Nude Turntable Project

I agree with all that the metal chassis is a sonic problem and removing it entirely might be a good idea. I am going to try it. I had already come to the conclusion that the "pants" on the DP80 ought also to be removed, but first I am going to try damping the DP80 chassis with two thick strong rubber bands that were gifted to me.

The TI Shield won't do anything down there, especially since it is apparently not grounded. To ground it, just solder a bare wire to it anywhere on its surface and run that wire to tt ground. But in that position, it can't be of much help regardless.

The only downside to de-pants-ing is that it removes the RFI shielding afforded by the ferrous pants. Thus I would be cautious not to interpret changes you may hear in the sound solely to removal of resonances. There could be some RFI contamination via the cartridge. Sometimes any change to the sound that is new is also thought to be good, until you listen for a long while and realize you are fatigued by something irritating in the new sound. I hope this is not an issue, however.

fwiw, I tested the cover grounded vs ungrounded and never heard a difference. I just put the ti shield there on a whim, because I had it and said what the hell. I also have cut pieces of it between the motor cover and the platter. Again: what the hell.

Your word of caution, Lewm, is duly noted. I'm about 2 weeks in and I've not noticed any adverse effects. Fingers crossed. But the differences I'm hearing don't seem to be the type that would result in future unhappiness. For example, it's not as if I'm getting 'fuller bass' or 'extended highs' or a 'sweeter midrange', all of which can potentially lead to dissatisfaction in the long run.

I forgot to mention that pantsing has not changed the start up speed (as Halcro noted on his): mine still very occasionally starts at 33.32. As I noted before, I think it's due, in my case, to using a duster that puts pressure on the record as it gets up to speed. I've not ever noticed it start at 33.32 when I do not dust.

Lewm, I think the belts are a good idea but insufficient. You need the suspenders as well on those pants. By that I mean the sound dampening sheets.

On my iPhone I have an app called a Tesla meter which measures stray electrical currents (RFI). I got this to measure what was coming through my TT's can. The results told me that the transformer puts out a notable amount. I don't recall what the situation was with the ground wire at the time as I have used it in multiple configs. As I recall, the tranny faced the tonearm - food for thought. Clearly I should do some clean experiments and have good data to report - in a day or two I should be able to get to it.

Banquo, I feel guilty enticing you down the path of changing the oil and subsequently getting bearing-level problems. I experienced the same and that is why I emphasized returning the screw to the exact position in my last write-up. But of course that was too late a warning. Sorry.
Gary

08-27-12: Dover
Victor 101 -
Could you get rid of the flimsy bottom cover completely and mount the nude deck via an inverted tripod ? It doesn't look particularly rigid from the photos.
Potentially could you remove the internal transformer and some of the electronic boards from the main chassis and mount them separately to eliminate as much vibration as possible. Make sure all internal joints are as rigid as possible.

It is pleasing to see my suggestion in August last year to remove the flimsy bottom cover being successfully trialled at last. Thanks to all who have tried it.

09-10-13: Halcro
Despite the availability of accelerometers and other devices designed to measure and quantify vibrational energy and its transfer within materials…..I have seen no scientific evidence to support the many statements made by audiophiles on the nature of ‘vibration draining’ in regards to turntables….and any quantification of such?

You appear to be saying that the "improvements" you claim your new TT support structure are merely a figment of your imagination since you state "I have seen no scientific evidence to support the many statements made by audiophiles on the nature of ‘vibration draining’ in regards to turntables"

My view is that there are several sources of unwamted noise and vibration in TT's. That is one of the reasons that TT manufacturers publish noise floor specifications in the form of xxdB.
When playing a vinyl record, the stylus generates noise and vibration as well as the music you hear, resulting in vinyl record wear and stylus wear.
Most turntables have a platter that uses a spindle and thrust bearing to provide the ability to rotate. When the platter bearing rotates, this generates noise. Worn bearings are a direct consequence of this friction.
Both of these phenomena are a source of vibration and noise.
In order to "see" it, I would suggest you purchase a stethoscope and have a listen to your turntable, whilst it is working. Then have another listen when it is not working. This simple experiment may be revelatory for you.

I am delighted to hear Banquo confirm my listening impressions.
I am well aware of the audiophile’s ‘need’ to hear improvements with any change. Especially a change invested with a personal ‘attachment’? :-)

One other difference to note is that everything seems quieter. I don't mean the noise floor has dropped, but rather that I seem to want to turn the volume up nowadays.

This is what I meant by the term “purer”……and “turn the volume up” is exactly what I do also……
Incidentally….I spoke too early about the ‘fix’ to the speed read-out.
Yesterday it went to 33.32 rpm on ‘start-up’ before hitting 33.33 rpm…

I’m intrigued Banquo about your bass problems?
Are these a function of your speakers, room or amplification?
Surely not a source issue?