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Turntable Placement Between Speakers with Short Interconnect?

I am considering purchasing a VPI Prime 21 Plus turntable, but I am uncertain where it will live. I have only two options: On a solid heavy wood stand between my 803 D2 B&W speakers along with my Gryphon Diablo 300 amp, with a 2 ft interconnect, or 3 ft to the right of my right speaker, with a 8ft interconnect.

I hear that it is bad to place turntables between the speakers, but I also hear that long interconnects are bad. Are either of my options acceptable? Of note, my Gryphon amp has a phono module installed in it.

I do have the option to install a wall stand for the turntable in either location, but obviously it would then place the turntable against the wall behind my speakers…. which may be bad? Looking for any advice!

I should also say I only listen at moderate volumes.

nyev
dill
2,517 posts
 

I have a Target wall shelf for my Jr. that is between my speakers and I do not have a problem. Checkout the photos on my profile page.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

@nyev You have run into the fundamental problem with using an integrated amp. Ideally your power amps would be behind the speakers with the shortest possible speaker cables running long balanced cables to the preamp which can be 50 feet away, the turntable nearby with very short tonearm cables. Long tonearm cables are not an option. Long unbalanced cables is also not a good option. I am afraid you are stuck keeping the turntable right next to your integrated. A wall shelf may or may not be better. It depends on what vibrates more, the wall or the floor. Unless you have footfall problems you are probably better off on the floor. You should also consider an isolation platform like the MinusK or a turntable with an isolation suspension. 

gregm
3,405 posts
 

Frankly, I dont think you need worry too much about either placement. That said, between the two speakers is neither the quietest nor the best looking place for a piece of gear. OTOH, the long TT lead IC will slightly affect the loading parametres, but the Gryphon phono does offer some adjustments, so I wouldn't worry about that either.

In my case I much preferred my TT comfortably placed to the right of the right speaker, against the side wall. Mind you, I had a standalone phono, so the TT-phono connection was shorter than yours.

I also like looking at the open space between the two speakers -- but that's just me.

 

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

Thanks for the advice all.  Will look into the MinusK platform…

Totally get the appeal of looking at empty space between the speakers.  But I also like looking at my Diablo 300 in that spot too!  The turntable will add to that however.  

Regarding separates, for the equivalent price of my Diablo, I demoed many separate components at home and couldn’t find anything that would come close to the Diablo’s sound, and in fact I couldn’t even find any pre/power amps I could be happy with.  I’m sure that issue could be solved with more money however!

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