Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?

Banquo, Keep in mind that the recommended Redline viscosity, and this is only for the Kenwood L07D, is straight 20W, not a blend. So, if you can find it, maybe compare that to RP 20W. Or, compare Redline in the 5W-30 weight to the RP 5W-30 you already own. But maybe also wait to hear back from Doron, if he responds to my post.

A quart of any of these oils should last several human lifetimes (let alone TT lifetimes), even for a freak like me who has 5 TT's, but dammit I cannot find my quart of Redline 20W. I am motivated to try it out in the TT101 and maybe also the SP10 Mk3.

One thing for certain is I don't know the first thing about motor oils. Here is what is available from Redline (from their website) as far as their race oils go:

20WT Race Oil (5W20)
30WT Race Oil (10W30)
40WT Race Oil (15W40)
50WT Race Oil (15W50)

And here is what RP offers in their XPR line (the line Doron recmmended to me):

XPR 3.1 0W-5
XPR 0W-10
XPR 5W-20
XPR 5W-30
XPR 10W-40
XPR 20W-50

As you can see, if I desire the same viscosity between brands, my 'choice' is limited.

I also have the Victor pigskin mat that came with the TT-101
but have ever only used it on top.

On top of what Totem❓

Perhaps I need to get out more often.

Hold your horses Totem......I might be able to save you the effort...😎
The Achromat 1200 arrived this morning sporting its rebated underside which fits nicely clear of the Victor edge lip.
Multiple comparisons ensued:-
1) Achromat on its own
2) Achromat plus Jico (thin) on top
3) Achromat plus Jico (thin) below
4) Achromat plus Victor Pigskin on top
5) Achromat plus Victor Pigskin below
Let me warn you....the Achromat is NOT a perfectly flat item and in all cases where it was used, the 'warp' created was obvious with the tonearm rising and falling noticeably....😫

All comparisons are against the bare Victor platter with the thin Jico mat....
1) With the Achromat on its own....the bass became less defined, the midrange slightly less transparent whilst the treble harmonics lost some of their 'shimmer' (and 'shimmer' is good 😜❗️).
2) With the Jico mat on top, a slight degrade to the bare Achromat.
3) With the Jico mat below..it seemed surprisingly worse.
4) With the Victor pigskin on top..not much better than the Jico.
5) With the Victor mat below...not much difference to the bare Achromat.

I then, for reassurance....again compared the Victor pigskin on bare Victor platter with the thin Jico on bare Victor platter and it is very very close...👅👀
I would still give it (just) to the thin Jico...but could happily live with the Victor.

When I receive the glass platter mat...it will be interesting to repeat all these comparisons...😏

Halcro,

Did you use the double-back tape to attach the Achromat to the Victor platter? I ask because my mat could not be any flatter! I've checked it with a straightedge.
BTW: Jico just got a little more of my money! (grin) Place an order

Regards.

Hello,

Agree with comparing apples to apples, viscosity wise, when comparing the two oils.
Here is some data re viscosity of multiple grades oils:
http://www.viscopedia.com/viscosity-tables/substances/engine-oil/
The multiple grade is not crucial in our case because we are dealing with relatively low temperatures (in the 70-80F) but can relate to the viscosity in the chart.
Adding weights and comparing stop times should give some indication but the best proof is in the listening. Less friction will translate to quieter background and lower sound floor.
Hope this helps,

Doron