Ha, I KNEW there were advantages to the new abode!! Thanks for the kind words Mario (AND JoAnn), it was a pleasure to host both you and your wonderful wife, you're welcome to come back anytime, and we'll explore the Caves of the Unknown!
There are only so many hours in a day, so the Garrard had to remain mute for the listening session. And more I would have liked to demonstrate: the unrecognized (except by the fortunate few) Greatness of the AR2ax's (this demonstration included the Pierre Amp matched to the ESS AMT4's), which when paired with the little (but incredibly POTENT) Sony TAE-3130F amplifier (ca. 1966) produces the Kundalini Effect.
Which brings me to speed stability, my constant subject with respect to reproducing music. The ONLY advantage digital media have over analogue sources is speed stability. Since the CD, DVD and SACD players don't have to deal with mechanical drag/brakes, only light/lasers, there is no braking effect and consequently these have a speed stability (piano especially) transient speed and clarity which attracts many audiophiles. This - reaction to the braking effect of the stylus in the groove which causes speed instabilities - is the Achilles Heel of belt-drives, and a fatal one. Properly set-up idler-wheel drives wipe out this digital advantage, so one reaps the benefits of vinyl - higher resolution AND analogue "flow"/naturalness - and wipes out speed instablities, which brings out the missing transient speed and slam, AND brings with it all the information digital loses: air, resonance, decay, PRaT, gestalt and natural musicality, not to mention the actual superior DYNAMICS and BASS (both reach and detail).
Next week I plan to finally finish the Garrard project (which includes the finish), pick out a tonearm/cartridge combo and have it sit there as a semi-permanent addition to my then-three-tonearm/cartridge system (until I have the new design ready, which will have two, perhaps three tonearm boards, more easily done with the Garrard "motor unit" construction).
Which brings me to the platform question Mike: those photos were of early days when the new set-up was not yet finalized. I have since mounted both 'tables on similar platforms, in the case of the Lenco on marble/acrylic, and in the case of the Garrard marble/corian. The easiest source of marble slabs are kitchen supply stores (marble cutting boards) and kitchen cabinet contructors. I would think granite would be as effective, which you could get done at any stone cutters business. As soon as I have finalized the Lenco and Garrard set-ups I will refresh the photos with new pics. I know that one of the tonearm/cartridge combos will be my Heavy-Metal Decca International paired up with the Grado Platinum, which combo is Supernaturally Musical and potent. Vive la Idler-Wheel!!
