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Help deciding which TT

A little background.

I currently have a Rega RP1 w/Ortofon 2M Blue. It seemed great until I added a subwoofer. The sub is exhibiting woofer pumping when attempting to play vinyl. The problem even occurs if I place the needle on a record without the motor running, and then increase the volume. As the volume increases (again, the patter is not moving), the subwoofer (Martin Logan Grotto I) will start to pump. Eventually the sound becomes audible.

That IMO eliminated any motor, or bearing issues.

I've moved my TT to a wall shelf which seemed to have greatly reduced the pumping, but it's still present. I'm at the point where I'm thinking about purchasing a higher quality table. Here are some options I'm considering.

1) Brand new Clearaudio Concept w/ Clearaudio MM $1600
2) Demo Rega RP6 w/Exact Cart (full warranty) $1500
3) Lightly Use VPI Scout JR w/Ortofon 2M Black $1300
4) Used VPI Traveler V2 w/2M Black (200 hrs) $1000

I understand that I may have still have the same issue, but I'm hoping a better table will reduce/eliminate the issue. Any thoughts on the above tables?

Thanks
mustangjeff
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"2) Pickup a Phono preamp w/subsonic filter, or purchase a KAB RF1. The RF1 just seems expensive at $179 when I can pickup a Pro-Ject Phono Box DS for a little more money. I'd Consider the Cabridge Audio 651P as well, but I don't know the specs of it's subsonic filter (where it starts to filter and how steep of a slope)."

I believe your sub already has one. Use it to block the lowest frequencies. It will probably take some experimenting to find the right setting.
moonglum
619 posts
 
Jeff, even with loudspeakers that have an early bass rolloff (bookshelves, electrostats etc), Users generally feel the use of an external sub-woofer is unhelpful when it comes to music.
Sensibly applied it is, however, possible.

My Martin Logan Vantages feature a 200W powered integral sub-woofer which operates from below 34Hz up to 400Hz. In order to integrate the sub properly with the room and the panel I deliberately attenuate the bass by -4.5db before it starts to appear seamless. (This despite the speakers being 4.5ft from the walls)

I find less is more in this case.
For me it isn't just a matter of overcoming feedback but aiming for a balance in which the lowest octaves don't overwhelm the room in an audibly unnatural way?
mustangjeff OP
30 posts
 
A quick update. I had the stylus sitting on a stationary record, and turned the volume up to the point where the subwoofer started to slightly pump and the sound (low level rumble) was just audible. I gently put my hands under each side and exerted a slight lift upwards. The rumble went away. I didn't have the TT completely lifted off the maple shelf, but I was in essence making the TT lighter.

Now all I need to do is create an forced air cushion that would suspend a TT in the air. Or a device that modifies the higgs field around the TT to lower it's mass.

Seems a better built TT might be an easier option? :)
moonglum
619 posts
 
You moved the T/T while the stylus was down on a stationary platter? Danger Will Robinson!! ;^)
Your wife should have warned you to tape the platter first before engaging in these shenanigans ;^)
You need a personal Force-Field to prevent you accessing your turntable. :)

Joking aside, not exactly air. It was supported by you while your feet were on the floor. Effectively 2 forms of support in parallel, you plus the rubber feet on the maple block, one(you) more massive than the other.
In theory this should have been worse!
I'm wondering if your stylus bounced up in the air slightly while you were lifting????
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