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Help! New TT skipping badly....

Recently bought a used VPI Scout with JMW arm  9 in.  Set up on shelf om my SolidSteel rack where I have always had a TT. Could barely breathe without arm skipping. If I walk anywhere near rack, skips. Floor is carpeted over hardwood, quite solid, never had issue with Clear Audio or Rega table. Took to Audio Connection and had completely gone over and adjusted. Better but still bad. Put cork /sorbathane blocks on shelf and put 3 inch solid maple slab on top of that. No change. removed top shelf and put the cork/ sorb. blocks directly on frame, then maple slab. still skips. everything is dead nuts level, and as stated, floor is firm. Went in basement and put a brace between floor joists, nada. Tomorrow I was thinking of taking rack down and removing spiked feet. Odds this helps? I know some will suggest wall mount, but I don't want to spend anymore money if I can avoid it.As I said, Ive had other TTs in exact spot and you could dance with never a problem. Any input would be greatly appreciated.As I said TT was recently gone over and is set up correctly. Thanks
winoguy17
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I was going to say Townshend Platform until "don’t want to spend money" at which point we are SOL. Even a sand box costs money! Your answer is springs. The other stuff you are doing, no amount of cork or sorbothane ever gonna fix this. Nobsound springs are dirt cheap- $30 per set of four. Then when you realize springs are the answer hopefully the next step is to realize really well engineered springs will be even better, at which point you get the Platform and are amazed, and move the Nobsound to some other components. Because for sure they are better than whatever is under them now.  

You can also talk to John Hannant at Townshend about getting some springs for the rack. This is not "off the shelf" but they have done stuff like this for others, are helping someone I know right now in fact. You can also do both. The Platform is probably the easier thing to try first. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Adjust your cartridge tracking force and antiskating first. Are you sure everything correct? 
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
How far can you move away from the turntable before it skips, assuming you put the stylus in the groove while standing right next to the rack? Does it change with direction left or right? Mark that spot on the floor and check to see if other areas are unaffected.  You may have a weak floor/joist area near the rack where the floor settled unevenly with the weight of your equipment.  Try the turntable at the other end of the room, maybe?
bubba12's avatar
bubba12
443 posts
 
Switch back to the other brands. Simple.
winoguy17 OP
1,149 posts
 
Chakster, TT is setup properly. what's odd is I can drum my fingers on mable slab while playing, it's fine. I can drum my fingers on plinth of table while playing, fine. Just can't walk past without skipping. Floor is very solid and rack very stable, so I guess it has to be the floor.  So my next question is, does anyone think removing spikes from rack will do anything? Pain in the ass but I will probably break it down and try this tomorrow. Appreciate your responses, minus bubba12.
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