Opinions Wanted on changing Turntable

The turntable serves two major tasks. The easiest task is to turn the record at correct speed and do so introducing the least amount of vibration into the platter and arm assembly. The harder task, the one that makes the big difference if the above is done right, is isolating the platter and arm assembly from vibrations feeding from the surface the TT sits own. This is where huge sound differences can be heard between TT's for low bass, dynamics and micro detail for background instruments. The lazy answer is usually to make the TT heavy but all that does is act as a high pass filter... low frequency vibrations are still entering the TT assembly with little damping.

Kiko, if you use a separate suspension tuned to the mass of the TT, that should give you audible benefits. The limiting factor is the motor and in general its best for the platter and arm assembly to be suspended independent of the motor so that any motor vibration is filtered by the suspension.

Or to make it light and stiff and sit the TT on a dedicated sandbox to dissipate all external vibrations.

For example, Rega makes the lightest possible chassis with the stiffest possible brace (depending on the model) forming the most rigid possible beam to link the platter bearing and arm mounting.

The turntable itself is a "measuring machine" that measures vibration.

The vibration you described above doesn't actually exist until the platter starts rotating. And that rotational energy comes from the motor. Therefore a great motor is essential, one that can be quiet and steady, reducing noise and vibrations to a minimum.

IMHO, the 2 most important factors in reducing unwanted vibrations to a minimum?
A great tonearm and a great motor with its dedicated power supply unit.

There is no such thing as an arm that won’t vibrate itself, that won’t have its own resonances. When the arm moves across the record the bearings will have some friction which will put a load on the stylus. This will give a slightly less than perfect transcription of the vibration in the record.

If the bearings themselves move, then it won’t be picking up all the vibration that is in the groove. Rega tonearms may not be the pretiest of more functional tonearms on the market. No VTA adjustment mechanism here, but darn good bearings and tightened spindle fit.

A good dedicated TT-PSU anti-vibration circuit will vastly improve power supply regulation, reduce motor noise, and increase stability for all motors.

My point is that a suspended turntable may eliminate unwanted external vibration (same a sandbox) but it does not solve the problem of internal vibrations caused by the motor.

And we are not even getting into belt-driven vs direct driven turntables!

As you can see, I'm a big fan of Rega for its simplicity, affordability, and functionality. But I am no fool to consider Rega engineering to be the best. NOT AT ALL!

Heck, my next TT will be a suspended one, not because of its suspension capabilities, but because of its unique damping technology which, to my ears, is capable of producing the most accurate "sound" available from vinyl at a decent and affordable price; the Townshend Rock 7!

Suspended vs unsuspended? Light vs heavy? BD vs DD? Just a matter of a series of engineering compromises to come up with the best possible product.

Happy listening Davide256!

100% agreed Davide256,
Its definitely best for the platter and arm assembly to be suspended independednt of the motor to reduce unwanted vibrations.

Kiko65 Ignorance huh. I have had two Regas. I consider them mid fi at best. Overpriced also. I do not have to resort to name calling sir. You have shown your _________