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nice work!!!
I know we all like the achromat but I thought I demonstrate the differences. Check these 2 video's out. The first shows the std platter with no mat (yes I know you'd never use it without 1 at all) and the 2nd with the achromat attached with lots of very thin blutak spots (easier to clean then vaseline during the testing!!) Make sure you have a reasonable volume during playback!
Not really subjective in relation to another mat but at least it demonstrates what its doing.
Hi,
I've been playing around with my setup, and I am having problems with getting VTA just-so thanks to the low platter and modified Jelco SA750D base. Basically, the arm pillar wants to be a couple of mm lower than it can be set to get the headshell level.
I have added some credit card spacers to the headshell to correct VTA, but I was thinking that if I used both my Herbie's mat and the freebie Acromat that I got at a HiFi show together I get the VTA adjustment range I need AND possibly the best of both worlds.
As the Acromat is the 'thin' version without the recess for the SL1210 platter, perhaps I would be better using the Herbie's mat on the platter, with the Acromat on top.
What do you think of this idea, and which one should go on top?
Alex
Try them both ways - there's no way to tell how they will work together. You may find a 'full fat' Achromat better than using this combo, though, and may give you enough height.
Don't mean to hijack but why are you not using the blue horizon mat? Every one I have sold has been raved about, it comes in 2 parts so VTA does not need adjusting when a thicker LP is put on, I have been using it on my Garrad also and it sounds much better than the herbies mat that Marco sold me, just curious that is all.
Blimey ... you guys adjust the VTA whenever you put heavy duty vinyl on ?? :eek: ........... oh dear ..... lot's to learn yet !! Anybody know a good resource where I can learn turntable set up.
Hi Alex,
The Blue Horizon mat would work better in this instance, as David has said. However, if you like what the Herbie's or Achromat does, sonically, on your T/T, it would be far better to fit an appropriate sized spacer between your cartridge and headshell, to allow for optimal VTA adjustment, and just use your favoured mat on its own (with the likes of a Michell clamp).
The latter is something you should definitely consider buying, as the significant sonic improvement it gives, for such a paltry outlay, is a total no-brainer! :)
Using two different mats is a very bad idea, as being made of different materials they will not interface together properly. All you'll end up doing is creating a 'spongy' effect, for the record to 'float' on top of, which will defeat the close-coupling desired between record, mat and platter, for maintaining optimum signal integrity.
So, nope, using two different mats is a bad idea, dude! :nono:
Marco.
Hi Alex,
The ultimate solution is to fit one of my Bearing Base Plates.
Although I designed these to supliment my Bearing and Platter; thay can be used in circumstances just such as yours, as they raise the whole 'platter and motor system' up by 6mm. Alowing much more head room for VTA adjustment on arms that do not provide much vertical room such as yours and including the SME.
Good idea, Mike, although fitting one isn't a job for the faint-hearted! ;)
It would all depend how keen Alex was on tackling something like that.
Marco.
Hi All,
Thanks for the feedback.
I am currently using a three sections of credit cards between the headshell and cartridge to allow a little more scope for VTA adjustment. This has allowed me to level the headshell, although the arm pillar is still quite close to it's lowest point, but probably isn't optimum!.
Does anyone know of a relatively thick spacer that isn't intended to primarily provide extra weight at the headshell? The effective mass of the Jelco + Oyaide headshell is about 17.5g and the cartridge is 8.8g, so the effective mass is already a little too high for a medium compliance cartridge like my Benz ACE, so I want a lightweight spacer if possible.
David - how thick is the Blue Horizon mat? I think the Acromat is the 3mm version, and I think the Herbie's way mat is 3.7mm thick, so I think I would be looking for a replacement of at least 6mm thickness.
Mike, Can you tell me a bit more about the bearing base plate? This appeals as a solution.
Thanks and regards,
Alex
Hi Alex,
Yes, my Bearing Base Plate is a circular steel plate that is bolted to the alluminium chassis below where the bearing is seated. It is 6mm thick and is designed to enhance the rigidity of the whole assembly when using my High Precision bearing and/or my Solid Alluminium Copper Bonded Platter. Although having said that some people have adopted the base Plate for the same reasons that you are seeking a solution to.
As Marco very correctly says, it does require some degree of DIY skill. But then Marco can only just about get the cork out of his best bottles of red!!
It does involve disassembling the SL1200 into it’s various components, so that you can effectively install the Bearing Base Plate, and securely bolt it to the chassis.
I provide very detailed Installation Instructions with every unit.
And I am sure people such as Martin (in the UK) and Pete in the US and Yves in Canada among many others would be willing to give you hands on help if they are reading this.