VPI SSM lacking bite

Raul

Thanks - the Roksan set-up was sold when the SSM came in, otherwise I'd certainly try it - or at least try mounting the Artemiz on the SSM.

Re the Insider - yes, I was always very happy with the cart, but heard mixed reviews of the Goldfinger, although the mk2 is supposed to be much better. Only thing is a new one is about UK£7,500 - so twice the price of the Orpheus. I looked at the Lyra, but thought that the Transfiguratioin would be more of a set-up and forget option, so opted for that as I didn't want to be tweaking VTA on a per-disc basis.

Sns, the explanation is simple. There are HF vibrations that move bidirectionally between TT and earth. A properly designed compliant suspension can be particularly effective in transforming HF vibration into benign LF mechanical energy. The complication is that compliance in the suspension must not allow fluctuations in horizontal geometry of the drive train-- easier said than done with a TT that like VPI has a detached motor.

Dave, is LF mechanical energy truly benign, slower oscillations should impact sonics as well, I prefer to drain off all energy maximally. The fluctuations between motor and tt are just another complication. I suspect it might be best to spike motor as well, haven't tried yet.

My take is that VPIs should be best situated with large mass spikes coupled to massive vibration sinks maximally decoupled from external vibrations, ie. wall mounted or cement slab decoupled from rest of flooring.

I will soon be building a huge sandbox (planning on over 300 lbs sand), changing out stock spikes for Star Sound large mass brass spikes, figure out some means to spike motor, all mounted on my de-coupled wall shelf. This should test my theories, based on previous exploration in this direction I expect much better performance.

Sns, conservation of energy principle says you can't get rid of energy, but rather can only change its form. Someone posted that if sand was enough, why can we still feel the pounding of surf through the beach? Throw a soft spring mattress down on the beach, and you will no longer feel the ocean.

Dave, I agree that a soft spring mattress on the beach decouples you from the surf, but this is more analogous to using something compliant underneath the the sandbox. Essentially you are de-coupling from external energy (the surf). Any vibrations within your body (assuming bodies vibrate :-) are still being reintroduced into your body from the compliant mattress.