,
But £424.99 for a headshell! :eek: Too many mechanical interfaces to consider, and it is not obvious that the adjustment of azimuth is any easier than it is on my SME arms.
Goodness knows how much the arms sell for.
daytona600
24-09-2015, 16:07
How much does it cost? Their arms look good too! :)
this is the cheapest headshell & arms are in five figures
- satin finish - velour chrome / silver
- satin finish - 24 ct gold
- satin finish - rhodium
- satin finish - black
How wide is the bit of the shelf that attaches to the wall?
Oldpinkman
31-12-2015, 11:51
It does look real purdy, and I had been promising myself I would be less scruffy in the new house, but my old kitchen worktop version worked real well (much less pretty). Also, I am going to have negotiate on an outside wall - the place currently allocated is an internal wall, and I'm not convinced its not just stud-partition. It'll do, but...
Richard, if you remember my room - I intend to put this on one of the massive wooden roof supports.
It's flexible enough that I can put it almost anywhere.
Thanks for the measurement Marco. It will fit nicely.
The only question now, is what finish I get to best suit the room. The pictures below show the colour of the wood I intend to mount the shelf on.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5784/24102794815_d5f661e815_z_d.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5814/23994710022_74035a91f7_z_d.jpg
Nothing really "matches" and wall mounting would mean totally rearranging the man cave.
This is what the colour of the floor looks like:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5754/24020492931_56f666ce33_z_d.jpg
So based on those, I am thinking of Oak, Walnut of Mahogany finish, as per the finishes here - http://www.hifiracks.co.uk/wood-choices.php
The Mahogany would probably tie in nicely with my speaker finish, but the different colour woods make the choice difficult!
A more global view here:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/495/19530514405_390bae813a_z_d.jpg
I do have a favourite, but was wondering what the consensus of the forum was with regards to finish.
No worries, Kevin. Looks like antique pine or medium oak? :)
I'd probably go with the Walnut, if you want to try and match the finish you have, or for a light contrast, the Oak: http://www.hifiracks.co.uk/wood-choices.php?PHPSESSID=42e516fd88a36238b856a89ae73f cbd9
Marco.
Was thinking along similar lines. The only painful thing is the £75 postage!
I have contacted the French distributor to see if I can get one at a sensible price.
Yup, although it is quite heavy.
Marco.
Ammonite Audio
01-01-2016, 13:29
Was thinking along similar lines. The only painful thing is the £75 postage!
I have contacted the French distributor to see if I can get one at a sensible price.
My new, unused, oak shelf from HiFi Racks is still available; and I'm open to offers. Here's a link to the classifieds http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?40432-HiFi-Racks-Podium-Wall-Shelf
Hugo,
I am definitely interested in this, so have sent you a PM.
DarrenHW very kindly came round today to put up my Hi-Fi Racks Podium T/T wall shelf, using Thunderbolt fasteners to affix it securely to the wall, as my DIY skills are virtually non-existent!
Hand your "Man Card" in to the office as your leave... :D
It's the 'man's milk' I prefer to share..... :eyebrows:
Marco.
It's the 'man's milk' I prefer to share..... :eyebrows:
Marco.
You just took that too far... :)
RD89wjUQZCw
:flasher: :D
Marco.
Well, I appear to have purchased a HiFi Racks Podium wall shelf from Hugo, which has set me off thinking about a nice 4 tier HiFi Racks Posium Reference rack to match. :scratch:
:eek:
I think this will have to wait for my annual bonus - if I get one this year.
Is that the bonus for being a daftee? :D
Anyway, well done. You'll LOVE it!
Marco.
337alant
03-01-2016, 06:06
I also use the HIFI racks podium rack and is great support equipment IMO as I like wood as a support.
I have also started making my own version on the right hand side and will finish the other 3 tiers when I get time.
My TT support is a custom design one with a 20mm perspex shelf (which sounds much better than the glass one supplied)
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8731/17170358801_842c29e30c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sahzsZ)IMG_2322 (https://flic.kr/p/sahzsZ) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr
Alan
That looks really nice Alan.
I have limited woodworking tools, but could probably bash something together.
My only concern would be sourcing the spike pads, and setting them in.
Where did you get yours from?
337alant
03-01-2016, 11:19
Thanks Kevin,
I used M8 threaded inserts into the wooden legs and M8 stainless steel hilty grating bolt insert through the plinth to connect them together ( I got a box of a mate for £5.00)
And M6 threaded inserts for the monacore spike connectors.
Getting everything exactly square and the exact size hole is the key
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M4-M5-M6-M8-M10-HEX-DRIVE-SCREW-IN-TYPE-D-OR-E-THREADED-INSERT-BUSHING-FOR-WOOD-/361452340339?var=&hash=item54283d0473:m:ml8Df6uFWUN5QOr4SJ0KHjA
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Monacor-Speaker-Rack-Spikes-Tint-Chrome-Set-4-incl-inserts-/351242389874?hash=item51c7ad8972:m:mSRjBCv1On4BHKc XKDFcl1g
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hilti-X-fcm-r-25-30-Grating-Grid-Discs-Bolts-Fasteners-Job-Lot-Stainless-Steel-/252224758532?hash=item3ab9c46304:g:EjkAAOSw8-tWVLb9
anyway not wanting to spoli Marco's thread, I have some picture somewhere when I can find them and I will post a thread about it when finish off the other shelves
Alan
brian2957
03-01-2016, 11:31
Very nice Alan . I look forward to your thread on this rack . :)
You're welcome, happy to help out after all the time you've spent here. Now get some vinyl spinning and tell us what you think, after moving to a wall shelf myself I think you'll be very happy with the results, if not I could do with another :eyebrows:.
