Springs under turntable

So much good information, what a great thread. I especially appreciate input from all those with experiences good and bad.

lewm, yeah you've already explained that yours are immune from the effects of vibration. Your objections are noted and I hear you.

@uberwaltz - I've looked at your system page before, impressive mate.
I gotta say, I just love that white translucent platter (I think it's called that?) and the Avid looks super cool. Which of the three is your favorite TT, and why if you don't mind?
I haven't been brave enough (and the opportunity hasn't presented itself) to hear a well sorted vinyl system yet - it might ruin me on digital.

Hey Rick
Thank you for the kind words.
Three TT is definitely overkill but you only live once...lol

The clear acrylic platter on the Rega is an aftermarket one by Deep Groove, metal sub platter and Zaphire bearing. The original Rega plinth was sandwiched between two  slabs of MDF and then Walnut veneer over the top. Different motor and an IEC receptacle in back to take any PC, tonearm rewired with Cardas and terminated with a din plug underneath.
Yep its been hot rodded. and now it is set up as a mono TT with 2M Mono cart.

The 401 is in a substantial plinth with curly maple top ala the best guitars, lol. I modded the platter to add extra weight with stick on car wheel weights underneath it, added 2lb total. Micro Seiki MA505LS arm in immaculate fully functioning form.

The Avid is a very nice belt drive deck with outboard speed controller but stock with Rega RB303 arm and I honestly think it deserves a better one.

Favourite?

Very close call between the 401 and the Avid which is more likely choice of carts than anything else.

The 401 being idler drive always gives me the impression of more drive and dynamics and feel of life to the music, certain less charitable members here just say thats the rumble from the drive.
Whatever, they may be right but I do not care.

The Avid does indeed have very detailed highs and mids but seems to lose that certain something in "soul" of the music. It is possible a better arm would change the pecking order, oh well its only money!

Thank you for the kind words.

I wasn't even being kind really, just calling it as I saw it. I thought just from the photos you'd put in some decent effort, now after reading just about the mods on just the turntables, there's an unseen iceberg of mods. And perhaps lead weights :-)

Almost don't want to know about vinyl, it's expensive to get into from where I am. But I am so curious, probably can't help myself, I'm going to have to make an opportunity to hear it.

Can you or have you ever swapped the arm off the 401 to the Avid?
My hifi knowledge is limited to a few things I've actually worked on, it was a fun way to make a living. I'm making better money now, and can buy better toys.

Thanks uber, this is an area where I know virtually nothing.

Rick
Not wishing to hijack this spring thread but I am a rank amateur on vinyl compared to some of our more long term esteemed members here.
I have picked up a lot of information from those guys on these hallowed pages!
One word of warning, it is a very deep dark rabbit hole.....lol.

But quite simply the MA505LS( long series) is an 11" arm whereas the RB303 is a 9" arm so would need a different armboard to even think of trying that on the Avid.
But I probably never would as the 401 and MA505LS are both nice vintage pieces and belong together.

Now back to springs, mine are out for delivery today!

Mijo, No argument here on the necessity for stabilizing an EM, but you previously intimated that this was necessary because of optical requirements.  Anyway, this is off topic, and I just wanted to be clear.  I used to have an EM, and a person to run it, as part of my lab. She wouldn't let anyone get even close to "her" machine.