2. analog
  3. 1222768084

Rollerblocks under turntable ?

A year ago Roy Gregory in issue 52 of HiFi + described an interesting upgrade of his VPI TNT turntable by coupling the plinth to Ultra platform via Rollerblocks.
I was sceptic, but giving his fabulous audio knowledge I decided to give a try.
The results were very similar to his comments: the table recovers far more low level information,increased sense of life and presence in the performance, separation of the instruments markedly improved. After critics on another forum, I removed the tungsten balls to try the TT direct coupled to the platform and the sound was uninvolving and flat. So many people are convinced that side rocking of TT is very bad but in my experience it is not the case. Any thoughts?
jloveys
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
If it works for you, go for it. I manufactured a resonance control device called PonTunes that allow side motion and find them very helpful under the amp, preamp, CD player, power supplies, etc.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hi, I haven't tried the HRS.

I used to have a Ultra under my SME 20/2 and loved it. Currently I have my SME 20/2 on a Finite Elemente Master Reference with Cerapucs under the 4 SME 20/2 feet. It is a improvement over the Ultra, but NOT cost effective just from the turntable only...all together I like the Finite Elemente system for all my equipment.

Have you tried the rollerblocks under your VPI Feet? looks like you are bypassing the VPI suspension and using rollerblocks + the ultra as your VPI suspension...

Just curious. If it sounds better in your system, that's all that matters!
marty_t
23 posts
 
I use Mapleshade triple points under my Platine Verdier. This is a substantial improvement over the Verdier suspension.
mjglo
127 posts
 
With my VPI the drive motor is seperate from the plinth, dosen't that cause problems with the belt drive using Rollerblocks?

Mike
jloveys OP
226 posts
 
Mike, before using a second platter as rim drive I used Rollerblocks with belt drive with substantial improvement over the VPI air ball suspention.
Dan_ed, I don't hear any lost in LF impact, bass is tighter and well organised.
But as you suggested I will give Stillpoints a try, anyway if not better I can use them under my amp. I have no intention to sell the VPI because I compared it with top other suspended and non suspended turntables and this fully tweaked TT sounds better to me . The rollerblocks are also useful as side buffers when a rim drive is used for speed stabilizing and vibration control.
I must say that IMHO it is a cost effective upgrade that can be done on many brands of turntables and I have compared a few in my system.
More to discover