Turntable isolation project

[magiccarpetride]

Spikes do not isolate. They do the opposite, they couple.

I'm using these (http://www.daytonaudio.com/index.php...set-4-pcs.html), and they describe them as "solid brass cones with black chrome plating effectively isolate components from vibration caused by speakers".

[Wakefield Turntables]

I use Bamboo chopping boards, not a massive difference but for the money, well worthwhile.

[AJSki2fly]

Excellent observation. Matches my impressions. The real improvement in sound is in the way it becomes more 'liquid' (for the lack of a better word). This 'fluidity' or 'liquid sound' is very hard to describe, but when you hear it, everything becomes clear.

I also agree with you that it is something that goes beyond the analytical details. Details do help deliver that liquid sound, but it can also happen that those details, if presented in a different fashion, could become distracting. That's when the sound becomes 'analytical' and 'cold'. Hard to explain why that happens with some configurations, but I have definitely experienced it.

I also know people who prefer that 'cold' and 'analytical' sound over 'warm', 'liquid' and 'fluid' sound. So there isn't a universal criteria for quality in sound reproduction.

It's the same with food -- some people prefer more greasy, oily food, while others are more into lean tasting food.

I quite agree, getting a system to generate a musical and engaging sound is not an easy or a simple task. I have recently made minor changes to my turntable and I am pleased to say that it has enriched the sound overall, or should I say musicality to my ears.

I have also started to look at replacing/upgrading the cartridge. I have spent a great deal of time reading reviews and talking with people to try and get a feel for whether a cartridge has a tendency for a clinical or hard sound. This whole process is IMO a can of worms and very difficult to get a straight answer from anyone. For me the only answer has been to talk with trusted audiophile/hifi friends who have personal experience and one or two dealers. I have persevered and managed to get a home trial, nearly impossible in the cartridge domain, although I have managed to arrange two. Hopefully I will end up spending my hard earned cash on a cartridge that gives me a musical experience and a few years of pleasure. What I do find frustrating is that I have just had to ignore some cartridges because I cannot get to here them or get any clear answer about their traits, so I may have passed a good option by as a result, I cannot afford to spend £1.5-2.5k on something that turns out to be a pup.

[The Black Adder]

How about the sound dead steel supports? I'm looking at trying some but not sure if they would make a difference.


My problem is my amp being on the same shelf as my TT so I need to isolate it... But the question is, do I isolate the amp or the TT?

Or both?

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[AJSki2fly]

How about the sound dead steel supports? I'm looking at trying some but not sure if they would make a difference.


My problem is my amp being on the same shelf as my TT so I need to isolate it... But the question is, do I isolate the amp or the TT?

Or both?

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

I have just read an interesting paper on how the Belladonna TT was designed, a highly respected price of kit that his very musical. The key point of it all is vibration getting to or in a turntable is to be avoided at all costs, so I would say do everything to isolate and stop vibration getting to the TT.


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