Brave or stupid, the jury's still out :mental:. The first pilot hole hit nothing which was cause for concern, Marco's house is a 19th century gate house and although we had a few duff fixings with the flexibility of 8 fixing points we found 5 good fixings into solid masonry which is complete overkill, but with Marco's Techie sat on top I'd choose the belt and braces approach all day long!
For anyone looking to install the HiFi Racks Podium, M5 100mm Countersunk Thunderbolts fit like a glove and with approximately 70mm penetration into the masonry they provide more than a 2:1 ratio (i.e. 2 in the wall 1 out) that I like to employ with any wall fixing.
As I am looking at going directly into wood, should I use M5 X 100 wood screws rather than something like thunderbolts?
The shelf will be picked up from the "point relais" tonight on the way home.
I need to go shopping to get some bits to finish my new radial circuit for the HiFi, so will pick some fasteners up then.
Slightly off-topic, but have you nabbed that SUT from Jez? :)
Marco.
The head amp? Nope.
The financial committee didn't like the idea after I recently bought my sub and turntable shelf.
I obviously have not bought her enough handbags. :(
No worries.... You could always give her some of yours! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Don't judge me by your own standards. :ner:
If you still have my address, she may be happy to accept one of your off casts.
I would love to take the plunge for the head amp, and a nice MC cartridge, but I need to make the house and terrace child friendly, so need to put a guard rail round the terrace etc.
brian2957
11-01-2016, 17:45
Hah ! A new '' avenue '' for your disposable income Kevin . Little fingers and little feet get into everything :D
Disposable income? I don't know what that is anymore!
A bit of good news is that the Mrs gave the nod to a new rack last night - in theory.
I just have to wait until the summer as it will be a birthday present.
Anyway, I digress.
Marco,
Any "sound" reason why you went for the thin version of the isolation platform?
Nope... I don't think I realised that there was a thicker version! :eyebrows:
TBH, the most important function of the 'isolation platform' is to allow accurate levelling of the turntable, as otherwise without it, you're relying on the fixing to the wall being 100% level, and that's never going to happen.
Marco.
A set of BO!NG feet will give you that adjustment.
I am tempted to get a 40mm thick isolation platform, but I think that the wall mounted support will be enough of an improvement.
There's adjustment too, with Isonoes, but I find it more intuitive using spikes :)
Marco.
True, but the foam spacer will be compressed differently.
Yup, although at the end of the day, the spirit level doesn't lie... ;)
Marco.
I use a digital spirit level as it's more accurate.
DarrenHW
12-01-2016, 13:51
As I am looking at going directly into wood, should I use M5 X 100 wood screws rather than something like thunderbolts?
The shelf will be picked up from the "point relais" tonight on the way home.
I need to go shopping to get some bits to finish my new radial circuit for the HiFi, so will pick some fasteners up then.
Spot on Kev, Thunderbolts are only suitable for a masonry installation. M5 (or Gauge 10) 100mm should be fine, the only considerations are that the shank and head fit through the pre-drilled holes, the shank should pass through without any interference. Have you put a level on the proposed timber to check it for plumb, there is adjustment to level the platform but if the timber's a long way out it may be worth using packers to compensate.
Darren,
A very good point well presented.
I will check tonight. I hope it is level as I rang a new radial circuit into that part of the room on Saturday!
I have measured it, and it's 89.9 to 90.0 degs to the horizontal.
I see HiFi Racks recommend at least a 5 x 70mm screw into the wall, so I will pick up something of at least that, as I will have all 8 fasteners in place.
Brass, Stainless or normal steel is the next question....
As I have just found the decorative caps, I will be using BZP steel screws.
It's up. :cool:
Perfectly level across the width, but 1 degree out front to back. Not bad for an amateur.
It was one of the easiest jobs I have had to do recently, and made so much easier with a drill template, and the fact that I was going into wood. I have mounted it slightly higher so that I don't have to move it in a few years when my daughter can walk etc.
So a new radial circuit has been installed for the HiFi and a nice looking shelf all in two weekends.
It's time to start saving for a new rack to match. :idea:
Nice one. How about a summary of the respective sonic improvements? We like to know da details, baby! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
P.S Some pics would be good, too.
Just spinning the first track now. I need to put the tools away before getting the camera out.
The sound seems "cleaner" though. Sharper I guess would be a good description.
I have the T/T sat on the boings, directly on the shelf, whereas before the deck sat on boings, on Sound Damped Steel Isofeet, which sat on a glass shelf supported by sorbothane pods on the rack. So there is not just one single difference.
I have placed the SDS feet under the valve preamp.
I like it. It sounds good, and looks tidy as well.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1520/24334174801_6d0e186067_z_d.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1614/24048798409_bb0c50003a_d.jpg
The flash really brings the colours out.
It's a nice solid shelf.
Since I have moved the Techie to it's new home, I have spun a few more discs.
As mentioned before, the sound is clearer, possibly to to the reduction in background noise. Everything seems a little sharper with better definition. I no longer have to tiptoe across the floor when a record is playing, so it's all good.
I can thoroughly recommend a wall shelf to anybody with a suspended wooden floor.
The HiFi racks podium shelf is nicely made/finished and seems very sturdy.
Very nice and neat, Kevin.
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