TIGER PAW "Tranquility" (Magnetic Bearing Repulsion...) Any Good?


I have stumbled across a new LINN LP12 enhancement called TIGER PAW TRANQUILITY.

In essence, it uses magnetic discs and is said to relieve the bearing of 90% of the platter weight - so a lighter load means a quieter bearing.

Online endorsements seem to be overwhelmingly in favour.

It's pricey for a non-LINN part at about GBP400 + Shipping, but seems like a great idea.

Just wondering if anyone here has tried it?  Any feedback?
sondeknz
Geoff, So long as the belt (assuming a BD drive system) is in direct contact with the platter structure, I see no way there could be "slippage" or excessive compliance if the platter is suspended magnetically.  Although I guess you may be referring to an interaction of magnetic fields that can dampen the rotational inertia of the platter.
In the case of Tiger Paw the platter is not suspended magnetically. The load on the bearing is reduced, however, magnetically.

from the Tiger Paw website,

“Magnetic levitation has been used before, and is currently used, by a small number of exotic turntable manufacturers; however our application does not actually raise the spindle from it’s contact with the thrust pad but it does dramatically reduce the force and friction between the two surfaces. We basically reduce this by around 90%.

Tranquility has taken a considerable amount of time to develop and draws upon a broad range of specialist experience in turntable component development, and utilizes a unique array of high quality rare earth magnets in a specific arrangement to ensure that the fields are perfectly aligned in order to deliver precisely the amount of force required. In particular we’d like to thank Mark Holterman for his contribution and collaboration along with his original work with magnetic systems.”

Even that approach is not entirely novel. The Kenwood L07D also uses partial magnetic levitation to reduce the downward force on the bearing, but the spindle is in contact with the bearing.