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SP10mk2: OMA Graphite plinth vs.Dobbins plinth

According to the price lists they are in one category, but anyone could comment on quality/performance? At the moment i use big Teak Wood plinth (just $750) custom made in Taiwan for my SP10mk2. Looking for upgrade in the future. I use my sp10mk2 with Reed "12 tonearm now. Doest the plinth actually makes a big difference in sound? My stand is well damped with glass, metal and sarbothane in between.

1) Oswald Mill Audio graphite slate plinth (single layer) $2750, double layer looks fantastic but cost $3500

2) Steve Dobbins famous custom plinth cost $2650 including three Stillpoints feet and automotive show quality paint in black or white. Design has changed many times, still hard to find any current plinth picture online.

I know there are Albert Porter's and Artisan Fidelity quality plinth available, but i don't like the design (i mean just how it looks) for SP10.
chakster
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
@best-groove
 I'm skeptical about reading all these things.


Why? What you mean? 
In my opinion Cast Iron looks great, i have no idea is it better than graphite slate or wood, but i know for sure that Cast Iron in Russia is cheap. A friend made this decorative cedar bump for my balcony, it is a replica of the original 1956 missing bump, and it is made of Cast Iron. So i think i can ask him to make a Cast Iron ring for Victor TT-101 or even a small plinth (i hope it is not expensive).   
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,190 posts
 
@chakster You could reach out to Robyn Wyatt in New Jersey Robyatt Audio.
He had one on demo at a NY audio show. It sounded decent.
best-groove's avatar
best-groove
849 posts
 
@chakster    I am skeptical because I do not believe that cast iron is an appropriate material, rather I think it is only a "marketing operation" as I do not believe that a plinth must weigh a great many many and many kg.

I am convinced that we need balance in our choices without necessarily exaggerating on every accessory.
lewm
13,768 posts
 
I am sure OMA thought about it, but my first issue with using cast iron for a plinth would be related to the possible effect of a ferrous metal on the function of the motor.  Theoretically, the iron surround could distort the magnetic lines of force around the motor and thereby suck out some torque.  Just something to ask OMA about.
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
Maybe it is not 100% Cast Iron, i don’t know what is inside. But the Cast Iron plinth for SP-10R is their next plinth after great success of the Pennsylvanian Graphite Slate plinth which i like a lot (visually).

Super heavy weight is not what i’m looking for, but aesthetically OMA plinth are so nice. For the round turntable like Victor TT-101 or Denon DP-80 similar shape of the plinth is nice. For two tonearms it is probably overkill. 

Actually for TT-101 we only need a small ring to support the drive and a some kind of toneam pod, so it is not as big and heavy as the huge OMA plinth for Technics.

All i know is that Cast Iron is cheap in my area, i’m pretty sure it’s cheaper than wood.

BTW (slightly off topic) : regarding the arm pod i just noticed that one of them has been made from Phenolic Tube, it was mentioned in this review. Anyone familiar with this material ?
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