Best Vibraplane Compressor Substitute?

HI,Your right buy what you like i dont really care sorry.

Its great if you love air tanks and noise im sure its better.

Vibraplane is available in a passive Version or active (with a compressor). The passive one holds the level very long without any additional filling (my last one is more than 2 months ago and it was only 1 move with the pump per valve, no big deal).
I never had the active one, but when it is used with a compressor, it can't be a big deal in noise. Dental compressors are silent... A compressor only starts when the air flows out (this is normally only with linear Arm the case but not in a closed system), when the Air bladder is filled, it is done.
No need for the compressor to start.

The compressor I mentioned is available at Ebay, Silentaire Super Silent DR-150 for about $549.00 new in the box. Perhaps even less with some savvy internet shopping.

It's capable of 114 pounds, stores reserve air in a tank so there is no surge and comes on only as needed. This is the same Italian manufacturer that supplies Kuzma for their (sensitive) air powered linear track tonearm.

I've had my Silentaire for over a year and other than topping up the oil supply a single time it's required no maintenance.

Noise level is very low, 30 DB at one meter, although even that number is too high to have in the listening room unless perhaps in a closet.

The suggestions of an compressed air tank are certainly reasonable from a noise stand point but to have any real storage you need commercial refillable cylinders.

I would not consider anything other than a reliable, established supplier and only Nitrogen fill due to health and safety risk. I did extensive research a couple of years ago and decided the pump was easier and less risk in the long run.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your suggestions.

Albert, it's a model 2012-13 (13 designating vinyl top). I agree about Nitrogen: it is not only safer but as an inert gas, less reactive with the storage cylinder and the rubber of the air bladders. As the unit dates to 1998, rubber condition is a potential consideration.

Palasr, I'm already looking into sheet steel for a top. As my TT and plinth weigh ca. 80 lbs, I will be looking for 175 lbs of steel +/-. You are absolutely correct: a friend added 1" steel (150 lbs) to his Vibraplane and the improvement was shocking; immediately evident.

Elizabeth, Your suggestion makes great sense. Somewhere I have an old storage cylinder. My scuba tank would also do. Being a car geek, my air tank for topping off tires could be put to good use. I really like your common sense approach. Why is common sense an oxymoron?

My thinking is that the bladders should hold air for a five hour listening session. I can simply make topping up the air part of the pre-listening ritual, putting the remaining $575 into new vinyl.

Thanks very much everyone. If further ideas come to mind, please weigh in.

Best to Each of You,

David