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Rollerblocks under turntable ?

A year ago Roy Gregory in issue 52 of HiFi + described an interesting upgrade of his VPI TNT turntable by coupling the plinth to Ultra platform via Rollerblocks.
I was sceptic, but giving his fabulous audio knowledge I decided to give a try.
The results were very similar to his comments: the table recovers far more low level information,increased sense of life and presence in the performance, separation of the instruments markedly improved. After critics on another forum, I removed the tungsten balls to try the TT direct coupled to the platform and the sound was uninvolving and flat. So many people are convinced that side rocking of TT is very bad but in my experience it is not the case. Any thoughts?
jloveys
robyatt's avatar
robyatt
55 posts
 
I use Rollerblocs under a slate OMA plinth on a Target wall shelve...the best coupling for any table I have tried them with!
jloveys OP
226 posts
 
Stillpoints arrived today. First interesting thing: the size and screws are exactly matching Symposium couplers and so I can directly compare the 2 devices with no special adjustments. I used a set of 3 Stillpoints with 2 couplers on each, cone ball directly in contact with the turntable plinth.
And the winner is... Rollerblocks ! by far better air, slam, piano and cymbals sounding more real , bass is tighter and delicate. Album used for the test is Andrew Hill "Black Fire". No hesitation, the Stillpoints are going back to my dealer today.
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Well I guess this is why Heinz makes 57 varieties.What is quite amazing is that you ordered your Stillpoints on 10/01
and not only received them but completed the comparison by the morning of 10/04.It usually takes me a day or two just to decide which of the four sides of my Turntable should I place two of the three Points or balls.
I'm glad you found something to your liking.BTW you have a very nice system,enjoy it.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Oh, yes. Now I remember this 'table after seeing your system pictures. I think this was discussed ad nauseum over on AA so I won't bring up my issues with how you set up your table. I find neither rollerblocks nor Stillpoints directly under my table sound better. But they do help when something under the table is causing problems. As Goldeneraguy said, I'm glad you're happy with it and VPI.
jloveys OP
226 posts
 
Dan_ed: your Galibier turntable is a completely different design, and you are right when you say that a good design should not be tweaked because already every parameter should have been throughly studied before on the market.
But reality is not so. When VPI puts a new model on the market very soon there are new upgrades to make it better. When Teres introduces the Certus it is for upgrading an already very good model. What I want to do is putting an already v good sounding TT to the next level, and it is very rewarding. The problem is that only me can judge the sound of this system because it is unique. So by sharing these upgrades here on A'gon and AA maybe someone with similar TT will make these affordable tweaks and see how good it sounds. I hate keeping good things for myself !
And it is so much fun !
Enjoy your nice system too...
Jean
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