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Optimizing TNT, Triplanar, Transfiguration Temper

I'm writing because of a combination of frustration and potential in my turntable set-up. I have never gotten the sound from the system that I expected, but feel that I am beginning to glimpse the potential of achieving it. I have made some changes recently that have led to more changes that have brought me closer to what I have heard from other systems with similar components. I am hoping someone can guide me toward finally obtaining the basic qualities that I'm looking for and I can fine-tune from there.
What I have heard before from lesser components and am not getting is the sound of the transients jumping off the record. I thought this problem was merely from the characteristics of the Transfiguration Temper Supreme, but with some modifications of the table I am beginning to hear it and wanted to see if I could bring it out further.
Let me back-track and tell you my components and what modifications I have made so far. I am running a VPI TNT upgraded to 4 (w/ the rectangle cutout for the motor), with the original motor and just added an SDS (which made the biggest improvement), a Wheaton Triplanar tonearm upgraded to VI, and a Transfiguration Temper Supreme cartridge.
When I upgraded to the SDS, the timing and solidity of the sound improved dramatically. I then found that using a single belt directly from the motor to the table actually outperformed the three-pully design originally designed for the table, perhaps with some trade-offs, i.e. voices sound clearer and better-defined, but piano may have a little less air and realism.
Finally, the table sits behind the speakers, particularly the left speaker. Moving the speaker forward a few inches seemed to significantly clean up the sound, so vibrations from the back of the (B & W 803) speaker may be muddying the water. My other components are Spectral DMC-20 and DMA-180 and MIT/Spectral reference cables.
Like I said, I am glimpsing the potential of this setup, and the music is starting to clean up and jump off the record, but it's just not quite there. I feel like I'm missing something simple and would like advice before making a lot of changes. I think I've set the cartridge up properly with regard to alignment, azimuth, VTA and no anti-skate. I have not removed the damping trough yet, and that is the next thing I was thinking to try. I am planning to try to further isolate the table from the speakers - the cable lengths prevent me from totally moving the preamp and turntable. I was also considering using different belts or string/dental floss etc. Another possibility is investing in a single-motor flywheel, which also would not use the three pulleys included with the TNT turntable. But, I feel that there is something simple and straightforward with the front-end that I am missing. Any advice?
128x128ctlphd
ctlphd's avatar
ctlphd OP
42 posts
 
Dgarretson said:
BTW if you plan on living with the TNT for awhile, acquiring a standalone flywheel is worthwhile. The flywheel provides three improvements: increased inertial mass, a noise break for AC motor cogging effects transmitted through the drive-train, and better traction for the thread around a wider circumference of the motor pulley.
So, you're recommending a standalone flywheel rather than the single motor flywheel? I know VPI used to make one, but I don't think they do anymore. Does anyone else? I looked on this site and didn't see any for sale. Do you recommend the stand-alone flywheel over the single motor flywheel design? If I remember right, the flywheel is about the same size as the original motor, so it probably gives more inertial mass than the all-in-one system. The problem I foresee is that my table is just big enough to hold the table and single motor or maybe single motor-flywheel combination. I seem to remember an extension or something to hold the separate motor, but that doesn't seem ideal for stability. Do you have any recommendations in that regard? I suppose I could put a larger and heavier base on top of or instead of my current base.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
If you are using thread you will not be getting the "traction" that the old rubber belt provides. I know I need to give my platter a push start to get it moving.

With a separate flywheel the problem is exacerbated I would imaging, requiring a push on the flywheel and a push on the platter if there are strings all-round. I just run the string from the motor flywheel to the platter, and put a brass weight against the string where it comes off the motor pullet before it connects with the platter to adjust tension.
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
Ctlphd, Sorry, I failed to distinguish between the single-motor flywheel and the older standalone flywheel. If using thread drive I wouldn't bother with a single-motor flywheel, as it provides no method for adjusting thread tension between the two without resorting to a DIY tensioning pulley similar to ptmconsulting or my custom TNT. With a standalone flywheel the thread tension can be easily adjusted by shifting the flywheel.

I find that with the thread properly tensioned there is no need to give the platter a push at start-up.
ctlphd's avatar
ctlphd OP
42 posts
 
I screwed it up again! I still had the anti-skate slightly on (no weight but the fishing line still connected to the lever) which was evidently providing some effect since when I removed it completely the tracking on inner tracks was lost. I've tried re-adjusting the cartridge to no avail. Can anyone help diagnose the problem, as I'd prefer not to use the anti-skate but this is obviously not working?
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
If a cartridge needs A/S to track cleanly then you should use it. Even if you prefer the sound without it, as I do, the improvement isn't worth mistracking and permanent vinyl damage.

I began playing without A/S when my cartridge relaxed enough not to need it. As with VTF, SRA or any other parameter, the cartridge tells you where to set A/S, you don't tell it.
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