New Townshend Rock 7 owner

I mentioned earlier, setting up the arm pillar.

What I've found is the center pillar risers that are basically long through-threaded nuts...... when using the supplied bolts without any washers, the top & bottom bolts will "bottom out" or "meet" inside of these "threaded nuts/risers" before the top and bottom plates can be fully tightened. I ended up using a metal washer between the bottom bolt and the bottom plate in order to allow enough space inside of these "long threaded nuts" so the whole set-up could be completely tightened.

Even then, I made some paper washers of different thicknesses and through trial and error am using one or two in (2) different places right beneath the top plate. This gives me the best leveling of the arm pod.

All of this really makes a big difference regarding my cartridge azimuth and having the center image really shine!

Since I purchased this table used and on-line without the benefit of a well written manual and/or a dealer's help, this is what I've come up with. It's really sounding fantastic!

currently listening to Porcupine Tree "Fear of a Blank Planet".

I've not previously heard this lp sound So good! The transients are really tight and crisp. The bass is very musical and clean. The overall presentation is of the highest caliber for a modern rock record.

The entire soundstage, while having each instrument and vocal portrayed in a proper space... it is more organic, more complete!!! Not a feeling of a wasted space! (I've never experienced this before).

Also, the soundstage "bloom or air" seems limited only to one's room size. Awesome!

I've discovered for micro-leveling at the arm side... determine an appropriate amount of blue-tack and just lay it at any point on the upper arm pod plate. Simple, no resonance.  Done!

I just, almost had an "out-of body" experience. I put on Montrose "S/T". I did not know this record could sound this good!

Sammy may be forgotten as one of the great rock singers.

more thoughts upon extended listening...

The trough... this is an integral part of the design. (and a game changer) It should be initiated throughout the industry as a standard. As a layman, I can say that it seems we all have been trying, (through all of our ongoing upgrades, whether it be a multi-thousand $ cart, 12" tonearms out of exotic materials, multi-thousand $ tt's, equipment supports, etc....) to achieve an, up to now.... an elusive sound, one that can enthrall you, one that keeps you entertained with all of your lps, no matter how well recorded.

With all of the well-intentioned designers of high-end carts/tables, what has been missing with-in my experience, is this Townshend Rock 7 /and it's trough. This design will make you sit up and think, "what the hell have I been doing all of my audiophile life?"

I just bought a couple of lps through Insound. At half price and free shipping, well, how could I refuse? One of them is Jethro Tull "Minstrel In the Gallery" the Steven Wilson mix. I confess I haven't complete knowledge of the entire Tull catalog, but just let me say, this lp has over this weekend, become on of my favorite lps this year! The sonics are amazing! I can say that this is a Tull "masterwork", no _hit!

I've read reviewer's posts of the Dyna Karat D3, which I'm currently listening to with MANY hours on it. Actually, it is my second one. (I always felt there was something special about this cartridge).They have said it has a "golden glow". Nothing could be farther from the truth! It is very revealing. and emotionally involving. Of coarse, those reviewers did not have the Rock 7 as their source did they.

more to come..........