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Damping the analogue "setup"

Friends,
I am fighting this issue for the last 1 year or so with my TT setup. I am a beginner in analogue playback but I use some decent equipments to play music. My setup is:
Nouvelle Platine Verdier
Naim ARO Tonearm
Lyra Skala cartridge
RCM Sensor Prelude phonostage

All the equipments are placed on wooden rack (made of Ebony) with spikes. The problem is, the overall sound can vary vastly from lean-strident to round-warm very quickly based on what kind of spike base I use underneath the rack. A typical metal (aluminium, steel, brass) spike base makes the sound lean and fast to an extent where it really bites. Whereas using a softer metal (cast iron) or rubbery/woody substance below the rack makes for a slow and boring sound.

It is not just the turntable that reacts so severely but also the phonostage. Placing the phonostage on a softer or a more damped isolation footer immediately reduces the grit in the sound. I do not hear such drastic reactions from my preamp or power amp. My guess is, the complete analog front end needs some level of damping. How do you go about it ? How do you choose the platform that will support the turntable setup firmly so that the sound doesnt lose its energy but still damp it adequately ?

For the moment (thankfully) my ARO is an un-damped unipivot designed to work without any damping fluid.
pani
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
As there is no really successful method for preventing the slow but inevitable compaction of the sand within a sand box…….its efficacy will slowly deteriorate to become virtually zero.

Interesting info Henry - in a grim reaper sort of way :^(

Annual sandbox maintenance - once a year.
Difficulty level - 2 out of 10.
Procedure.
With a buddies help remove TT with shelf from the sand.
Remove sand with scooper and place into a secondary container (bucket)
Carefully check sand when removing to determine if audiophile cat has used it over the course of the year.
Pour sand back into box. Install shelf and TT back into sand.
Level as required.
Time required. One hour depending on whether sand was soiled.

Does this suffice ?

I am curious how often the air suspension shelves (i.e. vibraplane) need re-levelling from bladders losing air. Especially any bought used on the internet ?
leicachamp
103 posts
 
Hi Pani

Dont waste time and just get a HRS platform. I got the cheapest R1X platform and it really isolated my turntable brilliantly. They cost about $1300 usd , but i say its the best turntable upgrade i have spent.I have tried stillpoints,Aurios, maple shelves, Springs and all had just minor isolation improvements. The HRS, when installed was one of those "WOW" moments. Noise floored dropped tremendously and the sound cleared up.

FYI i have a suspended wooden floor and my turntable is situated in the worse position possible ( Corner behind speakers).

BTW i am loving the Miyabi. got it installed on a Reed arm and hotted up Garrad 301.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,227 posts
 
The fact that you say you are a beginner in analogue playback, but have a lot invested in your analog playback equipment, just doesn't seem right to me.

I can only assume you don't or haven't taken the time required to evaluate any of your components in a 'end-user' way. This is of great concern. Other's haven't remarked on this. Maybe they know you personally?

If you are really new to analog playback, take a lot of time to get to 'know' your components. Then and only then, after trying some 'thoughtful' optimal other specific, planned, upgrades, initiate other's opinions on your dilemma.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,227 posts
 
Leicachamp's recommendation of "just get a hrs platform", wow, money must not be an object, or you are both good friends.

I'm on 25 years plus with my tt, and just now getting ready to build my own.

I could greatly reduce your money outlay based on what info you want to provide on your system that will be of greater sonic 'value' than the other poster's comment.

The best knowledge is that you learn yourself! Good luck!
mikewerner
119 posts
 
Have you tried any of the suggestions?
I had a unsuspended table once that responded well to a 3lb plastic coated lead diver's weight placed on the plinth near the tonearm.
Again, try the squash balls.
-Mike
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