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Happy New Year to Me, from OL to Triplanar

OK, I have the Triplanar Vll set up. My TT was already setup for the TP but I didn't like the way it looked on the TT while at rest. So instead of using TP's Pivot to spindle jig, I decided to set it up using the actual measurements from Pivot to spindle. It looked  just right to me. The arm ran parallel to the bottom plinth. I was happy with my progress. then I tried to set the null points only to find the arm would not go all the way to the end of the record. It was blocked by the VTA tower. OK, smart guy. Back to the jig. So that was a learning experience. But this is the 1st arm I have set up which had a VTA tower. But other than my own blunder,  this was the easiest arm/cartridge setup I had ever done with a tonearm.

But how does it compare with the Origin Live Illustrious 3? Well, it should sound better, considering its twice the price. And it does sound better in every parameter.here are the notes I wrote early on

 

  • Faster transients
  • More authority/weight
  • Better PRAT
  • Cleaner bass line
  • Louder
  • Harsh Midrange tamed / Smoother

The better PRAT was the biggest surprise. I thought the OL might beat it out on that  Though .I don't miss the OL,  I have great respect for it in that it would hold up as well as it did when compared to such a well respected  arm.

For those looking to point out the deficiencies of the TP arm and how another arm sounds better, I would just say this. There is always something better. I don't worry about what others have or if theirs is better than mine. My only concern is, "How does it sound to me?" So far it sounds  great. Now if I do decide to step up from the TP, recommendations will be gladly accepted. That said,  if you know of any tweaks which will help the TP, I welcome them too.

128x128artemus_5
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 

@millercarbon The arm tube of the Triplanar has internal damping. While you might be able to reduce resonance further, that can also mess with effective mass.

@artemus_5 There is a thread on this forum for tweaks of the Triplanar arm. IMO the only thing that might or might not be an issue is the use of the damping trough. There is a separate thread that seems to address that issue. I don't use the trough myself and recordings I've made and transcribed to LP seem to sound fine so IME it doesn't seem to be needed. But there is an argument for its use, and how much damping fluid would be used (my recommendation is moderation). Have fun but don't drive yourself crazy- the beauty of that arm is its adjust-ability, not to downplay its particularly hard and tiny bearings, damped arm tube, properly placed bearings with respect to the LP surface...

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,928 posts
 

Good for you ! Excellent arm with a well deserved global reputation. Tri is excellent to work with. Unlike some,  I don’t make tweak modification recommendations for arms i haven't heard - did you change the armtube to Carbon Fiber when back at the factory ? i have the mk VII w aluminum internally damped armtube with a Delos on a Brinkmann. Ralph has a ton of expertise, you can count on him. My inputs can wait, as i have heard both armtubes. The ZYX mass would also be helpful. One more question, lovely TT does it have any isolation ?

Congrats a used Triplaner in decent shape is a thing of sonic beauty.

Jim

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,970 posts
 

@atmasphere 

From what little research  I did before the purchase, I believe most people seem to Not use the damping fluid. I  got it setup just before Christmas so I haven't done much adjustments other than setup the arm & cart. I understand when you say, "Have fun but don't drive yourself crazy" I'm reminded of a graphic equalizer I installed in my system back in the 80's. I found myself up to fine tune it far too often. I came to realize that I was working more than playing within the month and sold it. I may play with the VTA a little just  to have the experience..But I don't expect to go OCD over it.

@tomic601 

The previous owner had the upgrades done. last Dec. I have a list of the upgrades and receipt but I cannot remember what all the upgrades were. FWIW, the mass is 7.9g for the Zyx

The TT is mass loaded with lead and weighs about 100-110 lbs. Platter is 35lbs. The stand I built for the TT has a sandbox with a maple top plate  which the TT sits on.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,928 posts
 

OK, sorry slow to get back w you. IMO  The CF armtube does not need damping w lLyra, This is based on two listening sessions w Lyra Atlas.  it does benefit my Delos on Aluminum. Paddle is about 25% in fluid. IF you have aluminum arm tube i advise a three step process. Listen with empty trough get sonic baseline, Remove the empty trough / paddle get sonic baseline. Reattach trough / paddle fill to various depths get sonic baseline. Revert to configuration that sounds best. As Ralph mentioned most users seem to use no damping and some go so far as to remove the trough. Jonathan Carr of Lyra suggested i use a ceramic spacer w lightweight Delos, i don’t think you need it w your cart but it does help bass in my system. Finally another J Carr mod is carefully heat shrink the fingerlift. I have the upgraded silver wiring. Lock down VTA tower. My TT comes w a very unique design clamp and platter so i won’t get into that. Your sandbox sink and mass loading good, as you know, mass alone not enuf. This all sounds fussy but i got thru it in a long afternoon. If you get to SoCal, stop by for a listen. Enjoy your gift !!! best to you

Jim

kingharold
304 posts
 

Aren't carbon fiber arm tubes less prone to resonance problems than metal ones?

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