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Green light from spouse - now what

I'm experiencing a very exciting audio development--my spouse has actually suggested I take what ever remaining pittance we have left in our home equity line of credit and construct a dedicated listening room! Of course, my imagination is running wild, but some of the first questions I have for the seasoned analog folks here are:

What equipment rack or stand or table are favorites for high-mass turntable users? As many here know, I have a Micro Seiki RX-5000 with the RY-5500 motor and the HS-80 inertial flywheel unit. The combined weight of this system is 145 lbs.

I have also just acquired a 24 inch x 20 inch Vibraplane 2210 which weighs another 145 lbs. What might be some options to support this 290 lb. total system?

Should I not even consider a rack that could hold other components on shelves below the Vibraplane/Micro and rather just have something for the turntable?

Also, should I place the HS-80 flywheel on the same platform (currently, the three turntable components require a width 40 inches when arranged in a straight line) or should it be placed on another free-standing platform (which would allow a narrower platform for the motor/turntable set)?

All these questions don't even address the idea posed on another thread about NOT placing a motor on a (or the same) Vibraplane as the plinth/platter. Assuming I'm not going to get a second Vibraplane and the consensus is to separate the motor from the Vibraplane, what would be the best way to raise the motor to the same height as the Vibraplane/plinth/platter? A Mapleshade wood block? Something else?

My head is spinning not only from the green light my spouse has just given, but the enormous variety of choices to address this problem. I'm hoping this Forum can help with the answers!

Thanks in advance for any insights...
kipdent
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Kipdent,
sounds like a plan you got going.
The next thing is NOT to underestimate the least / fewest acoustic "tricks", without going over board, as can be seen with some posted systems.
You would not want to get an effect like some wood-pecker might have in his cave :-)
Acoustic room treatment is not exactly that 'simple' to arrive at, as some well treated, thought-out room might suggest on initial viewing.
Good luck,
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Kip,

I was thinking that just about any sturdy/stout table, desk, other piece of furniture should work as long as it has the surface size adequate to support the vibraplane, assuming that all of your TT gear will fit on the vibraplane. I also see that you are using granite under things. I am not familiar with the feet on your gear, but my experience with granite under my table has not been completely successful. Replacing the granite with the vibraplane should provide a big step forward. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate the effects of granite by using other vib control devices. In my case the Stillpoints have worked well although they also lend a bit of coloration.

The nice thing about a piece of furniture is that you are giving back to the look of the room. Something this simple, if done right, can really get the SO excited about that even if they never come round to insanity that is this hobby. I'm thinking at the moment about one of those server pieces you sometimes find with dining room sets. Or, something antique. I'd bet you could get the spouse involved in that hunt! :-) However, if you have the money there are plenty of commercially available stands that should work very well.

Although I would agree that there may be an issue with having the motor on the vibraplane, there could also be an issue with getting the motor pod in the same plane as the platter. I would suggest that you stay prepared to experiment once you get things setup.
kipdent OP
65 posts
 
Thank you for your terrific, on-topic suggestions, Dan_ed! I really appreciate it. The stout, antique furniture / table idea is resonating (pun intended) with the spouse!
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
ok Kip. so it looks to me you decided already how big the room will be, what materials you are using for underground, ceiling etc. All your ideas are driving your architect into despair... And you just have to find the perfect stand for your TT.

May I suggest you have a look at www.copulare.de and
www.avisolation.com
just to get some ideas what is possible for your wonderful big Micro to put on.
You may also look for Micro bases like BA-50 or other ones in Japan. Sometimes they appear on Yahoo.

I did put my second motor, The VPI, on a piece of slate. Slate is a perfect damping material for vibrations. You need to go to the cemetery people, they cut it for you in the size you need, I have some more thoughts but this will end up in an article maybe... :-)

jsadurni
210 posts
 
Wow new listening room! congratulations...
Sounds great but I think the last thing you should worry about, after carpet installing is the TT rack. Will your new room be made of masonry, with concrete floor? and roof? This will make more of a change in your systems response than the TT rack, and of course more costly and you wont be able to change it in a couple of months if you dont like it.
What about something like this:

http://www.melaudia.net/ecouteRoggero07-0201.php

I do wish you the best on your project, which ever you decide.

PS. I use a TT rack made out of welded steel pipe and sand filled with great success, I have a 2 inch thick sand stone slab on top of it.
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