Equipment Set-up Recommendations?


Hi Folks:
I recently installed an air-bearing linear tracking tonearm (the MG-1). Table and cartridge are Teres 255 and ZYX Airy 3x-sb low output. Generally, I'm thrilled with the setup, but I find that when I walk around the room, the cartridge can jump, which is very disconcerting.

When I switch to the OL Silver arm I have, such jumping does not seem to occur, so I'm guessing the MG-1 is more sensitive. All my equipment is supported with the double rack, which may also be a variable to consider - I have my Teres on top - about 40 inches above the ground.

Anyway, I'd welcome any input or insight that migth provide me with a more stable, isolated listening environment where my cartridge won't jump (how bad is that for the cartridge anyway - should that be considered an emergency, or is it pretty common/not-a-big-deal? I've inquired about getting a Gingko platform, which may or may not help. Ideally, I'd like to keep the Teres on top of the rack, as it looks great, is highly accessible, and I don't want to take up more realestate with a seperate Teres stand, if I don't have to.

Anyway, any input and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

John.
128x128outlier

Showing 6 responses by tbg

You would not have the problem were you on a concrete floor. The walls and the ceiling also vibrate. Putting the tt in another room might help as well, if it is more free of vibrations. Putting great mass under it might help as well. A 700 pound curb stone would be unlikely to move easily. I don't like air or magnetic suspensions because of their slow sound, but they might help you.
Outlier, I almost forgot to add one experience I had. I have Mana stands, level 2, under my tt. I was having footfall problems. Lloyd Walker suggested a brace to the wall from well up on the rack. His argument was that the rack does not go up and down as the floor is anchored at the wall; rather it flexs up and down only in the middle but sways the rack fore and aft near the walls. At any rate, the brace worked. This is an effective solution only if it passes WAF, of course.
Userid, of course the Vibraplane is made by an industrial isolation company. So is the Halcyonics platform recently shown at the Stereophile show. I guess what is needed is a shootout although I never trust others ears.

I did go to the Minus K BM-1 page. THe BM-6's specifications are not the equal of the BM-1's. I don't know why these companies don't make a rack with this platform at the bottom. If it can be done, it would be more economical.
Eldartford, the Minus K is a controlled spring device using no air pressure nor electricity.