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Tonearm mount on the plinth or on Pillar ?

Folks,
I am looking to buy a custom built turntable from Torqueo Audio (http://www.torqueo-audio.it/). They have two models, one with a wide base plinth where the tonearm would be mounted on the plinth (as usual) and the second is a compact plinth where they provide a seperate tonearm pillar to mount the tonearm. According to them the separate tonearm pillar version sounds more transparent and quieter because of the isolation of the tonearm from the TT. My concern is whether seperating the tonearm from the plinth would result in a lesser coherence in sound ? Isnt sharing the same platform results in a more well-timed, coherent presentation ? Any opinions ?
pani
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pani OP
1,218 posts
 
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moonglum
619 posts
 

Dear Pani,

The answer to this one depends on who you speak to.

The Cartridgeman, for example, swears by completely separate platforms i.e. motor/turntable/arm pillar for the air-bearing linear arm. For good measure he even decouples the Classic cartridge with a "spacer".

Although I like the Cartridgeman’s products a great deal I cannot reconcile the operation of the tonearm without close coupling (i.e. the so called "closed loop") but it wouldn’t stop me buying them ;^)

Technically, there might still be a closed loop even for the "separatist" approach except that the final connection is by means of a shelf or a platform. Then any variability would be introduced by whatever is being used to support/level the various elements e.g. 3 solid spikes relative to whatever material the supporting surface was made of.

Provided one could guarantee the T/T & tonearm stay in precise relationship at all times I wouldn’t see a problem. Trouble is that the tonearm is by nature constantly manipulated and messed around with by the User so personally I’d feel uncomfortable if it wasn’t locked down and immovable.....

Just my opinion though.... :(

pryso
1,927 posts
 
Other posts here include testimony by folks who utilize "naked" plinths (none at all, only support columns for the motor unit) with separate tonearm pillars.  They rave about their results.

I've not tried that but I remain skeptical.  Just consider how critical the accurate set up alignment is for the stylus, then ask yourself how that can be achieved when the cartridge/arm mounting is not "fixed" relative to the platter/record?

So I agree with moonglum.  Plus I live on the West Coast where we are subject to earthquakes, some of which go unfelt.  I don't want my tonearm "dancing" around somewhere close to the correct position.

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