Optimum TT Height

Dcstep is thinking along my lines - ergonomic design.

For me, this ends up with record platter height just a bit lower - perhaps 4" below my elbows as I like a less acute angle when placing a record on a platter.

Think in terms of holding a record in front of you and placing it on a platter ... what feels most natural to you.

For me this ends up being the above, and for others this may be quite a bit higher. Handling a tonearm makes sense at this height for me too!

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Very interesting, Dcstep and Thom. I think I got lucky when I built my stand. I was thinking about the height since it can make or break cartridge setup ease. In the end my platter surface ended up at about 39" off the floor, which is about 5 or 6 inches below my elbows. This is working pretty well for me. But when my back starts complaining after a few minutes of bending to see the stylus/protractor, I think it would be even better a few inches higher.

Regular record handling is fine at that height, but standing over a protractor can be panful.

I usually do my setup (sighting in on the protractor) on one knee ... gets my head at the right height with little strain.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Dcstep and I have similar set ups. I'm an inch taller and my table is 2" higher.

Concerning ergonomic design, the ease of viewing the record/arm/cartridge without bending over is at least as important to me as record handling. Perhaps that is a function of my aging eyes and back. Years ago my setup placed the platter about 18" high -- never again! Concerning light, I use a Little Lite with an adjustable goose neck which can be made to work for any viewing angle so I don't consider that an issue.

Anyway, my table has been at the 51" height for several years now and I have no need to change it.

I'm on the high side: 56" for the platter, 6'2" for me. I like the height for cart arm adjusting and have no problem with the records. This also helps in sighting whether the clamp has mated the record completely to the platter.